Andrea Navedo – Jane The Virgin

Q) What are the recent projects you are working on?

A) I recently worked on an independent film called One Upon a Time in Queens starring Paul Sorvino and Michael Rapaport. It’s about an ex-mob boss who is released early from prison after 20 years because of a heart condition, which has given him a very short time to live.  The story shows how Paul Sorvino deals with being a mere mortal after having been like a god. It’s an interesting twist on the perspective of the mob boss who is usually glorified in films. I had amazing scenes with Paul Sorvino. I was very, very excited and happy to be working on that project. It already had its premiere earlier this year and it will be coming out on DVD and BluRay shortly.  I also have another film slated to premiere in 2015 called Superfast!  It is a spoof on the Fast and the Furious franchise.  I play the Michelle Rodriguez character.  It is made by the same team that has done the Scary Movie’s and the like.

Q) How was your character Xiomara on “Jane The Virgin” originally described to you?

A) Originally, Xiomara was described as a forty-something single mom who looks like she is in her early thirties and dresses like a teenager.  I liked the description. It has helped me in how I prepare and think about her point of view in the world.

Q) What made you want to be part of the show?

A)  I wanted to be a part of the show because it was an amazing script. I had never read a script like it. It was funny, dramatic, intelligent and just so unique. On top of that, the depth that they wrote the character of Xiomara was refreshing.  As an actress, who happens to be Latina, I really appreciated that. Plus, the humor and the comedy was just wonderful and the fact that I get to sing and dance on top of that was a dream come true.

Q) Was there anything added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Well, I wish I could say yes, [Laughs] but Jennie Urman is such a creative genius. Everything that you see in this show were her ideas or her amazing staff of writers’ ideas. The only things I can say that I have added was just a little bit of my personality. I am definitely not Xiomara in real life, but if anything, I’ve tried to bring as much honesty and truth to the role that I can to bring Xiomara to life. She can be a very broad character at times and I think it’s important to play her as grounded and honest as possible so as not to make her a caricature or stereotype.

Q) Did the cast chemistry come instantly or did it take some time to bond?

A)  I would say the cast chemistry came instantly.  When I met Gina Rodriguez we hit it off right away. She had great energy and it was so in tune with mine. When we had our chemistry read to when we were shooting the pilot, it was as if we had already worked together for many episodes. The entire cast as well. We all are on the same level energy wise and psychology wise. Everyone is super upbeat, positive and eager to deliver good performances. We all truly enjoy and have so much fun telling the story of “Jane The Virgin.”

Q) What message do you hope people take away from watching the show?

A) I would say the main message I hope that people take away from watching “Jane the Virgin” is the message of inclusion. I love the fact that our cast and story line is very diverse in terms of alternative life choices as well as ethnic backgrounds and strong female characters. I feel like Jennie Urman is really making a statement when it comes to diversity. She is making that statement behind the lens as well. Out of twelve episodes so far that we have shot, we have had three male directors and the rest have been female. Plus, the writing staff is balanced as well with both male and female. On top of that, they are ethnically diverse directors and writers as well. I think that Jennie Urman is sending a very big message. A message that I hope will continue to pave the way and open the industry’s eyes in a broader way. It is already getting recognition according to some of the articles that have been written about “Jane The Virgi”n as a show at the top of the list when it comes to diversity. I’m super happy and proud to be a part of that.

Q) You are a part of social media, are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you will receive when the show airs each week?

A) Yes, social media is a big part of our modern day lives now and I have to admit, I am a novice at it. I’m not as good as some of my castmates, but I am catching on. It’s a really cool thing for fans to reach you directly and give you feedback. So far the responses we’ve gotten from fans have been extremely positive and supportive. We’ve been live tweeting when each new episode airs and the fans seem to really appreciate it. That keeps us motivated, it keeps us on our toes and remembering why our show exists. It exists because of the fans. Without them, we would not be on the air. So, we need them and we want them and they want us. It is a nice relationship to have and social media is providing us with that on both ends.

Q) Is there anything else you want to share with the viewers?

A) I want to share keep watching and using word of mouth to let everyone know about the show. We’ve got a lot of fun things in store. Coming up we’ve got guest stars like Juanes, Paulina Rubio and Judy Reyes from “Scrubs” so keep watching, stay tuned and spread the word to watch Jane The Virgin on CW Monday nights at 9 EST/PST, you will not regret it.