Iris Almario – Nobodies

By: Jamie Steinberg

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

A) I’ve been recently working on a project that combines both my acting and hosting. I can’t really talk about it but I can say I’ve been having a blast shooting on location in Cabo, Key West and my next stop is Texas.

Q) Please tell us the premise for the series “Nobodies” and about your character Lizzie.

A) “Nobodies” is about three friends who are actor/comedians trying to get their script made by pulling favors from their famous friends in hopes of scoring their big break in Hollywood. My character, Lizzie Martinez, is an old time friend of one of the characters and kinda mixes things up a bit. You’ll have to tune in to see how she does that. [smile]

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

A) I got an email from my manager’s office saying I had an audition for “Nobodies” the next day. I wasn’t familiar with the show, so I looked it up and, of course, binge watched the first season. It was hilarious! The writing, acting, directing, etc. made for a very funny show. The comedy just breathes there’s nothing forced. It makes sense since the three leads and creators Larry Dorf, Rachel Ramras and Hugh Davidson are Groundlings alumni. It was also a real treat to see so many actors that I love and respect guest on the show in particular Melissa McCarthy, Allison Janey and Jason Bateman. Not a bad team to be a part of.

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

A) Hmm… that’s a great question. Half way through my first scene Hugh told me that Lizzie is a real person and a friend from The Groundlings. I was really surprised and felt a little concerned if I was doing her justice. He smiled and said, “She’s really cool and you’re doing great.” I’m not sure how far I got from the original description and I didn’t make a conscious decision to add anything specific that I can remember. We did improv and that helped change it up. I was in the zone so at this point I’m curious to see what made it into the show. [laughs]

Q) Talk about working alongside Melissa McCarthy.

A) Melissa actually wasn’t on set when I worked on the show. She’s an executive producer and guests on the show, but I had no scenes with her. What’s interesting is I saw Melissa back in the day when she was performing at The Groundlings. I will never forget the two sketches that literally had me crying I was laughing so hard. One was the Evolution of Dance, a parody of the viral video a guy did on YouTube. The other was of an evangelist where she stepped out to the audience to preach. Just genius. I remember thinking, “She’s going to be famous.” It’s surreal for me that she turned out to be my boss.

Q) How much room is there to improv on the show?

A) Our director Michael McDonald (“MADtv”) who also plays Blaine Kaine welcomed it. He encouraged me to try it different ways and honor my instincts. It was a great way to discover new moments and stay honest in my work. I had a lot of fun.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Nobodies?” 

A) I remember on day one I went to the studio to do my wardrobe fitting. When I was done I headed over to set to say hello, but I’ll be honest – I wanted to take a behind the scenes photo for my Instagram to share that I was working on the show. [smiles] No one was at video village, so I thought perfect opportunity to get a quick photo. Then suddenly, the cast and crew showed up. I was a little embarrassed, but Larry and Hugh recognized me and said, “Oh hey! You’re playing Lizzie Martinez. You were really good. (on the casting tape). Thanks so much for doing this.” I didn’t expect to see them since I was just coming in to do my fitting let alone get a really nice welcome like that. Larry ended up posing with me and it took several tries since my phone kept taking blurry photos. I was mortified, but he was super cool about it. I also had my dog Koko with me and everyone kept saying, “Oh there’s a puppy here” and stopped by to say hello to her. It warmed my heart.

I have to say the whole experience was memorable. Everyone was very warm and welcoming. It’s a bonus to work in a stress-free space where everyone comes together to just create.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback to episodes?

A) Yes! People who follow me on Instagram are super supportive and vocal. I really appreciate them. I’m having fun meeting people from all over the world on there. I’m excited for them to catch up on “Nobodies” if they haven’t already and tune in to catch me soon. It also feels good to have the opportunity to get the show on more people’s radar. It’s a fun comedy and with its new placement on TV Land people are still finding out about it.

Q) What advice would you give to others who want to start out in the acting business?

A) First study. Find out if the craft of acting is something you absolutely love. The highs and lows are so extreme that if you don’t have a real passion for storytelling it makes it tougher. It’s also a career that will test your spirit on the daily. Now with that said, if you want to act because you love it, go for it! Don’t give up. Get your feet wet by working on short films and collaborating with other artist friends. When you’re ready to get out there on a bigger platform, shop for an agent and make sure you have a team that gets your vision and works together.

Q) You have a passion for animal activism. Why is this cause so close to your heart?

A) I do. I love all animals. I see a real being when I look at them – a soul that I, nor anyone, should have a say to do what we want with. I’m vegetarian and I’ve been involved in dog rescue for three years first as a volunteer at Best Friends Animal Society then to Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation where I was at for two years. I also started off as a volunteer there and was later hired as their Home Check Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator. I found out about both rescues through the power of social media. My dog Koko is from AHWF China. I brought her back on the plane with me when I worked there. Unfortunately, she can’t walk. She has advanced rheumatoid arthritis and her bones are pretty weak, but she has this magic power of making anyone smile even on their worst day.

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

A) I want to say Thank you!! Mil Gracias! Many people don’t know this about me, but I’ve always been more quiet, private and not about sharing my successes or what I’m doing. I never really thought anyone would care outside of my family and close friends. Social media was a big step for me. Creative Career Coach Dallas Travers once said to me, “An actor can’t be a secret.” So, when I was ready (two years later) I jumped on Instagram and to my surprise I’m meeting amazing people every day who stand with me on my crazy journey as an actor. It’s very cool and I’m grateful for all their love and support.