Michelle Veintimilla – The Baker and the Beauty

By starrymag | April 20, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) Right now, I’m working on my center split, but recently I wrapped Season 1 of a romantic-comedy series “The Baker and the Beauty,” which premiered Monday, April 13th at 10pm/9c on ABC! Last year, I played Hayden on the Netflix Sci-Fi series “The I-Land” and most recently I played Elena Martinez on an episode of “NCIS: New Orleans,” which I’m really proud of because it sheds light on the immigrant detention center crisis in the US.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of “The Baker and the Beauty?”

 

A) What made me want to be a part of “The Baker and the Beauty” the most was that it centered around a Latin-American family. It made me excited (and relieved) to read a story that follows Latinx characters, but that also transcends race, age and cultural barriers. It’s a story that is driven by love and hope and that’s exactly what the world needs right now, am I right?

 

Q) How was your character Vanessa originally described to you?

 

A) Vanessa was described to me as a force of nature. Bold, brash, big-hearted and sure that she’s destined for great things. Rising star in local real-estate (admittedly in one of the worst parts of town but everyone has to start somewhere). Vanessa believes her greatest achievement in life is her relationship with Daniel (Victor Rasuk). And if she has to contend with the world’s most desirable woman to keep him – bring it!

 

Q) Was there anything added to your role that wasn’t in her initial breakdown?

 

A) Vanessa is undoubtedly ambitious and I loved portraying a badass woman who is relentless when it comes to reaching her dreams, but what I love most about her (and what I’m so grateful to the writers for) is that beyond that she is selfless. She is always looking out for others. She’s extremely intelligent and resourceful, but she’s also generous, earnest and, above all, loving. She believes in love more than anything in the world and I think that’s a refreshing quality to have today, especially when it comes to jaded, modern romances.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this series?

 

A) I knew of them and insta-stalked them, of course, but never met them personally until our first table read. It was surreal to be in that room: an entirely Latin cast, reading their script together for the first time. The love and energy brought was palpable to everyone present. I knew from that moment that our show would be special. Every single cast member, from veterans like Lisa Vidal and Carlos Gomez, to Emmy-Winner Dan Bucatinsky, to newcomer Belissa Escobedo brought such vibrancy and power to their roles. I couldn’t wait to start shooting and force them to be friends with me.

 

Q) Who were you most looking forward to sharing a scene with?

 

A) I was most looking forward to working with Belissa because she is a force to be reckoned with. This was her very first acting gig (!) but watching her work was like watching a masterclass in acting and professionalism. I think I speak for everyone in the cast when I say we had a lot to learn from her.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite behind the scenes moment from filming the show?

 

A) We had the incredible opportunity to shoot our first season in Puerto Rico, which was a gift because we were given an amazing Puerto-Rican crew. They made every day at work feel safe, fun and playful, and we all became a big Latin family. We spoke Spanish often, danced, shared meals together and I couldn’t take a bite out of my tostones without someone saying “Buen Provecho!”

 

Q) What do you think it is about “The Baker and The Beauty” that will make it a fast stand out series?

 

A) “The Baker and the Beauty” is a modern-day fairytale and who doesn’t love fairytales? It bursts with color, flavor (no pun intended), love, humor and hope. With everything that’s going on in the world right now, it’s the perfect show to indulge in.

 

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

 

A) I haven’t always been keen on social media but right now, more than ever, I am so grateful that there are so many platforms to keep us all connected and informed while we are physically apart. Despite the unfortunate circumstances due to COVID19, I’m so glad to be able to share our warm show about family and love with the world right now (I think we all need it) and to connect with fans virtually.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

 

A) Thank you for reading! Hope you tune in to “The Baker and the Beauty” Monday nights and fall in love with this family like I have. Stay safe and be kind. xx