Check out our interview with talented Nickelodeon’s “The Casagrandes” star Izabella Alvarez.
Izabella plays the lead spunky character, ‘Ronnie Anne Santiago.’ The animated series tells the story of 11-year-old Ronnie Anne after she moves to the city with her older brother Bobby and her mom, where they now live with their big, loving multi-generational family, the Casagrandes. Her new life promises to be an adventure, especially now that she lives under one roof with her grandparents, aunt, uncle, cousins, and a sass-talking parrot. By depicting stories based in Mexican-American and Latino themes, “The Casagrandes” is a bridge to Latino culture.
Izabella graced the big screen this year in her first leading role and feature film “Collisions.” The movie starring Anna De La Reguera follows the journey of 12-year-old ‘Itan,’ played by Izabella, as she fights to free her mother from the immigration system.
Follow Izabella at @izabellaalvarez
Hi Izabella, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a young Latina Girl with a raspy voice who was born and raised in Orange County. At the age of 6, I started acting and fell in love with it. I feel like I’m home when I’m on set. Prior to acting, I was into gymnastics and was always told that I had really good balance. As more acting jobs came in, I was forced to choose between acting and gymnastics because of my busy schedule. It was tough to stop gymnastics, but after long talks with my family I realized I’d be making a mistake, if I didn’t continue acting.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Independent, Passionate, Adventurous.
Who is your role model?
My Grandmother because she’s wise and strong, AND she’s a great cook. I LOVE to cook too.
How did you get started into acting?
I was about 6 yrs old and I had an opportunity through my dad to be apart of a Walmart commercial with my real family. I fell in love with the craft and I’ve been doing it ever since.
How has this changed your life?
It’s allowed me to express myself through different characters without being judged.
Tell us about your work in Nickelodeon’s “The Casagrandes?”
I’m so proud of this animation series and hope everyone is loving it as much as we do. It’s a spin off of The Loud House about a multi generational Latino family. I’m a voice actress on the show playing Ronnie Anne Santiago.
And about your lead character Ronnie Anne Santiago?
Ronnie Anne is a sweet but feisty, strong willed, independent 11 year old girl. She loves skateboarding, Lucha Libre, and hanging with her upstairs neighbor/best friend, Sid Chang.
And about your leading role in feature film “Collisions?”
I was blessed with the opportunity to play Itan. She’s a strong-willed, 12 year old Latina girl who is intelligent and fights for what she believes in. It was my very first lead role in a feature film. It was definitely a challenge, but now looking at the final cut, I’m so proud of it. It’s a small indie film with a powerful message on deportation. Please support our movie at CollisionsMovie.com
How was working with Anna De La Reguera?
I remember our first day of shooting, we had to do a very emotional scene. We instantly became mother and daughter as you can see in the movie with our chemistry. Without Ana the story wouldn’t be the same. She’s the sweetest human ever and so funny. My family and I grew up watching her on Nacho Libre, so working with her was a dream.
What other projects you have been part of?
Well, I’m very thankful for the many opportunities to have worked on some great shows. I worked with William H. Macy and Joan Cusack on Showtimes hit drama series, SHAMELESS. I was on HBO’s sci-fi drama series, WESTWORLD opposite Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood and Clifton Collins Jr. Lastly, I worked on a comedy pilot on ABC with writer/producer, Diablo Cody called RAISED BY WOLVES. I LOVE the movie JUNO, so it was an honor working with her. She’s so talented! 🙂
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I love working on projects that change people’s lives in a positive way. Or, even when people watch my shows just to be able to take them away from their crazy life for 20 minutes, thats probably the most rewarding part.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Kale salad and celery juice. I honestly love healthy food though.
And your favorite cheat food?
Chick-fil-A and sour strawberry belts, hahaha it’s my guilty pleasure.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I would say grunge and anything that is comfortable. And, I’m really into turtle necks right now and vintage clothes.
How would your best friend describe you?
She would most likely say crazy, loud, and always wanting to blast music while driving, haha.
What’s next for Izabella Alvarez in 2019/2020?
I definitely want to continue doing more live action movies and TV, but I would LOVE to do a feature animation movie as well. Who knows, maybe we can do a feature of THE CASAGRANDES! 😉
What is your own definition of happiness?
Doing what you love in life!
How is a normal day in your life?
I normally wake up at around 9ish when I’m not filming. I get some breakfast, meditate, check my emails, play with my puppy, go to a quick yoga or SoulCycle class, then get ready to go to Nickelodeon to record my show. 🙂
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
A perfect Sunday would be going to a day spa with my best friend Talia Jackson, then going to lunch at our fav spot, Olive & Thyme. After that, we’d go back to my place to play board games and watch movies. I just love chill days. hehe
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
My grandfather on my dad’s side, who past away at an early age, because he seems like the coolest person ever from stories I’ve heard. He worked at NASA and I wish I could hear all his amazing stories. My grandfather received a SILVER SNOOPY AWARD which was presented to him personally by an astronaut for outstanding achievements related to human flight safety or mission success- I guess it’s a big deal! I’m proud of him.
Best advice ever given?
If we didn’t have bad days, we wouldn’t appreciate the good ones.
Do you support any charity?
St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Candles, lip gloss and music.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself hopefully in a house of my own with maybe 2 more dogs, haha. And, I can visualize myself as the lead on a drama series.
Favorite song? Why?
Self Control by Frank Ocean because the vocals are crazy good and the last minute of the song is my favorite part.
What music do you like?
Alternative and R&B
What do you think of Social Media?
I like it and hate it. I think it’s a great way to express your thoughts, but I also think you can get lost in it.
Where we can follow you?
Follow me on Instagram @izabellaalvarez
Quote: “Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.” – Johnny Depp
Favorite Singer/Artist: Willow and Frank Ocean
Movie: The Note Book and Pulp Fiction
Travel Destination: Amsterdam
Sports Team: Lakers
Tv Show: Dawson’s Creek
Book: The Fault On Our Stars
