Noemi Gonzalez

from Rival Mag LA Issue 10 June 2021: Laura Marano

by rivalmagazinela

Anthony hill

Dress: Hamel Ring: Kendra Scott Earrings: Vintage Shoes: Public Desire

Noemi Noemi Gonzalez Gonzalez

Dress: Hamel Ring: Kendra Scott Earrings: Vintage Shoes: Public Desire

Dress: Hamel Ring: Kendra Scott Earrings: Vintage Shoes: Public Desire

Dress: Hamel Ring: Kendra Scott Earrings: Vintage Shoes: Public Desire

Dress: Hamel Ring: Kendra Scott Earrings: Vintage Shoes: Public Desire

Dress: Ruffian Earrings: Christina Greene Shoes: Cape Robbin Bracelet: Kendra Scott Ring: Hebdon Reblin Designs

Dress: Ruffian Earrings: Christina Greene Shoes: Cape Robbin Bracelet: Kendra Scott Ring: Hebdon Reblin Designs

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Noemi Gonzalez

By: Bri Rodriguez

Mexican-American actress Noemi Gonzalez grew up admiring the Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla Perez. She now has the amazing honor of portraying Selena’s badass drummer sister, Suzette Quintanilla, in Selena: The Series.

The musical drama series is currently available for streaming on Netflix; it depicts the origin story of Selena from the very beginning — closely following the Quintanilla family throughout Selena’s rise to fame and all of the sacrifices she and her family must make along the way.

Rival recently had the opportunity to chat with Noemi Gonzalez. We discussed Selena’s legacy, her future aspirations, and bringing Latinos representation to the screen.

Noemi recalls her earliest memory of exposure to Selena’s music and legacy, and shares what Selena means to her: to the TV to watch a Tejano artist that was being featured in Sabado Gigante or Siempre en Domingo- Mexican talent variety shows that would come on the weekends. My mom just knew she was special. I’ll never forget watching her star rise on those shows when she would come back a little more known and still humble and vibrant. So that’s what Selena means to me: source of vibrancy, humility, hard work, womanhood, familia, and representing Raza!”

Noemi grew up in a Mexican-American humble household in Desert Hot Springs, California. She cites Selena as her role model and inspiration; she shared a strong connection to the tejano singer, especially in her personal life:

“I was already a fan. Then, she was taken from us. Shortly after that, I lost my eldest brother in a tragic car accident. I leaned onto her music, her family from afar, and the Selena movie not only for comfort, but also for grieving, and inspiration. So, I started singing then, as a way to channel the weight of that experience. I was singing in school when my friend Gina complimented me after a performance. She said,

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That hit hard. It stayed with me, close to my chest. After going to college to become a music teacher, acting found me when my friend Lorely asked me to audition with her for UC Santa Barbara’s prestigious Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program. From that moment on, my artistry has focused on becoming a crafted, consistent, versatile actor.”

Many artists have inspired her along her journey, and she shares the one film that made her fall in love with acting:

“I’ve been inspired by Frida Kahlo. Princess Diana. I followed Natalie Portman heavily. Her talent and brains has had me hooked ever since her debut in Leon, The Professional. I would love to work with her. I would also love to collaborate with Sheila E, Shakira, maybe Lady Gaga.

A movie that made me fall in love with acting would definitely be Good Will Hunting, especially the scene between Matt Damon and Robin Williams. My dad paused the movie and had me watch these actors come to life as they were improvising and alive in the scene; that moment was electric as Robin Williams drives the story from a funny memory to a real emotional reality those characters understand. I’ll forever thank my father for showing that to me and having a teaching moment in being present, connected, and flowing in the art of the characters and story.” breaking ground as a female drummer and her new family and very talented guitarist, husband Chris Perez. The benefit of having a series format of 18 hours as opposed to two hours in film, is that we were able to go more in depth with this unique musical artist’s history. I think Selena would have loved to know that her story was told including her family in depth. In turn, her story provides more needed Latine representation to Hollywood and the world by including her family’s support.”

Noemi underwent a complete transformation to become Suzette. Her physical appearance changed dramatically, as she cut off her long hair and received a perm. She worked alongside her coach Shelley Mitchell, dialect coach Esther Caporale, and last, but certainly not least, she turned to a team to help teach her the drums...

“I worked with Kiko Brennesian as my drumming instructor and Antonio Pontarelli as the show’s music consultant for Los Dinos. I was given an hour twice a week with them. Originally we were set to film in three weeks from my first drumming lesson; I was so overwhelmed! So I was religious with my rehearsals of drumming. I rehearsed everyday, morning and night, for no less than thirty minutes, sometimes I rehearsed before and after my formal rehearsal to make the most of it. Before every concert scene I would rehearse at least three times all the way through before the camera would roll. It’s interesting... it was a full transformation to be her, but in doing so I found so much of myself.”

Noemi recalls the moment she received the call with the news that she had booked the part as Suzette for Selena: The Series. She also explains why this special project holds so much significant meaning to Selena fans, and why she feels this side of Selena’s story needed to be told:

“I sat up in shock, wide-eyed with the phone in my hand, no longer able to hear what else my reps told me. *laughs* My thoughts got louder than what they were telling me and I remember thinking, ‘Selena, Abraham... Suzette…’ Stepping into this role felt SO exciting, and at times overwhelming, but above all it was an honor. Noemi reflected on this one particular moment that shines in the series. It takes place in episode three of Part One, “And The Winner Is…” This is when Suzette comes to terms with being a drummer and then meets a grateful fan after a show. Her eyes were opened to the impact she’s made in music, inspiring other women who want to follow in her footsteps in pursuit of a career path within a male dominated industry.

“That is definitely one of my favorite scenes I filmed. I loved connecting with actress Nancy Talamantes in that scene. It really gave me a humble honor to be playing a young woman who didn’t realize how much she is inspiring others, just by supporting her sister on the drums.

Before being part of the series, and as a true Selena fan, I always felt that when you talk about Selena, one of the first things that is so intertwined with her story is the theme of famila. Family is number one to her. In interviews, she always talked about her story which included her mother’s love and support, Abraham’s musical roots with Los Dinos, A.B. producing her amazing repertoire, her sister Suzette also Filming the transition in music performance from an American song (Looking For a New Love by Jody Watley) to Latino song (La Bamba by Selena y Los Dinos) was also one of my favorite experiences on set. There was a lot of pressure and a lot of energy for my character to save their first live performance in Mexico. I’ll always be grateful for my production’s support, and I’ll never forget the local extras of

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Tecate who hyped me up before and after all that pressure.”

There is a natural chemistry between the cast, and the series does a beautiful job of establishing that close sibling relationship, especially the bond between Selena and Suzette (“There’s no Selena without Suzette”). Noemi talked about the experience of bringing this bond to the screen:

“Early on, Christian [Serratos] and I would spend quality time with each other and we would ask about one another’s dreams for our life and career as women. And that experience with her really established the foundation of intimacy; a reminder that we find solace that sometimes can only be found in true sisterhood. It reminded me of memories told by Suzette that Selena would relax in her sister’s bunk, sharing her designer and boutique dreams.

I loved the parallel. I’ll never forget our first family scene, which was a dinner scene. All the Quintanilla family was on point, swift, giving and professional. We were doing a loving, natural ballet creating a world together. I think we all had a moment; it clicked that we were working amongst professionals- all Latine actors who made working together not only smooth, but fun and beautiful.” The actress shares that it was a really fun and family-oriented set throughout the duration of filming Selena: The Series (“We all got really close sharing this story.”); she is very thankful that people are receiving the series so well. Selena: The Series Part 2 is now available on Netflix. Noemi says that everyone will be hooked upon viewing Selena: The Series Part 2 and provides an inside-scoop of what to expect next — “We can expect to get sucked into the themes of Selena and her siblings navigating adulthood and becoming a successful family act, watching their Selena’s star rise!

What’s different this time around is that the three siblings are no longer teenagers, but young adults. They’re navigating successful momentum, maintaining their original family bonds and growing into new family dynamics. You see the origin story in the first part with the parents in the driver’s seat, but as the three teens get older we see Selena take hold of the wheel the way only she can.”

Selena: The Series brings forth much needed Latinx representation. Noemi shares what this project means to her as a Mexican American woman and what she hopes Selena fans will take away from the series:

everything. It’s so fulfilling to portray a character and share a story that brings so much empowerment. I hope to have our underrepresented group inspired — Latinas in general, female musicians, and actors and actresses representing Raza — Telling our own stories and giving that essence only Mexicans and Mexican Americans can give to stories of any background.

I hope Selena fans take away that Selena was and continues to be a pioneer of endless powerful representation. Our Mexican American values of hard work ethic, sharing our beautiful gifts, and familia are fulfilling and empowering to make all of our dreams come true.”

Noemi shares the best piece of advice she’s received: “Fall in love with making your dreams come true, but not the outcome. This freed me from putting myself in a box and had me nonjudgmental on the outcomes of my hard work, because God had even better things in mind for me than I could ever imagine.”

For Noemi, social media is the most challenging aspect of being an actor today (actually, it’s challenging for everyone, in general):

“We are constantly shown everyone’s highlight reel and now everyone is open to the scrutiny that was once only the experience of a celebrity. This new level of scrutiny for a celeb is much louder and quite abusive. It’s a new aspect to exposure and fame. But I channel that by making sure I’m doing fulfilling work as much as possible.”

Women face so many pressures in today’s society, especially in regards to body image. Noemi has some uplifting advice for women:

“My advice would be to do the work. Stop looking in the mirror to criticize. Instead, look into the mirror, into your eyes and tell yourself you are beautiful everyday not just until you believe it, but well into celebrating it!

That’s one, but also if there is something you can work on to change your insecurity, then do it! Do it until you see a change, celebrate the accomplished goal and check in with yourself that that change did bring you fulfillment. If not, you may have to work on a core issue there. In her free time, Noemi still enjoys geeking out over work related things. She loves movies and going to the movies. She also stays open to curiosity and inspiration, as she consistently strives to learn something new; she uses MasterClass to acquire knowledge, and more times than not, the new skill serves her personally and professionally.

Noemi shares her biggest dream with Rival, as well as what makes her nostalgic — and her favorite Selena song (we had to ask!)

“My biggest dream is probably to have it all! Make my dreams come true while having balance and fulfillment. I hope to see myself make it all happen for myself and my community.

I’m naturally nostalgic as a cancer sign, ha. I think 90s vibes make me most nostalgic. I’m inspired by art and life.

‘No Me Queda Mas’ is my favorite Selena song right now.”

What are the top 3 items on Noemi’s bucket list?

1. Take care of her mom.

2. Travel to her dream destinations (especially Japan).

3. To look back with pride and fulfillment.

So what is next for Noemi?

“Currently working on my new project The Valet! A Lionsgate feature film, a romantic comedy starring Eugenio Derbez and Samara Weaving. I’m looking forward to becoming that versatile actor for years to come, being present and taking in all the good with the challenging as I become a writerdirector. I hope to support my community. I would continue to pursue roles that stretch me, my representation, and remind people of the humanity we share.

Being Suzette for the series has been rewarding and I’m sure it’s the first of many roles that will tie to my values. My goal is to look back not only at my career, but my life with pride- God-willing.”

All in all, be kind to yourself no matter where you are: before, under development, after and in maintenance. The constant self-love is going to work better than any beauty products Noemi has some valuable advice for aspiring artists:

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Dress: No Label Shoes: Steve Madden Earrings: BHLDN journey — not the outcome: ‘Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.’ Believe me, I thought I was going to be a music teacher, a singer, but I stayed open and here I am today acting.

Remember to stay grateful, take breaks for inspiration, this industry is cut-throat enough so be kind to yourself while you watch the fruits of your labor unfold. The blessings are coming. Trust! Stay confident, stay ready.

Keep doing you, stay focused in your lane, no one else’s, you’re on your artistic journey, not theirs. That’s why you’re you, and your exact gifts are meant to be shared with the masses. Patiencia y fe. Trust yourself.”

And a final message for the fans of Noemi’s work:

“To fans of mine, I’d like to say thank you for seeing me. Thank you for your support!! I read your comments and your hyped support recharges my soul!! You really do inspire me to keep going- for myself, the representation I bring, and for the generations to come. Thank you, Thank you y mas que nada, GRACIAS!!”