EXCLUSIVE | Camila Moreno feels 'Naomi' allows people to believe in themselves
There's a new superhero in town and it has taken everyone by storm. Last week, we were introduced to the world of 'Naomi' and honestly, it is one of the better superhero origin stories in recent times. The best thing about the show is how relatable the characters are and the kind of situations they face as high-school students.
One of the actors who have made a dazzling impression on everyone is none other than Camila Moreno. The Latina actress plays the role of Lourdes on the show and even though, it is the first major leading acting role for the Latina actress, she knows how to nab all the eyeballs. Social media erupted as soon as her character was introduced on the show and fans knew that they were seeing something special on their screens. Moreno is a Puerto Rican native and attended the University of Puerto Rico, where she majored in Acting. She received the Victoria Espinosa Award for Best Actress of her graduating class.
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She relocated to New York and attended New York University's Graduate Acting Program. While her time at the university, she was a part of several acclaimed theatre productions such as 'Three Sisters', 'Brainpeople', 'King Lear' and 'Hamlet'. Now, we see her on The CW show 'Naomi', which has been created by the amazing Ava DuVernay.
MEAWW caught up with Camila Moreno and discussed her first series regular role on TV. She also opened up about how having a diverse cast helps everyone in achieving bigger dreams.
Q) Congratulations on the premiere of 'Naomi'. The show has opened to a positive response and people are liking the origin story. This is also your first Television role as a network series regular. How was your experience while working on the show? Have you noticed any difference while acting in a TV show and in a theatre production?
Camila: It's been exciting that ‘Naomi’ is my first series regular experience. It’s been wonderful and everyone has been very welcoming since the beginning. And in terms of if this is any different from a theatre production, I think, it’s basically the same process whether I am doing TV or theatre. So, in terms of preparing, it’s generally the same. Yes, there are some differences like when you act on TV you have to show thoughts and feelings more on your face. On the other hand, when you act on stage, you have more liberty to use your whole body. That’s what I think.
Q) Tell us a bit about your background. Did you always want to be an actor or did it happen suddenly?
Camila: I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry and pursue a career in acting. I’ve always known that I wanted to embody different people and different characters. And it feels so wonderful that I have the privilege of doing that.
Q) There are so many superhero shows on television, especially on the network that you are working with. What was that one thing that attracted you to the series? and how do you think the series is different than the other superhero titles?
Camila: It’s been really wonderful working on the show and I feel incredible to be a part of this world. I think it’s different from other superhero shows because we have never seen a character like Naomi (Kaci Walfall) and that’s the best part of working on this show. Another thing that makes this show different is that most of the show is like a coming-of-age story and you get to grow with this young girl. You get to face all the regular situations that a regular high-school student goes through, but there’s another thing she’s battling that a lot of people don’t know about which makes the series so much fun to watch.
Q) Were you a fan of comics while growing up? Which superhero do you like the most?
Camila: I am actually fairly new to this world. (laughs) But as soon as I started reading ‘Naomi’, I fell in love with her, so I think she is my favorite superhero.
Q) One of the best things about the show is its diverse cast. How do you feel about being a part of such a diverse cast? and what does it mean to you? I mean, breaking barriers and inspiring others to achieve their dreams as well.
Camila: I feel so honored to be on a show that has such a diverse cast and I would have loved to see a show like this while growing up. I believe it’s very important to have a diverse cast and crew and diverse shows altogether. I think it’s very important for children to see these things because it allows them to believe in themselves and achieve bigger things. So, it has been really wonderful and shows why representation is important.
(To lend an easy-to-read experience for our readers, the original interview is split into multiple stories. Stay with us as we update our site with more of Moreno's valuable insights on her career)