Gloria Garayua, an American actress of Puerto Rican descent, is known for her versatility in film, television, and theater. Raised in the Bronx, New York, and a graduate in Fine Arts from Long Island University, Garayua made her film debut in Fun with Dick and Jane (2005), alongside Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni. However, it was her role as intern Graciella Guzman on Grey’s Anatomy that brought greater recognition to her career. With appearances in hit series such as Weeds and How to Get Away with Murder, she continues to showcase her talent both on screen and on stage.
Throughout your career, you have worked in film, television, and theater productions. How do you adapt your acting process for each of these different mediums?
My approach to the craft of acting is always the same: I seek the truth of that particular character in hose particular circumstances, whether it is TV, film, theatre, commercial or VoiceOver. I am also an acting teacher, so I am very used to putting my methods into practice of breaking down a script and a character. I do a lot of analytical work so that once I start working on the emotional work, I can truly stay focused on it, and not have to go back and forth. I like placing a focus on my character’s backstory. I think that really helps to fill in any blanks there might be even after reading the script. An actor’s job never ends. We are always observing life in order to draw from it, that includes living life and giving myself opportunities to experience new things.
In Grey’s Anatomy, you played intern Graciella Guzman. What was your experience like working on such a popular medical drama series, and what were the biggest challenges of the role?
My time on Grey’s Anatomy was an absolute dream! I wanted to be on a hit prime TV network drama and there it was! And the energy on set was always so amazing! The cast was kind and professional, and I made friends with the other interns. The biggest challenge was the medical jargon. I’m not really a doctor, I just play one on TV, so trust me when I say I worked hard on my lines. I wanted to make sure I was always prepared. It makes the day go smoother. Producers must have noticed because I kept coming back. My character’s storyline was never wrapped up, so I secretly hope they will bring me back one day. That would be amazing!
Diversity has been a central issue in Hollywood. How do you view the importance of Puerto Rican and Latinx representation in film and television productions, especially in the United States?
Extremely important. When I was growing up, I didn’t see a lot of Spanish speaking folks on American television. I did see Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy reruns, and I remember being so excited! I called my mom to come see someone like us was on TV. I remember her reaction too: she wasn’t particularly interested. Maybe she was cooking and I distracted her. Regardless, I remember wondering why that wasn’t a bigger deal to her. It was huge to me! We’ve come a long way now. I don’t see Latinx people playing roles that are as restricted as they once were. There certainly was a time when Latinos were playing only foreigners, or gangsters, or maids. Yes, these people exist, but obviously in society today we see evidence of Latinos doing so great things, and we are seeing that reflected more and more on screen. Can it be better? Of course, but it’s happening, and that diversity needs to be celebrated.
The more I teach kids acting, the more I realize that many of my classes are not diverse. It makes me wonder about how socioeconomics plays a part in this. Many parents can’t afford acting classes, however, most of my classes, though thee’v been sprinkles of different cultures, most have been caucasian. It’s likely that many latin families do not see a financial investment in placing their kids in acting classes. Instead, this is seen as a luxury. But child development through art has been proven to be a critical component of helping children increase their compassion, maturity, empathy, and expanding their mental flexibility between different subjects. I say all this because, I feel that if Latin kids don’t see themselves on TV, they don’t see that they CAN be. Most kids get into acting classes because of the fact that they saw other kids on TV. I hear that all the time. Kids are like sponges, they see and hear and absorb more than we realize. We need to give them an accurate representation of what is actually out there in the world, to serve an inspiration to what they can do and how they can contribute to society.
Besides television and film, you are also active in theater. What does theater offer you as an actress that differs from other mediums?
Well, it’s been a while since I have been on stage. I would love to change that. But I do go see a lot of theatre. I buy tickets to several performances to theaters large and small. I don’t always have to know someone in it to support theatre. I go because I like to go. Musicals and straight plays alike. Also, when I teach acting, especially at the University level, I use scripts from theater plays. I think it is important to introduce my student’s eyes to classical and contemporary works in theatre.
You have portrayed characters in series like Weeds, Bones, and How to Get Away with Murder. Which role has had the biggest impact on your career and why?
Blanca in “Fun With Dick and Jane” because 20 years later, people still recognize me from it, and because it still remains popular and plays on tv. The residuals from it still come around and God knows that has helped me meet my SAG union health insurance requirements. The role also allowed me to meet incredible cast of actors who until this day remain active and popular. I was so incredibly lucky.
The Netflix miniseries Maid addressed many sensitive topics about inequality and abuse. How was it for you to play Penny, and how did you connect with the themes explored in the series?
I connected with the feeling that I have in my life often which is being overwhelmed. Penny had 2 kids and one on the way and she was a hoarder. I am not a mother, nor am I a hoarder but I am always so busy and taking on new projects, whether acting related or teaching related, that I get bit overwhelmed with it all. But that is a very common problem for creative people: we want to do it all. I also did a lot of research on hoarders.Many people hoard but are functional. That was my character. The hoarding comes from a need to hold onto memories, and emotional moments. The aspect of domestic abuse both mentally and physically was not something my character dealt with and I didn’t have access to the other episodes when I was filming, so I just focused on what I had to film and saw the series when it was released. I loved it, thought it was so sad. I also found it eye opening and beautifully shot, and acted.
Looking back on your career, what are the key lessons you’ve learned from your experience in Hollywood, especially as a Latina actress in a competitive industry?
To take each day with stride. Some days will be productive and full and some days will feel like I am starting all over again. But I remember that my resume, my contacts, my network, my ethics, my hard work, my constant strive for evolving and achieving new things, and my trust in God all play into my future. These things remind me to stay calm and grounded. Nothing meant for you will pass you.
With such a diverse and active career, what are your upcoming projects, and what can we expect from Gloria Garayua in the future?
I have a guest star role coming up on a show called “Found” on NBC. I am in the fifth episode of the second season. This episode is called “Missing While Presumed Dead”. This episode will air Oct 31st, 2024 on NBC. Also, I have another guest star role on CBS’ “Tracker”. I am in the fourth episode of season 2 and this episode is called “Noble Rot”. It will air on November 3rd on CBS.
Follow Gloria Garayua on Instagram