Celebrity Travel: Go away with Mariel Molino
Mariel Molino said that landing a starring role on ABC’s “Promised Land” was one of her biggest acting accomplishments. It’s also the first major part where she speaks in English, rather than Spanish. The Los Angeles-based actress, who portrays Carmen Sandoval, pointed out that there are challenges to acting in either language. “When I act in Spanish, it brings out so many different emotions in me because it is my maternal language,” Molino said. “And yet, because I did not learn Spanish in school, I also had difficulty with the grammar and pace when I worked in Mexico. Now when I act in English, it comes out naturally and effortlessly. But there are still so many things I would love to communicate in Spanish that just aren't the same in English. I'm what you would call a pocha – I'm always speaking in Spanglish. “I relate to (my character) because I am also first-generation American. Both my parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico.”
Q: Did you deal with any prejudice growing up?
A: I had a beautiful childhood in California and my parents worked very hard and provided a lot of opportunities for us. Because of this, some of the kids in our community would sometimes ask me if my parents were drug dealers or in the Mexican Mafia. It’s funny. I never took offense to this. I understand now that the media perpetuated these stereotypes. I do remember, though, that it took me some time to be proud of my heritage. I wanted so badly to be all American – whatever that meant – because it would mean we wouldn't stick out.
Q: Overall, do you enjoy traveling for work?
A: Yes, traveling for work is a lot of fun. You get to be in a new place (and see) new sights and new people – and you get to bond a lot more with your cast, because you're basically stuck with each other. We had that experience when we shot the pilot for “Promised Land.” We were all at the same hotel in Atlanta and got to discover this new city with each other as a cast. It's why we are so close today.
Q: Are you a fan of road trips?
A: Yes! My mom and I did a couple of road trips. Zion was magical in all its natural splendor. We also went to Charleston, S.C., which is a beautiful coastal town.
Q: Have you had to cancel any trips due to the pandemic?
A: I did have to cancel a trip to Mexico City recently because I got COVID.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
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