Beauty, brains, talent — every man is looking for a woman who has it all. Even if these women might seem like a magical unicorn, `LLERO knows they exist. Maybe “SHE” is your vecina, the one who got away, or your sister’s BFF. So right here, we’ll be turning the spotlight on the ladies that we all know and love because we know that “SHE” means She Has Everything.
Sultry, yet oh so sweet, there’s just something about Susana Victoria Perez.
Susana Victoria Perez has graced the stage, making her mark in a 10-week run in the off Broadway play All About Meat and strutted in front of cameras appearing in the second season series premiere of CBS’ “Blue Bloods” opposite Donnie Wahlberg. Yet, one can’t help but feel that things are only heating up for this model, actress and all around girl next door. Perez is the leading lady in The Devil’s Breath, a thriller flick that according to her, “is half in Spanish and half in English,” and is also finishing up a period piece where she play’s none other than Dracula’s wife. Perez spoke to ‘LLERO about being a proud Latina, what telenovelas have taught her about love what she really looks for in a guy.
`LL: How did having a multicultural upbringing influence you as a Latina?
SP: I grew up in Colombia and then I moved to Venezuela where I lived for four years and finished high school. After that I moved to the US at 18 where I resided in Miami. Ultimately headed to New York City. The multicultural life that I’ve been blessed to have has really made me richer as a person. I love encountering different cultures and it has made me a very open-mind person who is accepting of various backgrounds, especially here in New York where you are surrounded by people from all over the world. I guess as a Latina, I feel very lucky because having my childhood and teenage years in South America really gave me the base of who I am. My Colombian roots are very much still here.
`LL: What is it about acting that continues to motivate you as an artist?
SP: The power of storytelling that’s in the hands of an actor is, I believe, one of the most important forms of communication in the world. That motivates me to tell stories that matter about our culture. I feel it’s my duty to show Latinos are not just drug dealers, prostitutes, or pimps. I have the power in my hands to shape the image that the world has about us. I really take that as one of my main focuses as an actor. It’s my calling, my passion. I don’t see myself doing anything else.
`LL: Your career as an actress has also provided volunteer opportunities. Talk to us more about your volunteer work.
SP: I teach improvisation and acting to kids ages 7-18. I never really had that growing up, someone who was a mentor. And they are just so much fun to work with because kids, especially younger ones, have no inhibitions. They’ll tell you everything and anything! They’re the best actors because they’re not second-guessing themselves.
`LL: You’ve appeared in several soap operas for Univision and Telemundo. What have telenovelas taught you about love?
SP: The passion of it all, which is the way, Latinos are. Even for people who are not Latino, they can watch a soap opera and relate to that passion, which is why several telenovelas have become TV shows here in the US, like “Ugly Betty”. I think it’s beautiful [that] these stories of love by Latinos can be translated, or at least toned down, for other markets.
`LL: Is it safe to say that passion in telenovelas also applies when it comes to lust?
SP: Yes. I mean sometimes, telenovelas could exemplify that a little too over the top, but I grew up watching them, so I don’t find it as alarming as it really is…I don’t know, I’m very open about it. Passion and sexuality go hand in hand.
`LL: Where do you feel more like yourself, on stage or in front of the camera?
SP: It depends on the character, but I studied theatre in the beginning of my career, so I feel that it’s still home to me. I’m slowly trying to change that because I’m doing more TV and film now, which allows you to be more realistic, as opposed to being theatrical (laughs). But I guess in my nature I am very animated so the stage suits me. I can be as loud and big as I can be.
`LL: What would men be surprised to learn about you?
SP: My other passions besides acting are cooking and eating. I have a huge appetite, which I guess it’s not something very attractive to tell guys, but don’t be fooled; sometimes men love that, a woman with a good appetite. I’m also a huge wine nerd. That’s the key to my heart, good food and good wine. It’s so easy. If guys only knew!
`LL: What’s your favorite thing about Latino men?
SP: My favorite thing would have to be when a Latino man is a caballero. I grew up seeing my father treating my mother like a queen. When men have that, it’s priceless.
`LL: Your least favorite?
SP: They’re very stubborn (laughs). I’m stubborn as well!
`LL: For our final question. Any advice for single men?
SP: If you like a girl, just go for it. Have the courage to just say what you feel. You never know, she might be the person for you. Don’t be afraid to be rejected.