Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Turner & Hooch’s Cristina Rosato

For over a decade, Cristina Rosato has captivated audiences with her outstanding performances across film and television. She’s brought iconic characters to life in projects including Trauma, 21 Thunder, Little Italy, and dozens more.

Currently, she can be seen in Disney+’s Turner & Hooch, where she shines as an earnest and enthusiastic Oakland police officer.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Cristina about her multifaceted career, Turner & Hooch, and so much more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts and storytelling?
Cristina: I was the kid who always made my parents’ dinner guests watch me perform a play that I made up or my rendition of a Madonna or Tina Turner song.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence in your career?
Cristina: My late acting coach Jacqueline McClintock in Montreal. I started taking her classes when I was nineteen, and she became a dear friend and mentor. She pushed me to throw myself wholeheartedly into acting. I also made lifelong friends in that class. I would study with Jacqueline on and off until she passed away nine years ago. I still hear her guiding me through scenes when I’m feeling stuck.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout the years. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Cristina: Honestly, I would say my very first time on set. It was a student film and I had no clue what I was doing. But I knew I had found something that worked for me. I immediately wanted to study acting and really work at learning more about it.

PC: Tell us about Turner & Hooch, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Cristina: Turner & Hooch takes place years after the classic 1989 film, which starred Tom Hanks. The series is a fun action-comedy starring Josh Peck (and Hooch).

I play Olivia, a cop from the Midwest. She’s sweet and fun but can also really turn on the “tough cop” mode when she needs to.

I loved the film growing up, and when I heard about the TV series I was so excited! Olivia is a fun character to play, and I was thrilled to be a part of this project with all its amazing creators.

PC: How did you and Brandon [Jay McLaren] approach the dynamic between your two characters?
Cristina: Brandon and I had a blast with our characters’ relationship. Xavier (Brandon’s character) is such an eccentric and hilarious role. Olivia is sort of his very sweet counterpart, and together they are all about PDA and kicking butt. I’m hoping fans of the show will be team #Xalivia.

PC: What can you tease about Olivia’s arc in the first season?
Cristina: Well, Olivia and Xavier don’t live in the same city, so they may have some ups and downs…

PC: You also wrote a children’s book during the pandemic. What can fans expect when they pick up A Hero Too?
Cristina: A Hero Too is a children’s book about the pandemic. I wrote it with my cousin Lara Villani in partnership with Save the Children. The goal was to help parents, teachers, and caregivers talk about big feelings with young children. The eBook is free, and 100% of the proceeds of the physical version are going to Save the Children’s emergency relief efforts on the ground.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Cristina: Love Island.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Cristina: Point Break.

PC: Favorite book?
Cristina: Untamed by Glennon Doyle.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Cristina: The Rose Tattoo by Tennessee Williams.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Cristina: Leonard Cohen.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Cristina: Marisa Tomei.

To keep up with Cristina, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Turner & Hooch on Disney+.

Photo Credit: Jonny Marlow