Masiela Lusha – George Lopez

Q.  What are some of the recent projects that you’ve been working on?

A.  I’m leaving for New York this coming week to film a cameo for “Law and Order.” I get to stay in that dazzling city for two whole weeks… WORKING! That’s a dream come true. I recently completed a novel called The Besa. It’s a Balkan legend about a family and one single promise fulfilled past death. I also completed a third book of poetry titled Amore Celeste: and Other Works. My second book of poetry, Drinking The Moon was released this summer so I was promoting in New York for a while. I’m restless by nature so keeping myself busy is the theme of my life. Acting wise, I’m reading scripts to decide on my next movie project. An unpredictable drama would be wonderful and challenging! I’d love to portray a real person; a young girl who left a mark in society.

Q.  You’ve been working on the George Lopez show for quite a while.  How does the show stay fresh and funny?

A.  I worked on the show for five years. I spent my most formative years on that set and each and every day was a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed and looked forward to every experience on that show; it was priceless, a blessing. The show stays fresh through evolving characters. From the time Carmen was first introduced to the nation, until now, she experienced three major relationships, catholic school, girl fights, running away, pretending to be pregnant, getting dumped in a wedding gown, wanting to move to Georgia, chilling with Chingy in San Francisco  and the list goes on… and on… and on. And the constant growth of character and plot keeps the show fresh. The show-runner Bruce Helford gave me the gift of freedom in conveying such a colorful character. He allowed me to have fun with her; to present her to the public with my own flair of honesty. Through my anti-actress sincerity, other girls were able to see themselves in Carmen. Well some aspects of her, at least :o) One time Carmen was bullied at school by all the popular girls. They called her disparaging names because she was going out with the most popular boy in school and Carmen went through a lot in that episode, praying and hoping that she doesn’t run into the girls. After this aired I had girls come up to me in the street, telling me that the entire time they were crying because the same thing happened to them in high school. I felt for them deeply. Moments like that make me proud to be an actress, because in the end I’m here for the public. I’m here to entertain the world if they’d care for me to; I’m here to serve in the best way I know how.

Q.  What do you think it is about the show that continues to draw viewers in?

A.  The authenticity of humor and family. We were given freedom to entertain in our own way which is a gift in this industry.

Q.  Do you have a really memorable moment from your time working on the show?

A.  I have many, but the day I turned eighteen was by far my most memorable moment. We had an audience show that night and after we finished filming a gigantic cake was wheeled out and the audience, cast and crew sang happy birthday! Imagine how loud that must have been! But I was entirely deaf with happy deliriousness. Then if that wasn’t enough, as a birthday gift, a Maltese puppy was carried out! My very first puppy, Lisa!

Q.  Does comedic timing come naturally to you or is it something that you work at?

A.  By nature I always wanted to entertain, not for myself but for the people watching. The best part of working on a sitcom is that you hear the audience’s reaction immediately which is heaven to me. With this, I tend to sync with their rhythm of laughter. I use their laughter like putty. I stretch it and condense it, I roll it into a ball and bounce it! I can decide, through my coming action or joke whether I want their laughter to be cut up into many for my one line or if I want one long drawn laugh. And if I sync up with their enjoyment, they tend to sync up with mine and follow my lead as an entertainer. It’s a wonderful relationship and I can feel the mood of the audience work through my veins. Each week the audience is like one collected person to me with their own united personality. No two audience are alike. I love the direct attention to their needs.

Q.  What about the role of Carmen continues to challenge you?

A.  I love how she’s always growing and changing. She went through so many personalities throughout the five years. But in the end, she’s still honest, passionate and rebellious. What more could an actress ask for? 

Q.  How has it been getting to work with such a great ensemble cast?

A.  Every cast member is so unique and I enjoy their personalities so much. With Valente (Ernie, the friend), I talk about poetry, he introduced me to Pablo Neruda’s work. He’s one of my favorite poets now; with Belita (Benny, the grandmother), about growing up as a teenager. With Constance (Angie, the mom) I talk about work experiences and the industry, and so on. As far as special guest stars go; I told one producer that only in Hollywood can someone work with the L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and a bounty hunter in one week. We worked with Andy Garcia, Hilary Duff and William Hung! Such an incredibly diverse group of people. Always learn something new every day through those people! Just being in the same room is enlightening to me.

Q.  What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A.  Learning. Learning anything I can get my hands on, whether it’s philosophy or the latest Hollywood gossip on Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson. Hollywood’s like a high school; everyone knows everyone’s business without ever meeting the person! I love it! I get people striking intimate conversations with me about certain topics that are entirely uncalled for! And there’s no bad intention, it’s just they begin their introduction so intimately, already comfortable and thinking they know me. And I sometimes do the same, although I try to be careful.

Q.  Do you have a latest obsession?  Are you into any particular book, sport, music group or activity?

A.  My lifelong love is S’mores. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. My one and only true obsession I hold above acting and writing! The only actual thing I’d bring to a deserted island. No need to ask that question now since you already know the answer!

Q.  What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A.  Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I serve you through writing and acting and if my life was an actual object; I would sincerely offer it to you as my gift. Because through my craft, if I can challenge you, or enlighten you, or inspire you to strive for your own happiness and success– if through my acting or writing, you enjoy life a little bit more, then my work is complete. Thank you.