Selenis Leyva is a Cuban-Dominican-American actress. She is exceptionally talented and accomplished award winning actress. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are born and raised in the Bronx with Dominican and Cuban descent and has appeared in a number of Off-Broadway productions. You reached the pinnacle of success for your role as Gloria Mendoza in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black. Tell us about your journey that took you to where you are now in the world of acting?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I always knew I wanted to act. Even before I could articulate it, I just knew. Telenovelas were always on in my house growing up and I’d sneak into my parents room sneak into the living room as they watched. I loved all the drama! I would re-enact scenes in my room, I spent lots of time in front of my mirror “acting”. When it was time to apply to HS. I decided to take a chance and audition for LaGuardia HS, the performing arts school here in NYC.
The FAME school. I had never auditioned for anything…I didn’t even know what a monologue was but I went to the library looked up a book of monologues and began memorizing. I did it all on my own and got in. From that point I took training very serious. I just felt at home on the stage. I graduated went to Mary mount college and left my junior year because I started to get work. I did theater and auditioned for television and films. I worked on commercials did Voice Over work you name it. 20 years of many gigs, close calls, disappointments, highs and lows until the moment I decided to stop acting. I felt the need for stability for my daughter’s sake. Because although I was always a working actress, I was struggling in between gigs. Then a few weeks later Jen Euston called me in for “Orange Is The New Black” and life changed!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have selected a profession of being an actress that requires a lot of hard labor, technical soundness and excellence in different faculties to finally succeed, how do you achieve that?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
My passion for the arts has always been so strong! I believe in working extra hard for what you love. I am not afraid of hard work and the ups and downs life has to offer. I come from a family that came to this country and sacrificed so much and that always propelled me to be better.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You co-starred opposite Viola Davis and Catalina Sandino Moreno in the courtroom drama film “Custody” directed and written by James Lapine. Tell us about this endeavor of yours?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
James is wonderful. I felt very lucky to have a chance to work with him. It’s a great story. I was reunited with Catalina after our last project ‘Maria Full of Grace”. I know Viola will be phenomenal in this.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have acted on the New York Stage, including the iconic role of Celia Cruz in the off-Broadway hit “Celia”. Elaborate on this acting exposition of your’s as a creative artist?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
The stage is a magical place that requires true technique, I love it! It really keeps an actor on their toes. Playing Celia was wonderful. A dream come true. I grew up listening to her and admiring her. I will never forget that experience. We had a great run!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I recently started working with a great trainer, Jose Lopez at Bronx Barbell Club. He pushes me beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. I reached a point I needed to be pushed. He switches things up on me and keeps the work outs fresh and exciting. Using a combination of high intensity interval training, polymetric’s and also boxing (which I love) from time to time to spice things up.
Video