Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with In the Dark’s Humberly González

It’s only been a few years since Humberly González first burst onto the screen. In that short time, she’s taken the industry by storm, adding credits including Shadowhunters, Orphan Black, Witches in the Woods, and We to her growing résumé. This year, she was seen in a recurring role in The CW’s comedic drama, In the Dark, where she starred opposite Perry Mattfeld, Brooke Markham, and Casey Deidrick.

Most recently, she’s been busy filming two of the most highly anticipated new series of 2020: Jupiter’s Legacy and Utopia Falls. Pop Culturalist spoke with Humberly about all her exciting projects.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Humberly: I feel like growing up in Venezuela was the reason that I developed my passion for performing. In my culture, it’s very encouraged to dance and sing; it’s more of an outward personality. I grew up singing and dancing with my family, and I was never afraid—I was fearless. I used to enter myself into singing competitions to win Barbie houses, and that’s how it started. I used to put myself out there. My brother and I used to make little home videos all the time, too.

I remember my parents gifting me a camcorder and a recording radio. I used to always just sing. It was something that was always inside of me. It wasn’t until I moved to Canada that acting became a reality. I was like, “Oh, there’s a theatre school here. You can actually go to acting school and pursue this!” I feel like the passion for it was already there, though, because I already loved being in front of an audience. I wasn’t shy about singing, acting, and dancing.

PC: You’re one of the stars of The CW’s In the Dark. Tell us about your character and what attracted you to the project.
Humberly: I remember getting the call for the audition, and there wasn’t a lot of information except that Vanessa, my character, had a rivalry with the lead. I’m dating her best friend, so I knew there was going to be this feud and competition for her attention. I really tried to embody that attitude.

Vanessa is a bit high maintenance and impatient, and I leaned into that—I think that got me to the audition room and the callback. I remember Michael Showalter (director) was in the room. They were like, “We really love what you did the first time. Just be free with it.” So, I was like, “Okay! I’m going to lean into it.” I love being in rooms where I feel like they’ve already seen something in me because I really have no filter. I felt very free and I really loved the team. It was such a great project to be a part of.

PC: The series has already been picked up for Season 2. Where would you like to see Vanessa’s storyline head?
Humberly: My goodness! So much happened in Season 1. Everybody was like, “There are twists and turns in every episode.” Each episode is like four in one, and I assure you there’s going to be even more in Season 2. We have an incredible team of writers and directors. The creative team is so collaborative and work so well together. They don’t miss a beat; they think of everything! Also, the actors are phenomenal. It was such a great experience working with them.

As far as Vanessa, you may or may not see me in Season 2. I can’t talk about it yet, but it’s exciting that there’s a possibility for that. The story is moving forward: there will be new relationships, characters, drama, and intensity.

PC: Besides In the Dark, you also have two other new projects: Jupiter Legacy and Utopia Falls. Is there anything you can tease about either of those series?
Humberly: I shot Utopia Falls earlier this year. It marked a huge milestone for me: it’s my first role as a lead series regular. I’ve been working towards this ever since I started working professionally four years ago. In this one, I actually get to dance, sing, and act—it’s like a full circle moment. It’s like I get to do all the things that I love, and my character, in particular, is a singer. It’s the first time I got to be in a professional recording studio and record songs. It was a real dream come true for me.

For Jupiter’s Legacy, I got to do stunts for the first time with harnesses and green screens. They were hardcore stunts, which is another milestone I checked off my list. It’s going to be a very fun superhero TV show on Netflix. I don’t think anyone’s seen anything like this, and people are going to be wowed.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Humberly: I’m a big fan of reality TV. I’ve been watching all of Love Island and I love it…also, Bachelor in Paradise. I also always have The Office playing. It’s like my tenth time re-watching it.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Humberly: The Truman Show. I love Jim Carrey and that movie.

PC: Favorite book?
Humberly: I read The Alchemist in both English and Spanish. I’ve been wanting to read more in Spanish. Also, The Giver.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Humberly: I’ve seen Book of Mormon twice. It’s phenomenal. It’s hilarious and shocking. You almost don’t believe what you’re listening to.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Humberly: To be honest, I don’t think anyone would be surprised. I’m the person on social media who posts the #TBT. I know everyone is secretly loving them. So, old school Aly & AJ, Kelly Clarkson, or Ashlee Simpson. I have a soft spot for pop divas.

PC: Hidden talent?
Humberly: I’m really flexible.

To keep up with Humberly, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Binge-watch Season 1 of In the Dark on The CW app.