Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with All American’s Alondra Delgado

There’s a new face joining the cast of the CW’s All American, and her name is Alondra Delgado. The powerhouse performer and her character, Vanessa Montes, have caused quite the stir, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. We recently spoke with Alondra to learn more about her and what fans can expect in Season 3.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts and storytelling?
Alondra: It started when I was very young. My mom says that I always liked to be in front of the TV, but I wouldn’t be watching cartoons; I’d be watching telenovelas, and I would act out scenes from them. At first, she thought I was just playing around, but then she was like, “Oh, maybe she likes it. Let’s give it a shot.”

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Alondra: Growing up in Puerto Rico, I had a lot of good teachers. I also look up to Meryl Streep. I’ve learned a lot throughout the years just watching her act. My family has also inspired me. My mom has always believed in my talent, so she inspired me to perfect it and to keep fighting for it.

PC: In addition to being an actress, you’re also a writer and producer. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actress and vice versa?
Alondra: Being behind the camera helps you understand and appreciate the art of filmmaking so much more. You learn a lot from it. As a writer, you see your story coming to life, how it changes, and how those words mean so much more when someone is acting them out loud. Producing, you see how much effort it takes to make a film; it makes you appreciate it even more. When I go back into acting, it means a lot more to bring the story to life and show it to the public. It helps a lot to understand and appreciate the art of filmmaking.

All American

PC: You’ve joined the cast of All American. What should fans know about your character?
Alondra: She’s the new kid in school. She wants to make friends and enjoy her last year…but, she does know one of her classmates. She knows Asher. So, she’s involved in this love triangle that’s mixing everything up. It’s going to cause a lot of drama.

PC: The show has been incredibly well received, plus you were a fan of it before joining the cast. What was it about this show that hit home for you? What is it like joining a production that you’re such a huge fan of?
Alondra: It’s so exciting. When I found out that I booked the role, I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been obsessed with this show, so much so that I had a dream at one point that I was in it. When I got the audition, I was like, “Oh my God. Are my dreams becoming a reality?” It definitely was very exciting to be part of it, because I knew the characters. I knew the stories. I knew everything about the show. It was very exciting. It put a lot of pressure on me because I’m such a fan.

PC: If you had to summarize Vanessa’s arc in Season 3 in one sentence, what would it be?
Alondra: She brings a lot of self-awareness to some of the characters. She helps some of the characters discover things they didn’t know about themselves. She’s a breath of fresh air and brings something new to the squad.

PC: In addition to All American, you have a couple of other projects coming out. Are there any that you can talk about now?
Alondra: My next project is a feature film that I’m working on called Safe House. I’m playing the lead role in that one. It’s fun. It’s an action film. It’s different from what I usually play. I get to run and do my own stunts. It’s a whole different environment that you’re going to get to see me in.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Alondra: I just started watching The Bachelor and I kind of like it. I hadn’t seen it before. I was like, “Uh oh. I’m going to be one of those people who’s addicted to it now.”

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Alondra: My favorite movie is The Notebook. It’s a guilty pleasure because I cry every single time. I’m a masochist because I’m like, “I’m going to cry and suffer.” [laughs]

PC: Favorite book?
Alondra: It’s a book called This Too Shall Pass, which I read in Spanish. It’s a very sad book, but I love it. The character goes through a lot, but she discovers that’s life.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Alondra: My favorite musical is Come From Away, and my favorite play is Burn This. I love that play. I’ve done a couple of scenes of it when I was doing my bachelor’s.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alondra: Bad Bunny.

To keep up with Alondra, follow her on Instagram. Watch All American every Monday on the CW.

Photo Credit: Tim Schaeffer Photography