‘The Hijacking of Flight 601’ star Monica Lopera gets candid about what ‘truly drew’ her to hit Netflix show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Monica Lopera, the Colombian-American actress, has entranced audiences with her powerful performances on screen and stage. Hailing from Miami, Florida, and raised in Colombia, Lopera's journey into the entertainment world commenced early on, sparked by her exposure to the arts from a tender age.
With a solid foundation in theater and an innate flair for storytelling, Lopera flawlessly juggles between roles in soap operas, films, and voice acting.
From her standout debut in the soap opera ‘Francisco el Matemático’ to her recent stint in the riveting Netflix thriller ‘The Hijacking of Flight 601’, Lopera has displayed her versatility across diverse genres. Each portrayal exudes a genuine authenticity that captivates viewers, leaving a lasting impact.
Now, in an exclusive interview with MEAWW, Lopera gets candid about what really drew her to ‘The Hijacking of Flight 601’. From hilarious on-stage stories to her ultimate life mantra, get ready for a heartwarming interview as she dishes it all!
Excerpts from the interview
Could you share with us some memories from your childhood? What was it like growing up, and were there any pivotal moments or experiences that you always look back at?
I grew up in Medellín, Colombia, a city nestled among mountains with a perennial spring-like climate. I was a good student but I remember learning very quickly. Due to my fast learning pace, I began studying acting at a young age, following the advice of a teacher who suggested I needed an outlet for my abundant energy.
The first time I stepped onto a stage, I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom and expression—it was transformative. It was in those moments of early performances that I truly decided I wanted to be an actress.
That decision has profoundly shaped my life, steering my path ever since. The discipline, creativity, and opportunities that acting brought into my life have been invaluable. Looking back, I see how those early experiences were pivotal in defining my career and personal growth.
Starting theater school at the age of 6 sounds like quite an adventure. How did this early exposure to the arts shape your perspective on creativity and performance? And we've all had our fair share of mishaps—do you have any hilarious or embarrassing stories from those early days on stage?
I believe that being exposed to the arts from such a young age not only expanded my creative world but also deeply influenced my approach to life and learning. It taught me to see the world through a lens of imagination and possibility, which has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on creativity and performance.
The arts taught me the value of expression and the importance of conveying genuine emotion, which are essential in both acting and everyday interactions. This early immersion in theater encouraged me to explore diverse artistic avenues and continually push the boundaries of my own creativity. It confirmed that this was the path I wanted to pursue.
I have many amusing stories from those days, but the ones that stand out the most involve my parents. They were incredibly supportive, not just in their enthusiastic cheering from the audience, which was quite embarrassing at the time, but also in their active participation behind the scenes.
They would help create and paint invitations for the performances, and my mom often acted as the assistant for our theater group. She drove us to events, helped with makeup, managed costumes, and even took care of catering. Their involvement was deep and heartfelt, making it a beautiful and cherished memory of the support they provided from such a young age. Now, I look back and laugh at their loud cheers and applause, grateful for their total commitment and love.
You've traveled quite a bit throughout your life. Which city or country has left the biggest impression on you, and why?
London, which has been my home for the past 16 years, undoubtedly stands out as the city that has left the biggest impression on me. I adore London not just because I chose to make it my home, but because it truly offers everything one could ask for.
The city's vibrant culture, rich diversity, and myriad opportunities have deeply enriched my life. I'm always in awe of its beautiful parks, profound history, and the endless array of events that take place here every day.
It's a city I know intimately, yet there always seems to be something new to discover, a fresh perspective to gain, or a hidden gem to explore. Living in London has fundamentally changed who I am and how I view life. It has broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for the world's complexity and beauty. London is not just a place I live; it's a part of who I've become.
In your latest release 'The Hijacking of Flight 601', you portray a character caught in a high-stakes situation. What drew you to this role? And considering the series is based on real events, how did you prepare for such intense scenes?
What truly drew me to the role was the immense challenge of portraying a mother who, from one day to the next, found herself in a harrowing situation for which she was utterly unprepared. The character had to discover her own strength and realize what she was truly capable of under extreme pressure. I knew this role would require everything from me—it was a character unlike any I had encountered before, and I was eager to embrace that challenge and put myself in her shoes.
Additionally, the opportunity to work with Camilo Prince and Pablo Gonzalez, directors and writers whom I have long admired, made the prospect of working on this series irresistible. I simply needed to do it. Their expertise and creative vision assured me that I was in the best hands, which was vital for tackling such a demanding role.
From the first audition, it was the most significant acting challenge I've ever faced. Preparing for this role took a considerable amount of time and effort. I started by researching the political and social context of Latin America and Colombia in the 1970s to fully understand the background against which this story unfolds. However, the main focus for me was to maintain the essence of the character—a mother with a relentless desire to see her children grow up and be safe and happy, no matter what. Being a mother myself helped me deeply understand this driving force. Connecting with the profound maternal love and the drive to survive helped me approach these emotions.
Your filmography showcases a range of genres. Is there a particular genre you haven't explored yet but would love to?
Acting is my life, and every genre presents an opportunity to learn, to understand myself better, and above all, to have fun.
However, I must say that comedy and horror are genres that I would love to explore more. They each offer unique challenges and ways to engage with audiences that I find fascinating.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when starting out in the entertainment industry, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to cherish the process above all else. In this industry, success and failure are often served on the same platter, and it's easy to get caught up in the highs and lows.
However, what truly remains and matters is the journey—the experiences, the growth, and the joy found in simply doing the work. Enjoy every opportunity you get to perform, and focus solely on giving your best without burdening yourself with excessive expectations.
If you could collaborate with any actor or director, who would it be and what kind of project would you envision?
While there are many talented individuals I could mention, the two actors I can’t stop thinking about recently are Andrew Scott and Sarah Snook. Their recent performances in different plays have left a lasting impression on me.
I have followed their careers with great admiration, appreciating how they continuously push creative boundaries and exhibit remarkable bravery in their craft. Both actors consistently challenge the status quo and bring incredible depth and courage to their roles. Collaborating with either of them on a project would be a dream come true.
What's your ultimate life mantra—the one you swear by?
My life mantra revolves around gratitude. Embracing thankfulness for everything that happens in my life keeps me grounded and connected.
Lastly, without giving away too many details, can you spill the beans on what's next for you?
Currently, I am wrapping up a series for BBC and Netflix in Glasgow. In this industry, the landscape of opportunities is constantly changing, and I am excited to unveil my upcoming projects to you as delightful surprises.