This is he said a yadjo with Eric Winter and Rodlin fantag.

This is he said a yadjo with Eric Winter and Rodlin fantag.

Oh let me, he said, Yeah, I'm so excited to have this guest with us today. She is a new generation of Latin representation in Hollywood.

Oh let me, he said, Yeah, I'm so excited to have this guest with us today. She is a new generation of Latin representation in Hollywood.

She got her big break on ABC's The Baker in the Beauty Show that we watched. We had a little friends in that show. She starred in the highly anticipated hocus Pocus Too and played milagro Reyes in Blue Beetle.

She got her big break on ABC's The Baker in the Beauty Show that we watched. We had a little friends in that show. She starred in the highly anticipated hocus Pocus Too and played milagro Reyes in Blue Beetle.

And she's currently starring with Riba McIntyre on the ABC's hit show Happy.

And she's currently starring with Riba McIntyre on the ABC's hit show Happy.

So on ABC, Stay there again, you said, oh, And.

So on ABC, Stay there again, you said, oh, And.

She's currently starring with Riba McIntyre on the NBC's hit show Happiest Place. Please Welcome to the show. Belisa Escobedo Hello, Hello, Hey, Hi, how are you.

She's currently starring with Riba McIntyre on the NBC's hit show Happiest Place. Please Welcome to the show. Belisa Escobedo Hello, Hello, Hey, Hi, how are you.

I'm good? How are you guys?

I'm good? How are you guys?

We're so good, so good on.

We're so good, so good on.

Thank you so much for having me. This is awesome.

Thank you so much for having me. This is awesome.

We're saying we're fans of yours in from Baker in the Beauty We loved that show. We had Lisa that was a very close friend of ours.

We're saying we're fans of yours in from Baker in the Beauty We loved that show. We had Lisa that was a very close friend of ours.

Yes, Lisa, I love her so much. Lisa is such a good show.

Yes, Lisa, I love her so much. Lisa is such a good show.

I know. Lisa is like my sister I love. I love Lisa so much and even Carlos Card. Yeah, the show was so great and you and you showed this in Puerto Rico, which was so dear to me.

I know. Lisa is like my sister I love. I love Lisa so much and even Carlos Card. Yeah, the show was so great and you and you showed this in Puerto Rico, which was so dear to me.

Oh my gosh, always Puerto Rico. I've had two projects now that shot there. Blue Beetle, we shot a little bit of it there. Oh yes, yeah, so it's so crazy. I just you know, I'm not I'm Mexican, I'm not Puerto Rican, but I have such this like huge connection to Puerto Rico because all of my like most pivotal projects have been shot out there.

Oh my gosh, always Puerto Rico. I've had two projects now that shot there. Blue Beetle, we shot a little bit of it there. Oh yes, yeah, so it's so crazy. I just you know, I'm not I'm Mexican, I'm not Puerto Rican, but I have such this like huge connection to Puerto Rico because all of my like most pivotal projects have been shot out there.

So yeah, I.

So yeah, I.

Love it there.

Love it there.

I love that you're an La native as well. I grew up in La myself. I know you're South Pasadena. My my dad grew up in Pasadena. Oh my god, family Altadina. I grew up in La Pente, City of Industry, if you know that area.

I love that you're an La native as well. I grew up in La myself. I know you're South Pasadena. My my dad grew up in Pasadena. Oh my god, family Altadina. I grew up in La Pente, City of Industry, if you know that area.

But yeah, yeah, I actually went to uh grew up in South past for a bit, and then I moved to Whittier and so that's where I went to like middle school and finish out my high school years out there. High school, well, I didn't go to high school out there. I actually I auditioned for Loxa, La County High School for the Arts. It's a public school out here, and so I ended up commuting there every day, but went to Hillview Middle School in Whittier.

But yeah, yeah, I actually went to uh grew up in South past for a bit, and then I moved to Whittier and so that's where I went to like middle school and finish out my high school years out there. High school, well, I didn't go to high school out there. I actually I auditioned for Loxa, La County High School for the Arts. It's a public school out here, and so I ended up commuting there every day, but went to Hillview Middle School in Whittier.

So you always knew you wanted to be in entertainment as an actress. That's what that's what the focus was in your performing.

So you always knew you wanted to be in entertainment as an actress. That's what that's what the focus was in your performing.

Arts pretty much. Yeah. I think in like fifth grade, I got to do a school play and that was the first time I kind of channeled all this energy I had inside of me, and standing on that stage, I was like, Oh, this is this is the feeling I've been looking for, and it was just It's so I'm sure all of you remember your first time before and that feeling of being like, oh, this is what I want to do. This is the feeling I'm going to chase forever like I.

Arts pretty much. Yeah. I think in like fifth grade, I got to do a school play and that was the first time I kind of channeled all this energy I had inside of me, and standing on that stage, I was like, Oh, this is this is the feeling I've been looking for, and it was just It's so I'm sure all of you remember your first time before and that feeling of being like, oh, this is what I want to do. This is the feeling I'm going to chase forever like I.

Had the opposite.

Had the opposite.

Like for me, she's you completely like I wanted to be an actress, performer her whole life. I was, so I got approach to being in the business. When I was in junior high I was so afraid. I was like, in front of my peers, I could be big, loud, have fun, be myself, but public speaking or being in front of people watching me. I would be so nervous, freaked out. Tried a couple things in classes. I was like, Nope, not for me, he can't do it. It wasn't until my twenties that I actually resurfaced back into the entertainment space and took a drama class in college and was like, Okay, this is kind of fun. I've shed some of my insecurities of being nervous. Still took a while for that to fully fade throughout my career, where I was just like, I don't care anymore.

Like for me, she's you completely like I wanted to be an actress, performer her whole life. I was, so I got approach to being in the business. When I was in junior high I was so afraid. I was like, in front of my peers, I could be big, loud, have fun, be myself, but public speaking or being in front of people watching me. I would be so nervous, freaked out. Tried a couple things in classes. I was like, Nope, not for me, he can't do it. It wasn't until my twenties that I actually resurfaced back into the entertainment space and took a drama class in college and was like, Okay, this is kind of fun. I've shed some of my insecurities of being nervous. Still took a while for that to fully fade throughout my career, where I was just like, I don't care anymore.

I'm gonna do whatever I need to do.

I'm gonna do whatever I need to do.

Before me, even when I met you, you didn't love a public speaking at all. Still you'll be petrified about well I have to speak in public. No, I'm going you've you're actually very good at it.

Before me, even when I met you, you didn't love a public speaking at all. Still you'll be petrified about well I have to speak in public. No, I'm going you've you're actually very good at it.

No, you're more comfortable, more comfortable, but not I was. I've always been more then. I think acting has become easier for me in that sense that you're not looking right. I mean, I'm looking at my partner, acting opposite somebody or a group, but I'm not speaking to a crowd that's just staring at me. That is a whole different beast. Like great public speakers, but I'm getting better at that.

No, you're more comfortable, more comfortable, but not I was. I've always been more then. I think acting has become easier for me in that sense that you're not looking right. I mean, I'm looking at my partner, acting opposite somebody or a group, but I'm not speaking to a crowd that's just staring at me. That is a whole different beast. Like great public speakers, but I'm getting better at that.

I was the opposite. It would be like, do you want me to perform from you? I can dance, I can.

I was the opposite. It would be like, do you want me to perform from you? I can dance, I can.

Give me a microphone, I'll do anything.

Give me a microphone, I'll do anything.

I'm ready.

I'm ready.

I'm ready.

I'm ready.

I what was your first you know gig that sort of set the path where you're going. Your parents are going, Okay, this is uh, it's working, this is what she wants to wants to do, and it's happening, I'd.

I what was your first you know gig that sort of set the path where you're going. Your parents are going, Okay, this is uh, it's working, this is what she wants to wants to do, and it's happening, I'd.

Say, because I didn't start auditioning for anything. My parents were like, we love you, we support you, but we have no way, Like, we don't know how to get you in there, we don't know what classes to take. So I kind of just sought it out all online. And it wasn't until I dropped out of college and moved back home. I went to the New School for Drama in New York, moved back home, moved back in with my mom, and started doing community theater GASA and Boyle Heights. Josefina Lopez runs that theater and she's you know, so pivotal to the Latino Arts and anyway, that was my first time kind of like booking something. It was, you know, first theater production and then they actually helped me get the ABC Discovered showcase and that's how I first got my agent and my manager. So they've been such a blessing and I'm such a like community theater advocate.

Say, because I didn't start auditioning for anything. My parents were like, we love you, we support you, but we have no way, Like, we don't know how to get you in there, we don't know what classes to take. So I kind of just sought it out all online. And it wasn't until I dropped out of college and moved back home. I went to the New School for Drama in New York, moved back home, moved back in with my mom, and started doing community theater GASA and Boyle Heights. Josefina Lopez runs that theater and she's you know, so pivotal to the Latino Arts and anyway, that was my first time kind of like booking something. It was, you know, first theater production and then they actually helped me get the ABC Discovered showcase and that's how I first got my agent and my manager. So they've been such a blessing and I'm such a like community theater advocate.

That's incredible.

That's incredible.

And we have a lot of listeners that ask questions like that all the time, like how do I get in?

And we have a lot of listeners that ask questions like that all the time, like how do I get in?

What do I do?

What do I do?

And right, everybody's got a different journey to getting to that place of getting to break whatever it is, whether like the ABC program is huge, A lot of people come out of that because it opens a lot of opportunity.

And right, everybody's got a different journey to getting to that place of getting to break whatever it is, whether like the ABC program is huge, A lot of people come out of that because it opens a lot of opportunity.

So for the Baker on the Beauty, they they saw I'm assuming they saw you at this showcase, so they okay, so they were familiar with your work and then you auditioned for the Baker on the Beauty.

So for the Baker on the Beauty, they they saw I'm assuming they saw you at this showcase, so they okay, so they were familiar with your work and then you auditioned for the Baker on the Beauty.

Yes, Baker in the Beauty was actually my third audition that I had ever been on with my agencies, and so it was nerve wracking and I was just like going along with it. I was like, Okay, we've got the callback. Okay, cool, and you know, mind you my agents are like dang like this. But they were so great and kind of just like not freaking me out in the beginning, but also being like this is really good, like keep you know. So they were great. They were great kind of easing me into it while.

Yes, Baker in the Beauty was actually my third audition that I had ever been on with my agencies, and so it was nerve wracking and I was just like going along with it. I was like, Okay, we've got the callback. Okay, cool, and you know, mind you my agents are like dang like this. But they were so great and kind of just like not freaking me out in the beginning, but also being like this is really good, like keep you know. So they were great. They were great kind of easing me into it while.

You were working to get that opportunity where you did you have another job on the side that you were helping to navigate through.

You were working to get that opportunity where you did you have another job on the side that you were helping to navigate through.

Yes, I've actually off and on up until twenty twenty three, I've been a briefsta cocktail waitress, just kind of going back and forth. Really yeah, yeah, and I appreciate that so much. I feel like it truly has shaped me into the type of person and the type of artist I am. You know, it's very humbling to be serving someone a coffee and they're like, didn't I just see you in a movie?

Yes, I've actually off and on up until twenty twenty three, I've been a briefsta cocktail waitress, just kind of going back and forth. Really yeah, yeah, and I appreciate that so much. I feel like it truly has shaped me into the type of person and the type of artist I am. You know, it's very humbling to be serving someone a coffee and they're like, didn't I just see you in a movie?

So so way, So after the BA, after the Baker on the Beauty, when it didn't come back from a second season, you went back to being a barista.

So so way, So after the BA, after the Baker on the Beauty, when it didn't come back from a second season, you went back to being a barista.

I did went back to being a barista after before I did Blue Beetle, I was bristaying. And then after Blue Beetle, you know the strike kids, So I was I was back in the barista. I went to bartending for a bit for like a solid year.

I did went back to being a barista after before I did Blue Beetle, I was bristaying. And then after Blue Beetle, you know the strike kids, So I was I was back in the barista. I went to bartending for a bit for like a solid year.

Yeah amazing.

Yeah amazing.

I mean I love this kind of stuff because this is what people need to hear when it comes to our business, like, there's absolutely again, there's no linear path to success. You can be rocking on you know, some program. First of all, it's hard to get a show that even gets on the air. Then you get a show that gets on the air, show gets.

I mean I love this kind of stuff because this is what people need to hear when it comes to our business, like, there's absolutely again, there's no linear path to success. You can be rocking on you know, some program. First of all, it's hard to get a show that even gets on the air. Then you get a show that gets on the air, show gets.

Canceled, fun show. You're like, oh, this could go another season. Nope.

Canceled, fun show. You're like, oh, this could go another season. Nope.

Now I want to go back to working to make some money to do my passion and get my other career going that I really want. You get a huge movie, strike hits. People don't understand how it affects everybody. You know different, and everybody thinks if you're in Hollywood, you're on a big movie, you're on a big show. You don't have to do anything. You just have everything at your fingertips. And it's like, no, our business is very finicky. It's tricky to navigate, and yes, you still need to make money to pay your bills to then pursue the dream of getting something that's stable and ongoing.

Now I want to go back to working to make some money to do my passion and get my other career going that I really want. You get a huge movie, strike hits. People don't understand how it affects everybody. You know different, and everybody thinks if you're in Hollywood, you're on a big movie, you're on a big show. You don't have to do anything. You just have everything at your fingertips. And it's like, no, our business is very finicky. It's tricky to navigate, and yes, you still need to make money to pay your bills to then pursue the dream of getting something that's stable and ongoing.

Oh my god, well, Lisan, you came out of stage in the business that is so unpredictable, and he's so unstable, you know, because my god, because your first big gig was the Bacon and the beauty and then pandemic and those two things have been brutal for the business. You know, it's never been it's never been the same. Yeah, it's never been the same. And we're hoping and hoping. It's funny because I keep hearing my team, right, my manager, my agent, they're always like, it's gonna start picking up. Oh, it's gonna get better. Oh it's gonna start picking up. And I'm going saying that for two years. It's like, what the heck is going on? It's really it's pretty brutal. So any work that we get it is indeed a blessing because you you just never know.

Oh my god, well, Lisan, you came out of stage in the business that is so unpredictable, and he's so unstable, you know, because my god, because your first big gig was the Bacon and the beauty and then pandemic and those two things have been brutal for the business. You know, it's never been it's never been the same. Yeah, it's never been the same. And we're hoping and hoping. It's funny because I keep hearing my team, right, my manager, my agent, they're always like, it's gonna start picking up. Oh, it's gonna get better. Oh it's gonna start picking up. And I'm going saying that for two years. It's like, what the heck is going on? It's really it's pretty brutal. So any work that we get it is indeed a blessing because you you just never know.

It absolutely is and that it is such a big misconception and it's you know, one that I had to kind of realize as well after my first show of like, Okay, this isn't that's it. I never have to work again. You know. It's rough, and I think the biggest thing with this industry is you just have to have like a solid backbone and just feel like I'm going to keep going because there are so many no's and even from the yes's, like there's still a no coming and that's it's gonna hurt, and it's like, you know, you get beat down and you just have to keep you have to go back again, and that's hard. I won't say that that's an easy thing to keep getting up. It's hard.

It absolutely is and that it is such a big misconception and it's you know, one that I had to kind of realize as well after my first show of like, Okay, this isn't that's it. I never have to work again. You know. It's rough, and I think the biggest thing with this industry is you just have to have like a solid backbone and just feel like I'm going to keep going because there are so many no's and even from the yes's, like there's still a no coming and that's it's gonna hurt, and it's like, you know, you get beat down and you just have to keep you have to go back again, and that's hard. I won't say that that's an easy thing to keep getting up. It's hard.

Listen, and I'm sure you know that I've been doing this for a long time. Right before, right before I came to record this podcast with you, I get this phone call from my agent and this is Ross and they sent me the email maybe a couple of weeks back. I didn't really pay attention to it because it shoots in Miami, and I love Miami, but it means that I will have to once again leave my family for like six months at a time. But it's really interesting. But you know what, agents they keep pushing, you know, because their main focus is for you to do a job. And so he calls me again, says Ross. You know they call it again. It's for Peacock. Is this thing is straight to series? This is the name. It shoots in Miami. I know because of your lifestyle and your kids and you, it's going to be a no. But I think you should read it. You should read it. And the character is not on the pilot, but they're sending only you the scenes of the second and third episode that the character is in for you for you to please read it to see if you're interested. Now they don't want to They're not ready for an offer, so they don't they don't want to send you an offer. They might want you to read with the director. And I was like, very just pass you know what i mean, I'm going if you know already that this is something that I'm going to say no, And now you're telling me that they want me to read for something that I'm like the third lead. Are they out of their minds? It's like really, and it puts it puts everything into perspective when it shows you things are so difficult. It doesn't really matter at what level you are at. You have to fight for things like you just started.

Listen, and I'm sure you know that I've been doing this for a long time. Right before, right before I came to record this podcast with you, I get this phone call from my agent and this is Ross and they sent me the email maybe a couple of weeks back. I didn't really pay attention to it because it shoots in Miami, and I love Miami, but it means that I will have to once again leave my family for like six months at a time. But it's really interesting. But you know what, agents they keep pushing, you know, because their main focus is for you to do a job. And so he calls me again, says Ross. You know they call it again. It's for Peacock. Is this thing is straight to series? This is the name. It shoots in Miami. I know because of your lifestyle and your kids and you, it's going to be a no. But I think you should read it. You should read it. And the character is not on the pilot, but they're sending only you the scenes of the second and third episode that the character is in for you for you to please read it to see if you're interested. Now they don't want to They're not ready for an offer, so they don't they don't want to send you an offer. They might want you to read with the director. And I was like, very just pass you know what i mean, I'm going if you know already that this is something that I'm going to say no, And now you're telling me that they want me to read for something that I'm like the third lead. Are they out of their minds? It's like really, and it puts it puts everything into perspective when it shows you things are so difficult. It doesn't really matter at what level you are at. You have to fight for things like you just started.

Always just limited the amount of programming. Every so every movie starting the planet is doing TV. So it just taking away more jobs from people that are coming up or just TV people that have worked in TV for years, because it's just all a big mess as far as it's all crossover mess, you know, as far as opportunity goes.

Always just limited the amount of programming. Every so every movie starting the planet is doing TV. So it just taking away more jobs from people that are coming up or just TV people that have worked in TV for years, because it's just all a big mess as far as it's all crossover mess, you know, as far as opportunity goes.

Yeah, And I feel like right now such a big thing that's like kind of hitting the surface? Is everything shooting in crazy places? I know, Like I heard about this. I don't know which network it was, but it kind of like a sitcom and it was shooting in like Scotland.

Yeah, And I feel like right now such a big thing that's like kind of hitting the surface? Is everything shooting in crazy places? I know, Like I heard about this. I don't know which network it was, but it kind of like a sitcom and it was shooting in like Scotland.

Is it for Fox?

Is it for Fox?

I think it might be, yes, because Fox.

I think it might be, yes, because Fox.

Is doing most content overseas. Scotland's become a huge hub, even for comedy and a lot of their comedies. Even for sure in Canada, it used to be if you were doing a comedy it was la comedies were always going to be la. Dramas you could have to relocate, but there was still a lot of dramas here. Now I know for a fact that Fox is doing a lot overseas, and I've heard Scotland Lana Parilla.

Is doing most content overseas. Scotland's become a huge hub, even for comedy and a lot of their comedies. Even for sure in Canada, it used to be if you were doing a comedy it was la comedies were always going to be la. Dramas you could have to relocate, but there was still a lot of dramas here. Now I know for a fact that Fox is doing a lot overseas, and I've heard Scotland Lana Parilla.

Is that for Fox?

Is that for Fox?

I don't know, but she's doing a show and it's in Scotland. In Scotland, I think it might be for Fox.

I don't know, but she's doing a show and it's in Scotland. In Scotland, I think it might be for Fox.

Is it? It might be that she went all the way there.

Is it? It might be that she went all the way there.

For drama that I don't think it has to be set. I don't know if it does.

For drama that I don't think it has to be set. I don't know if it does.

I am about to leave to go to Budapest, Hungary for five weeks for a movie that is a home invasion and the house is supposed to be in Georgia.

I am about to leave to go to Budapest, Hungary for five weeks for a movie that is a home invasion and the house is supposed to be in Georgia.

Why are we going to even Atlanta doesn't work anymore.

Why are we going to even Atlanta doesn't work anymore.

I was gonna say, this could be a stage.

I was gonna say, this could be a stage.

And I love traveling. That's amazing. I'm going to go to Budapest, but I'm going a home invasion out of Georgia. I'm like, it's very confusing, I know. Anyways, so it's well, talk to us about the sitcom now that you because you are working.

And I love traveling. That's amazing. I'm going to go to Budapest, but I'm going a home invasion out of Georgia. I'm like, it's very confusing, I know. Anyways, so it's well, talk to us about the sitcom now that you because you are working.

You're working.

You're working.

Yes, you got Reba McIntyre, who's who's I hear I've never worked with her here She's amazing, and you're angel. Talk to us about the show Happy, happiest place.

Yes, you got Reba McIntyre, who's who's I hear I've never worked with her here She's amazing, and you're angel. Talk to us about the show Happy, happiest place.

Happiest place. Yes, we just got picked up for a second season, which is amazing, and yeah, happiest place. It's me. I play Reba McIntyre's half sister, which makes total sense because we look exactly alike. I've been told out my whole life. But it's just such a I you know, I think right now, so much content we make. It can be really intense and it can be emotionally taxing as the actor. And I just love this project because I mean not to be say happy so much, but it really is just a happy show. And you know it feels like I'm back in theater because we perform in front of a live audience. And I've gotten so lucky with the casts that I've been a part of. This one included of just being surrounded by great people, people that I enjoy being around and who I learned from every day. You know, Riba, Melissa Peterman, and Rex Lynn are like legends in the industry, especially Melissa and Riba their sitcom queens, and so being able to watch them do what they're known for is like such an awesome feeling. And you know, you're just like, oh, of course you of course you're the queen of this, Like it's so easy. So it's such a fun experience. We have Pablo Castel Blanco and to call A Black Alk as well on the show, and they bring in such like just things I've never seen, just so different, and I'm just so happy that, you know, we're getting another chance to keep going with the story.

Happiest place. Yes, we just got picked up for a second season, which is amazing, and yeah, happiest place. It's me. I play Reba McIntyre's half sister, which makes total sense because we look exactly alike. I've been told out my whole life. But it's just such a I you know, I think right now, so much content we make. It can be really intense and it can be emotionally taxing as the actor. And I just love this project because I mean not to be say happy so much, but it really is just a happy show. And you know it feels like I'm back in theater because we perform in front of a live audience. And I've gotten so lucky with the casts that I've been a part of. This one included of just being surrounded by great people, people that I enjoy being around and who I learned from every day. You know, Riba, Melissa Peterman, and Rex Lynn are like legends in the industry, especially Melissa and Riba their sitcom queens, and so being able to watch them do what they're known for is like such an awesome feeling. And you know, you're just like, oh, of course you of course you're the queen of this, Like it's so easy. So it's such a fun experience. We have Pablo Castel Blanco and to call A Black Alk as well on the show, and they bring in such like just things I've never seen, just so different, and I'm just so happy that, you know, we're getting another chance to keep going with the story.

It's huge, that's amazing. And listen, doing sitcom is not is not easy. I don't I don't do a lot of sitcoms.

It's huge, that's amazing. And listen, doing sitcom is not is not easy. I don't I don't do a lot of sitcoms.

And the.

And the.

What is the coach that I love? Oh my good goodness, Leslie, Leslie can I'm sure you've heard of Leslie Can. She deals with all the sitcom people. So every time that I'm tackling trying to do something like a three camp Leslie, it's very specific the timing, the one, two, three's the jokes, which gives me a little bit of a of a hard time because I'm going but I don't see it that way.

What is the coach that I love? Oh my good goodness, Leslie, Leslie can I'm sure you've heard of Leslie Can. She deals with all the sitcom people. So every time that I'm tackling trying to do something like a three camp Leslie, it's very specific the timing, the one, two, three's the jokes, which gives me a little bit of a of a hard time because I'm going but I don't see it that way.

You know.

You know.

My rhythm is a little different. And to be able to do sitcom is a very very specific and special skill. And it's incredible how usually sitcom actors they go from one sitcom to the next and they have the casting directors and producers and networks. They have their group that they believe can tackle sitcom, you know, because it's a very different animal. So it's an incredible thing that right off the bat, you know, boom, you got a sitcom, which is it's not easy. It's not easy.

My rhythm is a little different. And to be able to do sitcom is a very very specific and special skill. And it's incredible how usually sitcom actors they go from one sitcom to the next and they have the casting directors and producers and networks. They have their group that they believe can tackle sitcom, you know, because it's a very different animal. So it's an incredible thing that right off the bat, you know, boom, you got a sitcom, which is it's not easy. It's not easy.

Yeah, no, it definitely going into it learning how to work with that many you know, cameras and just totally different. I've been lucky where I've worked on a lot of films and coming off of like Focus Pocus and Blue Beetle, such different just ways of creating the art. You know, it's different process, the different things you have to think about. So it is a switch, and I think sometimes there can be this misconception as well that sitcoms are like easy, Like it's like, ah, you're just being up there and being silly at all. No, there's actually so much you're thinking about. You're trying not to get in your other persons shots, so you're like weirdly standing like this. And one thing is we can get a new scene thrown down and be like, hey, we got to film this, and it's you get five minutes and you're like, okay, okay, cool, let's go yes, And that's thrilling to me. I think it's like an adrenaline rush. But it's definitely something that I didn't expect going into it. It is a different beast to tackle and it's been fun learning.

Yeah, no, it definitely going into it learning how to work with that many you know, cameras and just totally different. I've been lucky where I've worked on a lot of films and coming off of like Focus Pocus and Blue Beetle, such different just ways of creating the art. You know, it's different process, the different things you have to think about. So it is a switch, and I think sometimes there can be this misconception as well that sitcoms are like easy, Like it's like, ah, you're just being up there and being silly at all. No, there's actually so much you're thinking about. You're trying not to get in your other persons shots, so you're like weirdly standing like this. And one thing is we can get a new scene thrown down and be like, hey, we got to film this, and it's you get five minutes and you're like, okay, okay, cool, let's go yes, And that's thrilling to me. I think it's like an adrenaline rush. But it's definitely something that I didn't expect going into it. It is a different beast to tackle and it's been fun learning.

Yeah, is there a specific thing that you're looking forward to doing brought away or musical or like a fool on drama? Indeed, like what is your north?

Yeah, is there a specific thing that you're looking forward to doing brought away or musical or like a fool on drama? Indeed, like what is your north?

I would love to go back to theater just because that's that's where I first fell in love with acting, and being on a sitcom has given me like a taste of that, like live audience, feel again and Yeah. I think I'm really ready to just be on a stage again and be putting in the work and see it come from like this little baby to this huge production. And I always find that in any any project you're a part of you like bond with the cast, but with theater it's such like a blood in tears and sweat, and you come out of it and you're like, we did that, We did it.

I would love to go back to theater just because that's that's where I first fell in love with acting, and being on a sitcom has given me like a taste of that, like live audience, feel again and Yeah. I think I'm really ready to just be on a stage again and be putting in the work and see it come from like this little baby to this huge production. And I always find that in any any project you're a part of you like bond with the cast, but with theater it's such like a blood in tears and sweat, and you come out of it and you're like, we did that, We did it.

Beautiful, that's beautiful. Did you have one sibling?

Beautiful, that's beautiful. Did you have one sibling?

I do. I have an older brother that is.

I do. I have an older brother that is.

Not part of the arts at all.

Not part of the arts at all.

No. No, I'm the only one in my family so far. I've got a lot of younger cous but so far that has entered this industry, and so it's fun bringing them along for the ride too.

No. No, I'm the only one in my family so far. I've got a lot of younger cous but so far that has entered this industry, and so it's fun bringing them along for the ride too.

I'm assuming they're so so proud and so happy, right, did they support?

I'm assuming they're so so proud and so happy, right, did they support?

Yeah? They are. I think I think they've just kind of been rolling with it as well, like cheering me on every time. But I know sometimes they have moments where they're like, oh my gosh, I can't you know, I can't believe you're doing this. So it's awesome.

Yeah? They are. I think I think they've just kind of been rolling with it as well, like cheering me on every time. But I know sometimes they have moments where they're like, oh my gosh, I can't you know, I can't believe you're doing this. So it's awesome.

You're on TV every week, right, Yeah.

You're on TV every week, right, Yeah.

On a network show, which is incredible. Yes, And you're not in Scotland.

On a network show, which is incredible. Yes, And you're not in Scotland.

And I'm not in Scotland. I get to shoot here.

And I'm not in Scotland. I get to shoot here.

Yeah, that Scotland wouldn't be bad. It'd be amazing to gore.

Yeah, that Scotland wouldn't be bad. It'd be amazing to gore.

You're so lucky, like you go lucky too. He's been on a show for seven years that shoots like ten minutes from the house.

You're so lucky, like you go lucky too. He's been on a show for seven years that shoots like ten minutes from the house.

Is unbelievable.

Is unbelievable.

It's beautiful. I'm going on, when is it going to be me? Everything? In God?

It's beautiful. I'm going on, when is it going to be me? Everything? In God?

Please?

Please?

Please?

Please?

I want to shoot it.

I want to shoot it.

I was manifesting it for years. I was passing on things. I was like, nope, I'm not gonna go, not gonna go. When you have kids, it becomes very complicated as far as coming and going and just at any moment. I think that's why it's been hard even for us now, is that because I'm here until my show is done, we have to kind of decide, all right, how long can you go? You know, kids aren't going to go there fully in school, so you got to pick and choose what you're going to do and when you're going to do it and how long it takes you away. It's you're at a young age, don't have worry about any of this stuff. Right now, you can go travel the world and work on anything you want and it's a very freeing experience.

I was manifesting it for years. I was passing on things. I was like, nope, I'm not gonna go, not gonna go. When you have kids, it becomes very complicated as far as coming and going and just at any moment. I think that's why it's been hard even for us now, is that because I'm here until my show is done, we have to kind of decide, all right, how long can you go? You know, kids aren't going to go there fully in school, so you got to pick and choose what you're going to do and when you're going to do it and how long it takes you away. It's you're at a young age, don't have worry about any of this stuff. Right now, you can go travel the world and work on anything you want and it's a very freeing experience.

Yes, I just were I just missed my cats, but that's the only thing.

Yes, I just were I just missed my cats, but that's the only thing.

Yeah, you can bring them, you can bring them along maybe to some places, but yeah, that would be pets.

Yeah, you can bring them, you can bring them along maybe to some places, but yeah, that would be pets.

Yeah, having pets is also a challenging you know moment in it.

Yeah, having pets is also a challenging you know moment in it.

Yeah, once you have kids and everything changes too.

Yeah, once you have kids and everything changes too.

Are you going to go back to being a barista during hiatus or no, thankfully I will.

Are you going to go back to being a barista during hiatus or no, thankfully I will.

Or mar between. No, it's it's good that you don't have to.

Or mar between. No, it's it's good that you don't have to.

But even I I just love and I admire the truth behind that story. Like you can be working on hit movies and hit shows and still go back to something you have to do in order to get the next thing, And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that in our business. That's the way our business actually works. That's most, that's most actors.

But even I I just love and I admire the truth behind that story. Like you can be working on hit movies and hit shows and still go back to something you have to do in order to get the next thing, And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that in our business. That's the way our business actually works. That's most, that's most actors.

But I think I think Belissa from now on is going to be I'm not saying I hope to God is smooth sailing, but everything is cyclical, so you know it's going to go like this. But I think from now on, because of this incredible opportunity with the Riba show, that is going to probably go go on for a long time. I'd say second seasons, but I think from now on you'll be fine.

But I think I think Belissa from now on is going to be I'm not saying I hope to God is smooth sailing, but everything is cyclical, so you know it's going to go like this. But I think from now on, because of this incredible opportunity with the Riba show, that is going to probably go go on for a long time. I'd say second seasons, but I think from now on you'll be fine.

Yeah, that's what we're open. That's what it's like a running joke with my team after any like the projects I've booked there like okay, no more bracing, Like we're getting you away from the coffee shop.

Yeah, that's what we're open. That's what it's like a running joke with my team after any like the projects I've booked there like okay, no more bracing, Like we're getting you away from the coffee shop.

Yes, I think.

Yes, I think.

And the truth is, I mean, look, I know you're in your twenties and this is still so early in your career, but you've done more than so many people have, even that have been trying this for years.

And the truth is, I mean, look, I know you're in your twenties and this is still so early in your career, but you've done more than so many people have, even that have been trying this for years.

You know, if you think about it, you're.

You know, if you think about it, you're.

A been a part of huge shows that have gotten shows that have gotten on the air. That's just a big accomplishment. Big movies, another show for a second season. These are these are you know, massive wins in the scope of our business.

A been a part of huge shows that have gotten shows that have gotten on the air. That's just a big accomplishment. Big movies, another show for a second season. These are these are you know, massive wins in the scope of our business.

Yeah. No, I feel so absolutely blessed and happiest place. This show couldn't have come at a better time. It was also another low point where I moved back I had lived in New York, was bracing, and then just you know, I hadn't booked anything, ran out of money and was like, okay, Mom, I've got to move back home with you again, and the day after I landed in La I had my first audition for Happiest Place, and within within two weeks moving back completely unemployed, no idea what I was going to do. Life changed.

Yeah. No, I feel so absolutely blessed and happiest place. This show couldn't have come at a better time. It was also another low point where I moved back I had lived in New York, was bracing, and then just you know, I hadn't booked anything, ran out of money and was like, okay, Mom, I've got to move back home with you again, and the day after I landed in La I had my first audition for Happiest Place, and within within two weeks moving back completely unemployed, no idea what I was going to do. Life changed.

Yeah, that's amazing. Good for you.

Yeah, that's amazing. Good for you.

When do you guys start your second season?

When do you guys start your second season?

We're going to start up back in August. Yeah, yeah, so nice little break. But it's definitely this industry, you know, it's so up and down. Your life can change in a week. I mean, you just never and it's really just about like continuing to pursue it. And I credit everything to my support group, you know, my family, my mom especially. I was so many times like this is it. I'm done with acting like I can't handle this up and down. It's affecting me. And she would always tell me, like, what else will you do? Not in the sense that you can't do anything else, but I've never seen you so happy as I do when you're acting like I just don't see you feeling that from anything else, And that that would always keep me going because she's right.

We're going to start up back in August. Yeah, yeah, so nice little break. But it's definitely this industry, you know, it's so up and down. Your life can change in a week. I mean, you just never and it's really just about like continuing to pursue it. And I credit everything to my support group, you know, my family, my mom especially. I was so many times like this is it. I'm done with acting like I can't handle this up and down. It's affecting me. And she would always tell me, like, what else will you do? Not in the sense that you can't do anything else, but I've never seen you so happy as I do when you're acting like I just don't see you feeling that from anything else, And that that would always keep me going because she's right.

She is right, and you're very special. Listen, and you can ask Lisa dal if you don't believe me. I remember when I saw they're baking on the Beauty and it was a fir time I saw you, and I think I even mentioned to you Eric, because we saw the whole show. I wanted to support Lisa. She's like a sister. And it was shot in Puerto Rico. I know all the crew because that that crew went to Fantasy Island when I was doing Fantasy Island, and I remember telling Lisa, oh my god, the girl that plays your daughter, that girl, she's really really phenomenal. There was a simplicity and a groundness and honesty. There's some honesty about you when you act that. I was like, she is amazing. So I'm so happy that you that that is just only going up. You know, it's amazing.

She is right, and you're very special. Listen, and you can ask Lisa dal if you don't believe me. I remember when I saw they're baking on the Beauty and it was a fir time I saw you, and I think I even mentioned to you Eric, because we saw the whole show. I wanted to support Lisa. She's like a sister. And it was shot in Puerto Rico. I know all the crew because that that crew went to Fantasy Island when I was doing Fantasy Island, and I remember telling Lisa, oh my god, the girl that plays your daughter, that girl, she's really really phenomenal. There was a simplicity and a groundness and honesty. There's some honesty about you when you act that. I was like, she is amazing. So I'm so happy that you that that is just only going up. You know, it's amazing.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Lisa is amazing. So she's still like my mom. I'll never not be like my mom, you know.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Lisa is amazing. So she's still like my mom. I'll never not be like my mom, you know.

I know she's a truly special human being. Anyways, we appreciate you. Thank you so much for doing this, and good luck with everything. We're very happy, very happy for you.

I know she's a truly special human being. Anyways, we appreciate you. Thank you so much for doing this, and good luck with everything. We're very happy, very happy for you.

Thank you so much for having me. This was awesome. Of course, enjoyed Budapest.

Thank you so much for having me. This was awesome. Of course, enjoyed Budapest.

Oh my godness, you will not will bye. Was gat the sweetest, Oh my god, and she's so guys, she's so good. She's super talented, very talented.

Oh my godness, you will not will bye. Was gat the sweetest, Oh my god, and she's so guys, she's so good. She's super talented, very talented.

Again, I just love her honesty and just right there in her own life experience and storytelling. These are what listeners ask all the time, and like you're getting firsthand information of what it's like in the grind and what it takes to continue to believe in yourself.

Again, I just love her honesty and just right there in her own life experience and storytelling. These are what listeners ask all the time, and like you're getting firsthand information of what it's like in the grind and what it takes to continue to believe in yourself.

So so this was so good. And it's always pretty cool to be able to support this new generation of Latinas you know that are out there working, trying, auditioning up and down, because it's very important for our community to see more and more representation. And her story is it's pretty unique because it never happens this way that you do three auditions and boom you get something that is ant TV show.

So so this was so good. And it's always pretty cool to be able to support this new generation of Latinas you know that are out there working, trying, auditioning up and down, because it's very important for our community to see more and more representation. And her story is it's pretty unique because it never happens this way that you do three auditions and boom you get something that is ant TV show.

Big job like jobs that got on the air, and a.

Big job like jobs that got on the air, and a.

Huge movie and two huge movies, two huge movies around.

Huge movie and two huge movies, two huge movies around.

Bubato and then still having to go back to do other work. Crazy to keep pushing through it, I know.

Bubato and then still having to go back to do other work. Crazy to keep pushing through it, I know.

So I think it's I love it. Listen. And I remembered, like I said to you, the first time I saw her, I was like, oh my god, this girl is really really good. Who is this girl? And I called Lisa about it. I'm just happy. I'm just happy that she's doing well.

So I think it's I love it. Listen. And I remembered, like I said to you, the first time I saw her, I was like, oh my god, this girl is really really good. Who is this girl? And I called Lisa about it. I'm just happy. I'm just happy that she's doing well.

I got asked the other day about a fan like, what was something you would have like, was there a moment in your career that was super pivotal and it's this is a true story, but I told you about it the other night.

I got asked the other day about a fan like, what was something you would have like, was there a moment in your career that was super pivotal and it's this is a true story, but I told you about it the other night.

It's like, yeah, I basically stopped.

It's like, yeah, I basically stopped.

And I mentioned this, I think on the podcast before and somebody asked me what the show was, but I almost stopped the business after a Dawston's Creek audition and they were like, what role was it? And I said, oh, it was the role of that Kurse Smith got and great for him. But I remember that being such a pivotal moment of how you just can't stop if this is what you want to do. And I did stop. That's what's crazy. And it slowed my momentum down so much about where I could have maybe been sooner in this business. I was very fortunate, clearly it was, you know, in my path to still do this business. But some people never come back to the business when they stop. Some people do come back. It's never the same. And again, I don't know how far it set me behind my peers. Who are in it with me at that time for over a year stop completely like no auditions. My agent would call me and said, you want to audition? I said no, and you weren't doing what just going to call it. I thought I was gonna be a firefighter. I was like, I quit the business. Like I went and was about to start the academy for LAFD and then got Days of Our Lives.

And I mentioned this, I think on the podcast before and somebody asked me what the show was, but I almost stopped the business after a Dawston's Creek audition and they were like, what role was it? And I said, oh, it was the role of that Kurse Smith got and great for him. But I remember that being such a pivotal moment of how you just can't stop if this is what you want to do. And I did stop. That's what's crazy. And it slowed my momentum down so much about where I could have maybe been sooner in this business. I was very fortunate, clearly it was, you know, in my path to still do this business. But some people never come back to the business when they stop. Some people do come back. It's never the same. And again, I don't know how far it set me behind my peers. Who are in it with me at that time for over a year stop completely like no auditions. My agent would call me and said, you want to audition? I said no, and you weren't doing what just going to call it. I thought I was gonna be a firefighter. I was like, I quit the business. Like I went and was about to start the academy for LAFD and then got Days of Our Lives.

I got two soaps that came my way, and.

I got two soaps that came my way, and.

I said, you know what, I'll just pressure me, pressure me and said, go audition for passions and go audition for Days of our Lives.

I said, you know what, I'll just pressure me, pressure me and said, go audition for passions and go audition for Days of our Lives.

And I was like, oh god, okay, I don't know.

And I was like, oh god, okay, I don't know.

And I did, and I got both of them offered, and Days ended up having the first test, so they ended up getting the the I took them. But that then that got me back in the business. So I went back to my regular job at the time was modeling. So I went back to doing that, you know, but I had to go back to a job right which was that's where it was. So I was doing that at the time and then decided, while I was, you know, have my savings, I was going to I'm going to be a firefighter. So It's weird how your journey can just shift and it sounds like, you know, she went through these moments as well, where it's what do I do? How do I stay with this? The times are hard, the industry is difficult. They're dropping shows and consolidating things left and right.

And I did, and I got both of them offered, and Days ended up having the first test, so they ended up getting the the I took them. But that then that got me back in the business. So I went back to my regular job at the time was modeling. So I went back to doing that, you know, but I had to go back to a job right which was that's where it was. So I was doing that at the time and then decided, while I was, you know, have my savings, I was going to I'm going to be a firefighter. So It's weird how your journey can just shift and it sounds like, you know, she went through these moments as well, where it's what do I do? How do I stay with this? The times are hard, the industry is difficult. They're dropping shows and consolidating things left and right.

I have acquaintances and friends of mine that we all started together, you know, twenty something years ago that I will. You know, do you usually see the same phases when you auditioned for things. It's the same phases over and over.

I have acquaintances and friends of mine that we all started together, you know, twenty something years ago that I will. You know, do you usually see the same phases when you auditioned for things. It's the same phases over and over.

Sometimes friends sometimes you.

Sometimes friends sometimes you.

And I can probably say that ninety percent of them I've never seen. I've never seen them ever again, So I get. I don't know if they pursued something else, you know, got married and I was I remember there's a girl that when I did Famla actually you know what from Fame La, which is the first job that I did in Los Angeles. It was a big deal. It was Sony Pictures producing this whole thing. I think Leslie Margherite, Leslie Marguerite, very talented, triple threat. I think she. I think she's doing Broadway. Chris Kane.

And I can probably say that ninety percent of them I've never seen. I've never seen them ever again, So I get. I don't know if they pursued something else, you know, got married and I was I remember there's a girl that when I did Famla actually you know what from Fame La, which is the first job that I did in Los Angeles. It was a big deal. It was Sony Pictures producing this whole thing. I think Leslie Margherite, Leslie Marguerite, very talented, triple threat. I think she. I think she's doing Broadway. Chris Kane.

I don't know.

I don't know.

Stephanie got married to a lawyer and basically had kids, and that she's a housewife. I don't Heidi that her father was a big, big producer. I have never seen any of these people active. Again, Yeah, it's crazy.

Stephanie got married to a lawyer and basically had kids, and that she's a housewife. I don't Heidi that her father was a big, big producer. I have never seen any of these people active. Again, Yeah, it's crazy.

It's wild. It's wild.

It's wild. It's wild.

It's not like other professions where people usually just stay put and you know, grow within that career, that type of field, like you either stick in this for the long haul or you end up.

It's not like other professions where people usually just stay put and you know, grow within that career, that type of field, like you either stick in this for the long haul or you end up.

It was so weird with me, Eric because I just didn't. I just didn't have any other choice. You know. I never I never go to the point that I was like, I'm never going to do I want to I want to quit. I hate it, and i've I've my heart has been broken many times because of part that I want to do that don't get or I booked them and I get let go, you know, or my accident has always been a problem. So I've had a lot of disappointment. But I don't think I ever went to a point of I'm out, I'm going to do something else, like to me and I think that's a testament of why I'm still in it. You know, it's because I don't have anything else that I want to do. Nothing else interests me. So it's really crazy.

It was so weird with me, Eric because I just didn't. I just didn't have any other choice. You know. I never I never go to the point that I was like, I'm never going to do I want to I want to quit. I hate it, and i've I've my heart has been broken many times because of part that I want to do that don't get or I booked them and I get let go, you know, or my accident has always been a problem. So I've had a lot of disappointment. But I don't think I ever went to a point of I'm out, I'm going to do something else, like to me and I think that's a testament of why I'm still in it. You know, it's because I don't have anything else that I want to do. Nothing else interests me. So it's really crazy.

Well, I ended on a sad note.

Well, I ended on a sad note.

It is.

It is.

Kind of go back and talk to her. She made me happier talking. We were like, he just.

Kind of go back and talk to her. She made me happier talking. We were like, he just.

Said he wasn't. She makes him happier.

Said he wasn't. She makes him happier.

Us not talking to each other, but us talking to her was uplifting. I felt inspired and then we're like, man, it was so hard and so many friends.

Us not talking to each other, but us talking to her was uplifting. I felt inspired and then we're like, man, it was so hard and so many friends.

But listen, we we came, we came out on tom we're still going at it and we're doing really well. You know how blessed we are. Like I say, every time I open my eyes, I say, I say thank you God, because our life is pretty. It's pretty nice, it's pretty beautiful.

But listen, we we came, we came out on tom we're still going at it and we're doing really well. You know how blessed we are. Like I say, every time I open my eyes, I say, I say thank you God, because our life is pretty. It's pretty nice, it's pretty beautiful.

We're very, very lucky in any profession when you can just succeed at what you want to do.

We're very, very lucky in any profession when you can just succeed at what you want to do.

We make it a living doing what we love exactly.

We make it a living doing what we love exactly.

That's a win for anybody out there in any profession. I love you, it's been fun. Love you. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to write us a review and tell us what you think.

That's a win for anybody out there in any profession. I love you, it's been fun. Love you. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to write us a review and tell us what you think.

If you want to follow us on Instagram, check goes out at he said ajav or an email Eric and Ross at iHeartRadio dot com. He said, AJAB is part of iHeartRadio's Mike would do that podcast network.

If you want to follow us on Instagram, check goes out at he said ajav or an email Eric and Ross at iHeartRadio dot com. He said, AJAB is part of iHeartRadio's Mike would do that podcast network.

See you next time.

See you next time.

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