DANIELLE LARRACUENTE

Introducing the vibrant actress DANIELLE LARRACUENTE, whose journey from beauty pageants to Bosch: Legacy is nothing short of captivating. In this exclusive interview, Danielle shares poignant anecdotes from her past, revealing how her early days on the pageant stage ignited a passion for performance that ultimately led her to the world of acting. With a flair for storytelling and a background rooted in community involvement, Danielle's portrayal of Officer Paulina Calderon in Bosch: Legacy is not only informed by her parents' NYPD legacy but also by her own experiences as a Latina woman navigating the entertainment industry. As she prepares to make her mark in Jennifer Lopez's upcoming film "This Is Me…Now," Danielle's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to representation serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring actors everywhere. Join us as we delve into Danielle's multifaceted world, where resilience, authenticity, and a deep-seated passion for storytelling reign supreme.

Hi Danielle! Your journey from beauty pageants to Bosch: Legacy is fascinating. Can you share a memorable moment from your early years in beauty pageants that set the stage for your acting career?

Hi guys! As I look back during this period, I can definitely say that it is when the performing bug bit me! As I was walking the stage in the beauty pageants, I remember feeling like this is where I felt happy, and I couldn’t wait until my next pageant. I realized that being in pageants I only performed, but acting required story telling with performing and I was hooked.

Playing Officer Paulina Calderon in Bosch: Legacy is a unique experience, especially with your parents being retired NYPD officers. How did their insights influence your portrayal of a rookie cop?

Omg their guidance helped me big time! From the way I stand in uniform as an officer-to how I would approach certain types of police duties- like doing a car stop and everything in between. The pressure was on when my dad mentioned to me, “come on you are a cop’s daughter, you got to make sure it looks real!” But I also learned some important points from my mom because as a female officer, her approach to handling certain types of duties was not the same as the way a male officer would approach it.

Bosch: Legacy is a continuation of the beloved series. How does it feel to join such an established cast, and how do you bring a fresh perspective to the show?

Being cast in Bosch Legacy was literally a pinch me moment. Being a fan myself of the original Bosch, I felt so honored to act alongside the actors that I admire. The fact that Maddie and I now play rookie cops and the show follows the journey, it gives the fresh perspective. I also think that being a Latina woman in that line of work allows me to bring that specific fresh perspective.

Moving from Westchester, NY, to Los Angeles at 15 is a bold move. What challenges did you face in pursuing your dreams, and how did those experiences shape you?

Yes, I really was, and I am so grateful I did. I faced many challenges being Latina and having curves. I faced a lot of no’s and the opportunities were just not available to me. However, these experiences gave me more insight and stability to develop into the person I am today. Because of the adversities I faced early on, I am more confident in my talents, my culture, and what I represent, as I know it is so much bigger than me. I feel that I am sending a message to young Latina girls that when they see me, they know they can do it too!

Congratulations on your role in Jennifer Lopez's upcoming film "This Is Me…Now." Can you give us a sneak peek into your character and what it was like working with J Lo?

 I play one of JLO’s friends and I follow her throughout the film helping her through different aspects of her life during her relationships. Working with JLO literally was a DREAM come true! JLO was always an inspiration in my life growing up and played a significant part of how I presented myself in terms of what Latina beauty standards were, and she was a staple in my household. I can remember watching her in Selena and acting out every scene preparing to be just like her one day. I am so honored to have met and worked with her.  There are no words to express how wonderful she is inside and out and that encompasses all the incredible things she has done and accomplished to pave the way for Latinas.

Your son, Benson, is making his mark in Sofia Vergara's "Griselda." How does it feel to share the screen, albeit in different projects, with your son, and what advice do you give him as he steps into the entertainment world?

Working as an actor in this industry alongside my son is so special. I feel so lucky that we can share this passion together! Well, my advice to my son is what I give to myself. There is only one you, that is what sets you apart from everyone else. Nobody can portray a role the way you can, so OWN IT. Once You own your individuality you can see that your dreams are always within reach and attainable.

Being a mother, actress, and advocate is quite a balancing act. How do you manage your time between your professional and personal commitments?

Google calendar haha lol. But in actuality it is quite easy for me when I am having fun. Responsibilities and jobs always seem so much more doable when you are enjoying yourself!

Your advocacy work for women’s empowerment and Latino charities is commendable. Can you share a specific initiative or cause that holds a special place in your heart, and why?

One organization I am very happy to be a part of is Soroptimist. Which is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve personal and economic empowerment and dreams.

Growing up with parents in law enforcement, community involvement was ingrained in your upbringing. How do you continue to stay connected to your community despite your busy schedule?

Staying connected definitely comes from the little village I created for myself. For anyone in the industry especially Latinas coming up, I highly suggest surrounding yourself with people and family who keep you grounded and remind you what’s most important. So, I always make it a point to bring along my community on my journey as it reminds me of where I came from.

"The Latina who kept trucking" is a fantastic book title! Can you elaborate on a particular moment in your career where this mantra resonated the most with you?

Yes!! Omg I do have a moment that encapsulates that book title. I have a daily routine that I use to motivate myself-- especially when a door closes on something I may have wanted. But one particular memory that pops up for me is when I became a mom, I decided to go back into acting as I had taken a break.  I wanted my son to know to always go after his dreams no matter what. So, I pushed through in that moment even though I had many naysayers tell me I couldn’t. Having my son was and continues to be my biggest inspiration.

Zumba, salsa, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, boxing, and hiking – that's quite the array of interests! How do these activities contribute to your overall well-being and help you stay grounded?

I feel like moving your body, especially in a fun way, is crucial to your wellbeing. Being that my background growing up was in martial arts, kickboxing and boxing, grounds me and remind me of the principles I grew up with in martial arts.

Your journey includes a B.S. in Psychology from The University of Phoenix. How has your background in psychology influenced your approach to portraying characters, especially as Officer Paulina Calderon?

That was one of the best decisions I ever made. My degree in Psychology helped me understand human behavior on a higher level. There is always a reason why people behave a certain way. At school one of my professors would always express that you don’t have to agree with the behavior, but just understand the behavior and as an academic in psychology, dive in without judgement. That is how I feel as an actor. Some characters I may not agree with their actions, but my job is not to judge but to understand and tell the story.

Your parents played a crucial role in supporting your dreams. What's a piece of advice from them that you carry with you to this day?

My mom always says “fake it until you make it” or “closed mouths don’t get fed.” Both are great examples of good advice to help in terms of putting your best foot forward and not being afraid to go for what you want!

If you could collaborate with any actor or director in the industry, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Wow! God! Where do I even start! First off, even though I already worked with JLO, I would absolutely love to work on more projects with her, the creativity she inspires is amazing. I would love to work with Viola Davis. She is such a beautiful actor and storyteller, and I love her raw and authentic upbringing she talks about. It is so motivating!  I would also die to work again with Shonda Rhimes, I have been practicing my English accent. Bridgerton is a dream!

With so many achievements under your belt, what keeps you hungry for more in your acting career?

THE STORY! I am a storyteller and artist. That is how I express myself, and every time I see a movie or show that inspires me it motivates me to keep going!

The entertainment industry is evolving rapidly. How do you see yourself contributing to the changing landscape, especially for Latina actors?

My contribution will be on inclusion. As a Latino actor I want us to be seen playing roles in every genre, not just roles that are based on being Latino. We need more representation of Latinos, and I am here to be that and push the narrative forward to helping other actors be seen as well!

Can you share a specific instance where following your intuition led to a positive outcome in your career?

Yes. One time I had a role that I booked where the character really did not align with my morals or values, yet I was not in any position to turn down anything. Although this was the first role I booked in a long time, I ended up turning it down as it wasn’t the career path I envisioned for myself. Within a week I booked another job and bigger role. The way the dates lined up I wouldn’t have been available for this bigger job. So, sticking to my morals and values worked out very positively for me.

Looking ahead to 2024, what's a personal or professional goal you're most excited about pursuing in the coming year?

A goal of mine is to book a series regular role on a network show. I feel it is the next step for me, and I am ready.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? (Open question. Could be a title/a genre/a made-up book/ your own book, etc)

She CAN and she DID!! As I expressed earlier, when I initially came to Los Angeles to pursue my acting career, although I had some bookings, there were many obstacles I had to overcome being a curvy Latina, but I am grateful for my perseverance as it got me to where I am today.