Roselyn Sanchez |
Many things could be said of Roselyn Sanchez. She’s a natural beauty who’s had success on the big (Rush Hour 2) and small (Without A Trace) screen. Most recently, she’s referenced as “the new girl on the series,” while others often I.D. her as “that chica who always plays sexy roles.” Fans will soon learn she’s not just a beauty; she has brains, a solid work ethic, and heart to back it up. It’s these characteristics that lead to her involvement in Cayo, her foreign-language film debut.
Filmed in Sanchez’s home of Puerto Rico, Cayo’s passion poured off the screening. From chatting with Sanchez at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, it’s clear the sentiment is contagious. Joined by a number of her series co-stars (including Poppy Montgomery and Eric Close!), Sanchez practically lit up with joy when discussing her involvement with the project and upcoming roles as a writer, producer, and actor in Yellow.
HW: Give us a sneak preview of what Cayo’s about.
RS: It’s in Puerto Rico. It’s all in Spanish. It’s a movie that we sent from Puerto Rico to the Oscars for Best Foreign Film. We didn’t make it, but we were super excited about the possibility. We’re proud of it. I play Julia, the main role, from 18-35 years old. It’s two men who are in love with the same woman. She chooses one of them and the other can’t get over it for the rest of his life. It’s about love and loyalty and not loyalty and unconditional love. It’s beautiful. It’s my first time acting in Spanish. I wanted to support the film commission in Puerto Rico, where I come from.
HW: How was the transition doing a role in Spanish for the first time?
RS: I loved it! I hope it happens again. It’s my first language. I hate English. It was the first time acting in my first language and I didn’t have to have a speech coach next to me. Every job I get, it’s required to have a speech coach. I didn’t have anybody telling me how to pronounce anything. It was freedom! I loved the work because it’s noticeable that I’m comfortable.
HW: You’re probably able to throw yourself fully into a scene that way…
RS: Because I’m not thinking about “th” and “z” or “s.” I’m always thinking about how to pronounce words when I’m acting. It’s a little uncomfortable.
HW: What did you most respond to within the script?
RS: For this woman, it’s unconditional love. When she decided she was going to choose one over the other, the guy gets sick. They go through hell and back. Her love is so strong that it’s unconditional. I love it was beautiful. It was an opportunity to do a role that was charismatic and educated and loving.
HW: What can you tell me about your project Yellow?
RS: I co-wrote it and I produced it. Its seven years of development. People promising me the world; they’re going to give you money [for the project] and they don’t give you shit. It’s a long process.
HW: Where are you at with it right?
RS: Post-production. It got done! I went to Puerto Rico for this one. I loved the crew over there and loved the talent [when I did Cayo] so I thought, “If I do Yellow, I’m going to go back to Puerto Rico and employ Puerto Rican talent and Puerto Rican crew.” I was there for three months. It was difficult because I was producing and acting. It became really hard. 2003 was the biggest year of my life because of that accomplishment.
HW: Which hat do you love wearing most–actor or producer?
RS: Oh, acting for sure. But I visualize myself producing more. I’m looking forward to it down the road when I don’t want to be constantly acting.
HW: Is the script for Yellow in Spanish or English?
RS: It’s in English. The first act my character lives in Puerto Rico, but 18 pages into the story she moves to New York. I wanted to keep it authentic. If this is a girl from the projects, in Puerto Rico, we speak Spanish. So I’m going to do it in Spanish, but when she moves to America, she learns. Like what happened to me, when I moved to New York, I learned English so that’s what my character did.
HW: How do you manage to keep so busy when you’re also working on Without A Trace?
RS: It’s a big ensemble. It’s six characters so I don’t work every day. The days I work are sixteen hours a day, but it’s flexible for me to be able to do this. All my co-stars are supportive. I love Without A Trace. More than anything because they’re so good to me. I was afraid because I was the last one to come in. It’s the fourth season. A Latina character. I thought, “This is not going to be fun.” They’re so amazing. I’m very happy.
Photo(s) by Ken Kwok- © 2004- Hollywood.com, Inc- All Rights Reserved