Interview with multi-talented actress, writer, author and producer, Alondra Delgado

Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our “Inspiring Women” series, with this exclusive interview with Alondra Delgado.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, the multi-talented actress, writer, author and producer, Alondra Delgado, is best known for her role as Vanessa Montes — the football coach’s daughter — in the CW Football Drama All American. She is the daughter of the new head coach and the confident new girl at school who has a history with one of her classmates. You can see the Deadline exclusive here. The cast also includes Taye Diggs and Samantha Logan.

She also recurs as “Monica” on the hit FX series Mayans M.C, guest-starred on the hit STARZ series Vida and wrote, produced, and starred in the short film Bygone, which earned her Best Actress honors at the Austin Micro Short Film Festival.

She also wrote and starred in the short film, A Will to Love and will star as the lead in the upcoming film Safe House.

She recently released a self-published book of poems titled, Is Mejor to Say Adios (It’s better to say Goodbye”), which explores the hardships of love with poems which are meant to ‘fix the soul’ while following the writer through the heartbreaking journey of discovering self-love.

The book, which is written half in English and half in Delgado’s native Spanish, is available now. You can learn more here.     

We are delighted to share more about Alondra’s new book Is Mejor to Say Adios today, but first let’s find out a little more about her acting career in our exclusive interview with Alondra Delgado.

Interview with Alondra Delgado

Thank you so much for joining us, Alondra.  Can you tell us a little more your ‘backstory’?

Thank you for having me. I’m Alondra Delgado. I am a Puerto Rican actress and writer who started acting when I was four years old. I moved to Los Angeles seven years ago and I’ve been working hard to make my dreams come true. 

What first inspired you to consider an acting career, and how did you first get your start?

When I was four years old, I started doing theater because I was obsessed with acting out Telenovela scenes and I would not stop telling my mom I wanted to be “inside the TV”. When I graduated from High School, I decided I wanted to continue acting and doing it as my career because it was my one true love and passion. 

Who or what was your greatest inspiration in pursuing a career in acting? 

Growing up I would watch Spanish Telenovelas and I would love all the actors and wanted to be like them. I started studying acting and Meryl Streep has always been my biggest inspiration. 

Can you tell us a little more about your role in “All American”, and your character, Vanessa, in the series? 

All American has been one of my favorite TV shows to work on. It was a great experience where I got to see how everything works on a big production and the impact you can have on people. Vanessa is the new girl in school who wants to make friends but is put in a difficult situation without her wanting to be. 

What was it that attracted you to this role? How do you relate to the character of Vanessa?

I like how independent and confident Vanessa is, it inspires me to be more like her. I did relate a lot to Vanessa when I was filming because I was the new girl on set as well. I had to use my own nerves for the character. 

So, now, can we talk a little more about your new book, “Is Mejor to Say Adios“? What was it that inspired you to write this compilation of poems, and what do you hope that readers will take away from it?

I started writing when I was very young and ever since I moved to LA I started to write many more poems. Throughout the years, I’ve used writing to let go of emotions and process things in life. I decided to put all those poems together so readers could see they are not alone in what they are going through and that with time it gets better. I want the poems to help everyone in the same way that they helped me. 

The book is half in English and half in Spanish: Can you tell us why that was so important to you?

My main language is Spanish, so all my first poems were all in that language. After I moved here, I started to get more comfortable writing in English. Since it was my first book it was very important to have both languages to include my culture and people and represent who I am.

It seems like you have a lot on your plate, with acting, writing, and producing. How do you manage to balance your time between all these creative activities?

Sometimes I do get overwhelmed but writing down things, planning, and leaving some time to just relax or spend time with my loved ones, helps me have a balance and keeps me grounded and present. 

What tips would you give to other women in your industry to help them to avoid “burn out”? Are there any self-care routines, practices, or treatments that you do to help you stay grounded? 

I journal a lot when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Something that I’ve been doing lately that I’ve been enjoying is taking myself out on dates. I find a lot of peace in it. It’s my time where I treat myself and just relax. I have dinner and then catch a movie or go on a walk. You need to have your time to connect with yourself and stay grounded. Also, spa nights are very necessary! 

This series is all about representing and empowering dynamic women everywhere; can you recall a particular moment in the last year that influenced your growth and evolution as a woman? 

I watched an interview of Gina Rodriguez, and I heard her talking about her career and her accomplishments and I’ve always looked up to her. She is a young, talented, independent, and Hispanic woman who has worked very hard to accomplish her goals. The interview inspired me to work harder to be able to wear as many hats as her and inspire other young women to be as strong and talented. 

What do you want to be known for in your life and career?

I want to be able to tell stories that have meaning and change lives. I want to represent my people and women all over the world to fight for what we want and believe in ourselves. I think storytelling is very powerful and I want to make a change in the world through art. 

What has been the biggest challenge/ hurdle you have faced so far?

I think facing rejection here in Hollywood has been the hardest thing. Having to deal with so many “no’s” when you know you are giving your best and you have what it takes. It is something I’m still getting used to. 

What has been your biggest milestone / achievement so far?

Being able to be on National TV was one of my biggest dreams. I think being on Netflix and having my people in Puerto Rico see a Puerto Rican there, meant the world to me. And now, publishing my book is one of the proudest moments I’ve had in my life.

What are your aspirations for the future? Where would you like to see yourself 5 years from now and are there any imminent plans that you’d like to share?

I want to be able to portray as many strong leading female characters as I can. I want to star on my own TV Show and be part of films with a message that inspire and change people for the better. I have a few feature films on post-production that I am very excited for everyone to see. 

Finally, what advice do you have for other women, who are aspiring to launch a career in the creative arts?

I would say, it is not easy, but it is definitely not impossible. Do not let anyone tell you that you are not good or strong enough, because you are. Don’t let rejection tear you down. If you believe in yourself and in your talent, work hard and trust the process. If you believe it, you will succeed. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today, Alondra?

My book is available on Amazon. It is a journey through heartbreak that ends in self-love. Life can get hard sometimes, but you are not alone. We are all here together. Lots of love

I hope you enjoyed this inspiring interview with multi-talented actress, writer, author and producer, Alondra Delgado, and don’t forget to check out our other inspiring women posts.

Image credits: Andre Forrest @andre_apd