The Beverly Hilton glowed with purpose on April 24th as the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) hosted its annual Impact Awards Gala. The evening, hosted by the charismatic duo of comedian Chris Estrada and actress Isabella Gomez, served as a powerful tribute to the creators and performers fostering authentic, positive portrayals of the Latino community in modern media.
Amidst the celebration, journalist Emily (Movie Mija) caught up with Gomez on the red carpet to discuss her enduring legacy, the weight of representation, and the future of Latino talent in Hollywood.
The Lasting Legacy of Elena Alvarez
For many fans, Isabella Gomez remains synonymous with Elena Alvarez from the beloved series One Day at a Time. Reflecting on her time playing the trailblazing LGBTQ+ character, Gomez described the experience as a transformative journey that began in a “bubble” of creative freedom.
“It’s been the honor of my life… I’m so happy that we got to do that first season in that bubble without me realizing what it would mean to people. The way that they’ve connected to Elena and me as her vessel has been the most profound experience of my life.”
Gomez admitted that the deeper she got into the role, the more she felt a responsibility to honor the community Elena represented. “I moved for the rest of the next three seasons in a way where I was like, ‘I need to be worthy of such an honor. I need to make sure that I’m telling this story in a way that people feel represented and seen.'”
Navigating Hollywood After “Perfection”
When asked how the role of Elena has influenced her current career choices, Gomez was candid about the high bar set by the show’s writers and cast. She joked that the series “ruined her life” because of how rarely such nuanced roles are offered to Latina actresses.
“Every single piece of that show was perfection… I know what it’s like to play a character that’s so nuanced and so meaningful and so fun and funny and layered—and that’s not usually what Latinas get to do in this industry.”
While she acknowledges the practical reality of being a working actor, Gomez remains intentional about the stories she helps tell. “When I do get the choice, I definitely like to choose characters that portray our community in the way that I know it to be instead of the way that we’re normally portrayed.”
A Call for Mainstream Inclusion
The NHMC Impact Awards celebrate those making waves today, but Gomez is looking toward a future where Latino talent isn’t just confined to “Latino projects.” She expressed a deep admiration for her peers—the “unsung heroes” in their 20s and 30s who are honing their craft and waiting for the door to open wider.
“I love a Latino project… but I also think that there is so much room for us in the white shows and all of these mainstream shows. And I’d love to get to see all of us in there.”
As the gala moved inside to honor the year’s biggest contributors to Latino media, Gomez’s words served as a reminder that while the community has made incredible strides, the ultimate goal remains full, seamless integration into every corner of the entertainment landscape.
