Emily Tosta – Party of Five

By: Kemberlie Spivey

Q) Please tell us about “Party of Five” and your character Lucia Acosta.

A) “Party of Five” is a coming of age story about five siblings navigating through daily struggles and trying to survive after their parents get deported to Mexico. I play Lucia Acosta, the older sister. She’s a studious and focused girl until her parents get deported. She becomes politically radicalized and she starts developing all of these confusing emotions towards the world. Later in the season she becomes a justice warrior and finds a passion for helping others.

Q) What initially made you want to be a part of this series?

A) As soon as I got the script, I knew I wanted to be a part of the show. It is such an important story that needs to be told. We are humanizing a political issue and it’s such an important show for diversity and inclusion.

Q) Was there anything you added to Lucia that wasn’t in the initial breakdown for her?

A) I always try to make characters my own. I think a breakdown is usually short and concise, so I always try to look for layers and build more within my characters. There’s a lot of things I added to Lucia and also emotions & experience I brought onto her from my personal life.

Q) Were you familiar with or a fan of the original “Party of Five” series?

A) I wasn’t! But I watched some of it after I booked the show.

Q) How is it playing Lucia Acosta different from playing on Leticia Cruz on “Mayans M.C.?”

A) SUPER different. [laughs] Leticia grew up on the streets and is such a troublemaker. Lucia, on the other hand, had a very different upbringing and was raised in a nice middle-class family. They both have their own inner struggles and are trying to find themselves, but they are very different from each other.

Q) What episodes stand out to you that you can’t wait for fans to see?

A) I’m really excited for fans to watch Lucia’s passion for helping others grow more throughout the season.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming the show?

A) Wow, so many! Niko [Guardado], Brandon [Larracuente], Elle [Paris Legaspi] and I have become such a family that every second of us working together is filled with laughs, inside jokes and unforgettable memories.

Q) What has it meant to you to be a part of such an iconic series?

A) It’s such a blessing. As artists, we always strive to be part of something meaningful. “Party of Five” talks about so many important topics and the writers/creators aren’t afraid to dive deep into them. Also, as a Latinx actress to be able to bring such incredible lead characters to life means a lot.

Q) What message do you want viewers to take away from “Party of Five?”

A) I want the viewers to take away a message of love and unity. That you can always turn to your loved ones in times of chaos. And that families belong together.

Q) Being a part of social media, are you excited to see all of the feedback from fans?

A) So excited! Our first episode had an early release on Hulu and everyone’s responses are so amazing! So many people are already loving the show. I’m super excited for the premiere day.

Q) Are there any other projects that you are currently working on?

A) My other show “Mayans M.C.” got picked up for Season 3, so I’m looking forward to that! There are some other things I can’t talk about yet but hopefully soon. [laughs]

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) As cliché as it sounds, I am so grateful to them and I wouldn’t be here without them. Thank you for your constant support and for all the love. And I want to remind them that everything is possible and never give up on your dreams. Work hard and always be kind.