Tia Texada

Tia Texada: My parents knew, from the time I was little, that acting is what I wanted to do. I became really creative, and then I knew, and my whole family knew that I'd be very creative. When I was about to give up, they were always there to say, 'don't give up. You gotta do what you've gotta do.' I was so fortunate because my parents were so supportive. I think they wanted me to go to college. I tried.

Tia Texada: Things are starting to change. I'm seeing the changes in the scripts that are coming to me. It (all adds up to) long hours, but it's worth it. When people come up to you and say, 'Oh my God, I love that show,' then you know you're doing something interesting.

(Referring to the few roles that are available for Latinas) Tia Texada: Usually go to Jennifer, Salma or Penelope. Box office is huge. If a role comes up, they're going to want Jennifer because she has great box office appeal. These are things that I'm learning.

Tia Texada: I pick what comes to me. It's very difficult, and I'm not afraid to say that. I went in for a role, and I really wanted to play it, but they said I was too ethnic looking for it. I have to accept that.

(Referring to her character's personality on Third Watch) Tia Texada: People tell me: That doesn't even look like you! That's the way it should be. Most of the parts I play don't even look like me. I love it. That means I'm doing my job.

(Referring about her character on Third Watch) Tia Texada: My character is quite intense. She's layered. And that's how we are as Latin women. We're layered and we have so much complexity. That's what makes us beautiful.

(Answer to when asked what she wanted to be when she was young) Tia Texada: I either wanted to be a nun, or a hula dancer. Those are the extremes I'd go to. So, I'd practice my hula, and say my prayers.