by Linda Castillo
You may have seen Andrea Navedo in one of her television roles on One Life to Live, Guiding Light or Law & Order and now this talented, beautiful, Bronx-born actress is playing Xiomara “Xo” Villanueva in the critically acclaimed comedy-drama series, Jane the Virgin.
Jane the Virgin series has an over-the-top plot with a twenty something pregnant virgin, love triangle, murder, and reemergence of father figure. Andrea plays among an all-star cast including Golden Globe winner for Best Actress in TV Comedy Series Gina Rodriguez, Yael Grobglas, Justin Baldoni, Ivonne Coll, Brett Dier and Jaime Camil to name a few.
In Andrea’s role she plays Jane’s loving and protective mother. Andrea knew immediately after the audition she was meant to play this role. She can relate to her character Xo who has so much depth. Xo is funny, smart, insecure, tough and vulnerable all at the same time. “I am a mom. I know what it feels like to be a mom and to pursue their dream and struggle to find balance” said Andrea.
Andrea has a lot of fun working with such an amazing cast and stepping out of her comfort zone with the scenes requiring singing and dancing. “I am not a singer but playing Xiomara I am able to act like a singer.” And while Andrea had always wanted to take dance as a child she doesn’t have a dance background. She works diligently with a choreographer to perform in those fun dance scenes. You can see her in action doing the milkshake dance.
Jane the Virgin has had many guest appearances by Paulina Rubio and Juanes who leave many star struck. When asked about whom was an inspirational actor/actress for her growing up, Andrea shared a personal story of when her father took her to see Dracula at the age of 8. Seeing Raúl Juliá, a fellow Boricua perform in Dracula left a lasting impression on her. She hadn’t seen Latinos on TV or in a movie before. She closely followed his performing career in his roles in The Addams Family, Tempest, and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Playing this dream role has been a journey with a lot of hard work, dedication and has not come without sacrifices. Andrea presently lives in New York and films Jane the Virgin in California taking precious time away from being with her children. “I am a very hands-on mom. I have never had a babysitter to fill in. I make breakfast, dinner, snacks, and take my kids to their activities – register for ice hockey, set up play date. Mom guilt comes to play. Jane the Virgin has been a blessing for me and my children’s future,” explained the dedicated mom.
In this role, Andrea has become a role model for so many. She shared some words of wisdom for aspiring actresses out there. “Focus on your craft and tools as an actor. Be the best actor that you can be and not your looks. You are only going to be cute for so long,” advised Andrea.
Jane the Virgin is changing the landscape of television offering more diversity and portraying Latinos in a real way. Andrea said she is proud to be a part of a show that is portrayed in an “honest light not idealized, not the hand painted perfect TV family. What I like about our characters is that they may not greatest choices but the characters are there for each other. The characters are 3-dimensional.”
You can watch Andrea in the next episode of Jane the Virgin airing every Monday on The CW at 9:00 pm PST.