Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Katherine Castro:
I wouldn’t say it’s strict. I’m just very aware of what I feed my body, as I know it has a direct effect on my health. I am very much in touch with my body so when I don’t feel well, I know exactly what I ate that gave me a certain reaction. I do eat very healthy, clean and Organic. Lots of greens and vegetables because I love them! I don’t deprive myself from anything. The trick of it all is moderation, and to drink a lot of water.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your haircare and skincare routine.
Ms. Katherine Castro:
Hydration is key! I drink about a gallon of water a day. Skin care and hair start with what we put inside our bodies, but there are elements that we cannot control, such as our environment, which affect us. For this, I take antioxidants and vitamins, as well as liquid collagen and Hyaluronic Acid. I wash my face with a gentle cleanser and follow up with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, a collagen booster moisturizer and finish up with sunscreen. In between, I get facials and treatments that help me keep my skin clear of impurities.
As for hair, being an actress that has to go through many changes, I visit my hairdresser for biweekly organic and deep conditioning hair treatments. For both skin and hair, I don’t stick to just one product or one brand. I change it up constantly, according to weather changes and to avoid a plateau effect.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have also spent 1 year at the NY Film Academy and have worked with premier acting coach Aaron Speiser (Will Smith, J-Lo) and singing coach Carol D’ Andrea (Broadway’s West Side Story). Tell us more about your experience working with them. Also, share with us one memorable moment that you had.
Ms. Katherine Castro:
Aaron Speiser has an understanding of human behavior like no other. He gets to the nitty, gritty—to the core of the character. It was always amazing to see him working with other actors and even with myself because the slightest adjustment just brought that much more truth to the scenes and the characters. It’s like magic. He truly is a master.
Working with Carole D’Andrea was such an honor. I was preparing to audition for Lin Manuel Miranda’s film version of “In The Heights”. At the time, it was going to be directed by Kenny Ortega. Kenny met me and knowing that I was Dominican, he wanted to bring me in to audition for a part. This lead me to Carole D’Andrea, for singing performing lessons. We had to prepare a song every week. She has a wonderful piano player that would accompany us while on stage. About 2 months into the class, I had prepared one of my favorite songs “Whatever Lola Wants” from the play “Damn Yankees”. My mother happened to be in town, so I brought her to class with me. I went on stage and performed, and it was not until after my performance that she informed me that she had directed “Damn Yankees.” I completely froze because I was unaware of this. She loved & praised my performance bringing both my mom and myself to tears.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
After your feature on NBC Latino’s Top 10 Standout Latinos at Sundance, you received the Hollywood F.A.M.E. award for ‘International Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ and an award from the Women in Film Association in the Dominican Republic. How does it feel when you are appreciated and awarded for the all the hard work that you put in?
Ms. Katherine Castro:
It always takes me by surprise when something like that happens. It is very humbling because I don’t consider myself special, but I do consider myself lucky to be doing what I love so much. My passion. I am grateful for the recognition and it propels me to continue working hard and give my all.