Exclusive Interview: Vivian Lamolli on How ‘Say A Little Prayer’ Is Changing the Narrative for Latinas in Rom-Coms and Film

Vivian Lamolli has built a career defined by authenticity and a commitment to meaningful storytelling. With a body of work spanning television, film, theater, and music, she consistently brings depth and artistry to every project. From her breakout performance in East Los High to standout appearances in hit series like NCIS and S.W.A.T., Vivian has showcased her versatility while championing diverse voices. Whether performing on screen or on stage, her work makes audiences feel seen and heard.

In Say A Little Prayer, Vivian captivates as Cristina, a woman navigating love, friendship, and personal growth. The film follows three best friends who, in a moment of hope and desperation, recite an ancient prayer to the patron saint of “all things lost,” seeking their true loves. What follows is an unexpected turn of events that breaks their hearts and tests their friendship. Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Antonio, the movie celebrates community and culture while challenging stereotypes with its focus on three complex, empowered women. Drawing from her own experiences and family connections, Vivian infuses Cristina with heart, resilience, and hope—a testament to her talent and dedication.

We sat down with Vivian to discuss her transformative role in Say A Little Prayer, the importance of representation on and off screen, sisterhood, and how this project is shaping the future for storytelling that amplifies underrepresented communities.

PC: There’s such a beautiful sentiment in the film about how art calls to its owner. What was it about Say A Little Prayer and this character that spoke to you?
Vivian: Cristina, my character, has so many layers, just like the film itself. We were fortunate to have San Antonio as our backdrop—a city that felt like a character in its own right. I’d visited before, but experiencing it through the lens of creating art was something entirely different. It opened my eyes to just how vibrant and artful this town is. They say, “San Antonio is amor,” meaning love, and you can feel that in how the community shares their art with one another. It’s stunning, both visually and through its performances.

Cristina is full of love, too. She has these two best friends and takes on the role of a mother figure—not just to them but also as a mom and nurturer in her own life. She’s always there to give advice, yet she’s also on her own journey to find that missing piece of love for herself. Being a single mom, it’s not always easy to put yourself back out there, and that’s something I connected with deeply. On top of that, she’s an entrepreneur and a total badass, which I absolutely loved about her. Together, this trio of friends leans on each other to take on San Antonio, and their bond is as inspiring as it is fun.

PC: Without giving too much away, your character’s journey, as you said, is about letting her guard down and grappling with the internal struggle of being a single mom opening herself to love again. How did you get into the mindset of this character and where does she sit within you?
Vivian: I love that question because it takes me back to the research I did. I spoke with several moms and was incredibly moved by their stories. I also drew inspiration from my own family. I had the chance to sit down with my sister and sister-in-law to talk about the realities of being working moms—juggling their careers, caring for their little ones, and staying present. Those conversations gave me such a deep appreciation for their strength and resilience, and it really informed how I approached Cristina.

Cristina is also Puerto Rican and from the Bronx, while I’m from Miami, so there was this cultural connection that felt like a win for me as an Afro-Latina. It resonated deeply with me, being Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Italian. I thought, “Yes, I get to bring so much of myself into this role.” And playing a mom felt particularly special because I’m a soon-to-be mommy myself. It was such a meaningful experience to step into Cristina’s shoes both culturally and emotionally.

PC: Congratulations again! That’s actually the perfect segue to my next question. It’s so important for the media we consume to reflect the world we live in. Nancy [De Los Santos-Reza] wrote this script to address the gaps she noticed in the rom-com space, where Latinos have been underrepresented. What does it mean to you to know that you and everyone involved are ensuring that future generations will now be able to see themselves in this genre?
Vivian: It means the world to the entire team. Nancy has become so near and dear to my heart. She’s not just a producer and writer I look up to—she’s someone who inspires me deeply. What’s funny is she’ll tell you she made this film out of anger, which is such a unique perspective. She was angry that Latinas haven’t been at the forefront of stories like these. And if we are, it’s often in roles that perpetuate stereotypes—always sad, hopeless, housekeepers (which is an honorable profession but has been overused), or even worse, overly sexualized characters that cast a negative light on our culture.

Nancy wanted to change that, and she did so beautifully by creating three distinct, multifaceted Latina leading ladies. It’s such an honor to be part of this project. Our lead producer, Cristina Nava, who is Mexicana and Chicana, is equally incredible and inspiring. And Patrick [Perez Vidauri], our director, gave the women the space to truly lead, which was such a magical and empowering experience. Everything aligned perfectly at just the right time, and I feel so blessed to be part of a film that will pave the way for better representation in the rom-com genre.

PC: As you were saying, representation isn’t just in front of the camera—it’s behind it as well. How does that comfort and environment allow you to take more creative risks in your performance and bring authenticity to the screen, especially in a genre where improvisation is encouraged?
Vivian: It was exactly that. There are so many moments in the film where we improvised, and you can feel it when you watch—it’s in those little giggles or laughs, and sometimes in the bilingual exchanges. If you know, you know. Is that how the kids say it these days? [laughs] I can’t believe I didn’t know that.

But having that representation behind the camera made all the difference. It felt like such a safe space—safe to take risks, make bold choices, and really move freely within the character. What I loved most was that we became a familia—not just the cast, but the entire crew. Between takes, we’d all hang out, get to know one another, and share our traditions. We fully embraced the Tejano culture, which blends Mexican and Texan influences. Coming from more of a Caribbean background myself, it was such a new and exciting world for me. I was completely enthralled with the Tejano music and traditions.

That environment made it easy to play off each other and have fun, which is so crucial in this genre. It was truly a collaborative and joyful experience.

PC: Rewriting the narrative and embracing the culture. You also have a strong desire to produce. How has your work behind the scenes impacted the way you approach acting and vice versa?
Vivian: It feels so much more normal now. [laughs] I think sometimes acting and the entertainment industry as a whole get placed on this pedestal, made to feel almost untouchable. But when something feels untouchable, you’re not creating a space where people can truly be themselves. For me, it’s about normalizing this work—seeing it as an everyday job, but one that we’re passionate about. That’s such a good place to be in, creatively and personally.

The entertainment industry can be tough to break into, but I think we’re slowly normalizing it by shifting the focus. It’s not just about “stars” or “celebrities.” I love what I do because it’s meaningful to me, and I feel so blessed to be able to do it by the grace of God. What matters most is ensuring that we’re highlighting real lives and real stories. It’s not about fame or the spotlight—it’s about sharing who we are and showcasing our culture on a global platform. That’s what keeps me inspired, both as an actor and as someone passionate about producing.

PC: You touched on this earlier, but there’s a beautiful sisterhood between the three main characters, and I love how they hold space for one another. Who have been the women in your own life who have held space for you in a similar way? Did you channel them into that dynamic?
Vivian: Oh, absolutely. Thank you for asking that—it really takes me back to those moments when I was reflecting on motherhood and wondering when it would happen for me. Now, seeing it come to fruition is such a beautiful thing.

The women in my life who have held space for me are truly incredible. First and foremost, my mom, Jackie, and my tías. I also have an amazing best friend named Liz. She’s the definition of a hardworking, badass woman. When you think of a boss, that’s her. All of them have children, and they balance so much—working, raising their kids, and pursuing their dreams, all while creating a better future for their families. It’s the epitome of strength and love.

So yes, my mom, Liz, my sister Adriana, my sister-in-law Taylor, my grandmother…the list could go on forever. These women have all shaped me and inspired the sisterhood I channeled into the dynamic between the characters.

PC: Love that. Something I’ve always appreciated about you is that you’re an artist who wants to create. You’ve worked on projects of all sizes. What is it about independent filmmaking that excites you as a creative and storyteller? How does this environment fuel your artistic soul?
Vivian: It’s so interesting. I love working on big projects with industry titans like Paramount, and I’ve had amazing experiences with procedurals like NCIS and S.W.A.T., as well as multi-cam productions. But there’s something uniquely special about independent filmmaking—it’s so grassroots and collaborative. It’s the kind of environment where everyone comes together, and you gain a much deeper understanding of what goes into every aspect of production.

With independent films, I’ve had the chance to learn about the work of gaffers, lighting crews, and everyone behind the camera. I’ve even been able to shadow directors, which has been such a gift. I feel like I have more freedom to ask questions, and over time, I’ve gotten braver about doing that—even on bigger studio sets. Independent filmmaking, though, is incredibly hands-on. You can connect with everyone on the team, from the script supervisor to the post-production crew, and it’s so valuable to see the process from start to finish.

What excites me most is how approachable and immersive it feels. You’re not just acting—you’re seeing how things like casting and post-production come together, which isn’t always the case with larger studio projects. That perspective has been so helpful as I’ve started producing. I’ve worked on a few projects as a producer, and every time I’m on an indie set, I learn something new about how people bring their visions to life in their own unique ways.

PC: I love that you always put the art first. You’ve gotten to see this film with a live audience. There’s something so special about experiencing that in a shared space. What has that been like?
Vivian: There’s truly nothing like it. I was just telling our producer that I’m planning to surprise people in my hometown when the film screens there! Hopefully, by the time this is out, I’ll have already done it. I really want to experience that moment with them.

I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen the movie, but it’s always so special to witness the audience’s reaction—how they relate to the story, what resonates with them, and the conversations they have afterward about the different themes. The film is so layered, and people connect to it in so many ways. It’s not just women who see themselves in it—men do too. It’s not only about falling in love; it’s about relocating, starting over, and holding onto hope for the future.

This movie is a celebration of hope and culture, and every time I see an audience engage with it, it fills me with so much excitement and gratitude.

PC: Outside of this film, what’s next for you?
Vivian: Well, outside of bringing little Kaleb into the world—which will be my favorite production and the best role of my life—there’s a lot on the horizon. I’m excited to collaborate with friends on their projects and support what they’re building. Many of them are creating amazing work for our culture and the Latino community, which is so inspiring.

Beyond that, I’m trusting God to guide me and letting the wind take me where it’s meant to. I’m keeping my heart open to new projects and opportunities. There are a few things in the works, but I’m just excited for what’s ahead and ready for whatever comes my way.

To keep up with Vivian, follow her on Instagram. Say A Little Prayer is out in select theaters now.

Photo Credit: Brad Everett Young