Isabella Gomez – One Day at a Time

By starrymag | February 8, 2019

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Are there any upcoming projects you are working on or anything about the season you would like to leave fans of “One Day At A Time” with?

 

A) I did just finish working on a Disney animated series, but I can’t talk much about that just yet, so for now I’ll leave the “ODAAT” fans with this: our show and you are all included in that “our” is about love and family at the end of the day. Season 3 is just that and I hope you get to watch it with the people you love and are inspired to go out into this scary world and shine a little bit of light in it. We make this show to bring a little bit of light into your life and your ongoing support has illuminated our lives more than we can express. Thank you.

 

Q) Shows like “One Day at a Time” push boundaries and are unapologetic about it while also providing an important platform for diversity, representation, community, and inclusion. The show doesn’t shy away from topical issues and embraces them in a real and meaningful way. When reading this season’s scripts, what are some emotions or moments that stood out where you felt that continued extended celebration that has made this series so special?

 

A) Honestly, every single script feels so special in its own way. Every topic we talk about, whether deemed more serious or not, is important to us and to the Alvarez family. I will say the relapse storyline was one of my favorites this season and it touched my heart more than almost any other topic we’ve discussed. That and the episode where we touch upon teen sex. I think those conversations are not ones young people usually get to have with their parents/guardians and a good amount of them don’t get to have healthy, sex positive conversations with their partners before their own sexual experiences. I think lack of knowledge in that area can be incredibly detrimental for mental health and for the individual’s sex life, so I was very excited to get to do an episode on it.

 

Q) What are some firsts and/ relationship markers that we will get to see this season for Syd and Elena?

 

A) We get to see them go through their first Valentine’s day, their first time using the “L word” and possible their first time, period.

 

Q) What are some episodes from the season that you are most looking forward to fan reaction?

 

A) I’m most looking forward to the reaction on the first and last episodes for sure!

 

Q) What has been your favorite part of Elena’s growth over the past couple of seasons?

 

A) She’s become so sure of who she is and so willing to be vulnerable and have hard conversations. She’s a very mature, cultured young lady and I really admire her.

 

Q) Elena is always outspoken about causes that are important to her. With our current administration in office, and being that we semi recently voted a new wave of Congress into office, what are some of the political issues or topics that we will she her involved in this season? 

 

A) Unfortunately, we film the episodes months before they ever go on Netflix so we don’t get to be very topical with anything, including political issues. However, we do get to see the family discussing some of these topics in a more general manner.

 

Q) The tender and loving moments of learning Elena gets to share with both her mom and abuelita are so endearing. What does Elena admire most about these women and what is it that no matter what just solidifies their bonds even deeper?

 

A) I think Elena admires their strength most. Lydia (Rita Moreno) and Penelope (Justina Machado) have not had easy lives and yet they’re accomplished, intelligent, happy members of society. And as to what solidifies their bonds even deeper, it’s their willingness to be there for one another even if they don’t always understand the other very well.

 

Q) We saw abeulita in a coma at the end of season two and come out. We also know there is a funeral the family attends this season. Will the mortality of the matriarch of the family and her health issues play a part in family dynamics?

 

A) Absolutely, how could it not! Abuelita has always been seen as super woman by everyone in the family, so now after coming so close to losing her things inevitably change. Every member of the family has their own unique reaction, but they’ve all been deeply affected, including Lydia.

 

Q) Alex is a teenager and getting into some serious adult situations this season, will this bring him and Elena closer or will they cause some tensions between the two?

 

A) Both. But that’s pretty normal for siblings. They’ll fight and have both important discussions and petty fights and at the end of the day they’ll work through it. I think the pair get closer than ever this season.

 

Q) The hallmark of the series is this balance of laughter and love, and that the show feels so pure. Even in the bickering it’s not out of spite, it’s out of love and encouragement. What is it about the show and the writing specifically that has the ability really tug your heart while tickling it too?

 

A) The writers don’t just simply make story lines up. Most, if not all, of the bigger situations in the show have been personally experienced by at least one of our writers, which is what makes it all so grounded and real. The thing about real life is that it is both

 

Q) We have loved seeing you at ClexaCon the past couple of years and last year we got to see you hanging out outside of the panels with upcoming guest star Stephanie Beatriz.  Was her guest star planned or something that happened because of your time together at ClexaCon? 

 

A) I’m not sure actually. Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumero have also been a part of the Fiercely Latina group so their appearances might have come about through those? I have no clue though. But I was very happy to get to play with Steph, she’s incredible.

 

Q) What can you tease about what we will see between your characters?

 

A) Our characters have some pretty hilarious moments together, but by the end of the episode Steph’s character becomes someone Elena really looks up to.

 

Q) What have you taken away from your time spent being a part of ClexaCon?

 

A) The LGBTQ community is very big on chosen family and I got to experience that and watch it’s impact first hand at ClexaCon. Watching people love each other and create a tight-knit community where they feel safe and accepted was beautiful and I’m very excited to see it all again this year.

 

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

 

A) A million times thank you. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have so many people so genuinely excited about my work and wanting to watch more. Not to mention how much you all care about me as a human. I’m humbled by it daily and I don’t take it for granted. I love you.