The future of Hollywood looks bright with rising star Tess Romero leading the way. Last year, the gifted young actress became a household name with her starring role in Disney+’s Diary of a Future President.
The family dramedy follows a young Cuban-American girl as she embarks on her journey to becoming Commander in Chief.
Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Tess about her career, Season 2 of Diary of a Future President, and the responsibility she felt representing various communities that want to see their stories represented on screen.
PC: How did you discover your passion for acting and storytelling?
Tess: I’ve always been into movies and TV shows. I remember when I was about four, I was watching The Fresh Beat Band and Dora the Explorer. I wanted to be in those shows. My parents had to explain to me that was physically impossible, and they told me that’s what actors do. I was like, “Okay, cool. I want to be an actor then.”
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Tess: Personally, my parents are super great and supportive. My dad worked in independent film for a while, so he knows about the industry. So, my parents have been my biggest inspiration.
PC: You’re one of the stars of Diary of a Future President, and this is your biggest role to date. Has anything surprised you about the experience?
Tess: A lot of things have surprised me. Diary was my first time on a big TV show as a recurring character, not to mention one of the leads. It’s been a crazy experience. I was surprised by how nice everyone is, from the cast to the crew. Everyone is so warm, loving, and kind. I’ve heard, and I continue to hear, that not every set is like this; not every project is like this. We really lucked out. Everybody’s been really great. The crew is always so warm, welcoming, and super excited to show me what they do and explain to me what’s going on, which I love, and I’ve gotten super close with the cast. I love everybody who I work with, so I’ve been really lucky.
PC: This character and role have meant a great deal to various communities that want to see themselves represented on screen. What has that positive response meant to you? Did that bring any pressure heading into Season 2?
Tess: It’s so cool to see this whole community that has resonated with this show. It’s been amazing because we have so much representation on this show, from Latinx and LGBTQ+ representation to female empowerment. It’s amazing to see that it’s resonating with people.
I didn’t realize the pressure until I started doing interviews. Everyone has said, “What is it like speaking for your entire Hispanic community?” I’m like, “Oh my God. I didn’t think about it that way, but it’s been good.” Going into Season 2, I tried to ditch all of that. I had the same mindset that I had going into Season 1: that we’re filming a TV show.
PC: Which was your favorite scene to film in Season 1?
Tess: I don’t know if I can pick a favorite, which might be a copout. Every scene was so much fun and has different memories attached to it. I really liked the scene between Elena and her brother Bobby, played by Charlie [Bushell], during and after the dance. That fight scene was super fun to film, and then after the dance when they come together. They’re talking, and they’re both dealing with their own issues. It was such a nice, sweet moment when she put her head on his shoulder. It’s really cute and sibling-y. That was really fun to film.
PC: Season 2 is airing now. What can fans expect?
Tess: Fans can expect a lot of new things, a lot of changes. Elena is growing, maturing, and so are all the other characters in her family. There are a lot of different things happening in their lives. You can expect new characters, new situations, new relationships with old characters. Expect a lot of change, but it’s still sweet, funny, and cute. It has the same essence of Season 1, but I think we really stepped it up this season.
PC: If you had to describe the second season in a hashtag, what would it be?
Tess: #HereforYou, which is Elena’s campaign slogan.
PC: You don’t have to give any spoilers, but is there a particular episode that you’re really excited for your fans to see this season?
Tess: I like them all. It’s different filming it and then watching it. I think my favorite episodes are three, five, six, and nine. Be on the lookout for those!
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Tess: The Bachelor.
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Tess: I’m proud of everything I watch. I love a good chick flick. I love a rom-com. I’m very proud to tell people that. Maybe Blended with Adam Sandler? But again, I’m proud of it.
PC: Favorite book?
Tess: Perks of Being a Wallflower.
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Tess: Six.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tess: Vampire Weekend, Mom Jeans, and Nirvana.
PC: Dream role?
Tess: It would be so cool to be in a period piece where I could wear fun costumes and speak with an accent.
To keep up with Tess, follow her on Instagram. Watch Diary of a Future President today on Disney+.
Photo Credit: Francis Hills
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