Actress Madelin Marchant: Rejection poses the most significant challenge

Madelin Marchant, a Cuban actress based in Miami, is enjoying a significant career milestone with her role in the Apple TV+ crime comedy Bad Monkey. Starring alongside Vince Vaughn, she plays Inés Campesino, the mother of Natalie Martínez’s character, Rosa Campesino.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve dreamed of being in a TV series. I always thought I’d become a comedian. Well, my dream came true when I landed the role of Inés Campesino, a bossy and nosy mother, in the hit Apple TV+ crime and comedy series Bad Monkey. This series was created by Bill Lawrence, known for other successful shows like Ted Lasso and Scrubs. Currently, ‘Bad Monkey’ is the top series on all digital platforms. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the world premiere in Hollywood in mid-August and walk the red carpet. It was an experience I’ll never forget,” she said.

Marchant has also appeared in several films, including Sorority Secrets, a mystery that aired on Lifetime and is now available on Amazon Prime. “I have a role that appears in multiple scenes, and in the end, she’s the one who helps uncover the culprit. It’s a role that suits any actress, and I’m very grateful that they cast a Latina, as the character could have been of any nationality,” says Marchant.

Scene from Bad Monkey with Madelin Marchant

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

For Marchant, one of the biggest challenges is rejection. “You have to be resilient because we have the talent, but rejection can often dampen our enthusiasm and love for our careers. Thanks to digital platforms, there are now more opportunities for us Latinos, as there are more Latino directors, writers, and producers giving us a chance,” she said.

Marchant added that Latino actors are becoming increasingly important in Hollywood, but there’s still a long way to go. “We continue to advocate for representation in Hollywood and the media. While there have been more opportunities for Latinos in film, the roles have often been given to American actors who use a Latino accent. This is a concern, as it still happens in Hollywood. We haven’t reached the same level of success as North American actors, but we’re gradually appearing more in films, TV, and streaming productions. And as it should be, Latinos are everywhere!”

STREAMING PLATFORMS

Marchant admits that when streaming platforms were first emerging, she resisted watching programming on them. “I grew up going to the movies with my mom and brother weekly. I didn’t understand the obsession with binge-watching a series in one day instead of enjoying it weekly, as was traditional,” she said. She adds that as times changed, she had to adapt and subscribe to the platforms for her family.

“Over time, I realized the advantages and convenience of having access to international film productions in my own home. And for just a monthly fee. People who couldn’t afford to go to the movies can now stay home and enjoy any content they want with their families. It’s also allowed us to watch movies, series, documentaries, and countless productions from around the world, providing an artistic education. We can discover and appreciate international talent from other countries,” she noted.

FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY

When asked about her outlook for the content industry, Marchant expressed excitement about the future of TV. “Every day, there are new projects and programming plans, and many are offering opportunities to Latino actors. If we Latinos live all over the US, Europe, and the world in hundreds of different jobs, why shouldn’t we be represented on TV? As long as there aren’t any strikes from writers or major studios, we’ll continue to see ourselves on the big and small screen.”

STAYING COMPETITIVE

For Marchant, staying relevant in today’s competitive market requires staying up-to-date in all aspects: physically, mentally, and spiritually. “Artistically, one must be prepared for anything. Have monologues, songs, and professional photos ready, an agent or manager (Angélica Torres) who believes in you, and a publicist who supports you in everything and envisions your future success (Dawn Page). Social media presence is crucial. Initially, I struggled to keep up with Instagram, but I eventually got the hang of it, as we Cubans say. I realized its importance. It started as a platform for young people, but now it’s for all ages, even children as young as eight. Facebook and I are good friends; I’ve always found it easier to navigate. It was traditionally for older people, but I enjoy using it.”

Another effective strategy in her career has been building relationships within the entertainment industry and networking to create opportunities. “I’m currently a member of the Latino Filmmakers Network, a non-profit organization founded by my good friend Maylen Calienes ten years ago. This organization is prominent at the annual Sundance Film Festival and in Los Angeles, California. The Latino Filmmakers Network aims to connect, inspire, educate, support, and create opportunities for underrepresented Latinos and storytellers. They promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry by bridging gaps within the community to unite and amplify a powerful Latino voice. This organization continuously supports all Latino artists with workshops, recommendations, opportunities, meetings, and information that empowers us and guides us through this world of both joy and challenges.”