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Chicago actors
Tip No. 7: Be ambiguously ethnic
Photo Assistant: Ryan Van Ert; Groomer: Traci FeinHere’s what we know about Monica Lopez: The 28-year-old is a gifted non-Equity actor. She’s radiant enough to glow in the dark, and her technical precision and emotional economy lend her a compelling stage presence. We also know that she can play Latina, Egyptian and “color blind” (that’s industry-speak for productions that cast nonwhite actors in traditionally white roles).
We know these things because, unlike a lot of actors, Lopez works fairly consistently in Chicago.
Here’s what we don’t know about her: Can she play the girl next door?
Lopez delivers a resounding yes. “More than anything,” she says, “I just want to play a character named Susie Smith.”
Yet it’s rare that anyone casts her as such. Lopez has considered changing her last name (in addition to revealing her heritage, her name is shared with an adult-film star). A fourth-generation American whose Mexican-American father and Caucasian mother raised her in get-me-the-hell-out-of-here Lorain, Ohio, Lopez is proud of her heritage—but also proud to play outside of it.
“Stories are stories and struggles are struggles,” she says. But while her ambiguously ethnic look has helped her win some juicy roles—she most recently played a frustrated post–September 11 Egyptian novelist in Silk Road Theatre Project’s Our Enemies—it just as often lands her in a pigeonhole.
“Whenever I get called in to play a 60-year-old Guatemalan woman,” Lopez says, “I know it’s gotten out of control.”
Next gig Her voice will be heard in a yet-unnamed video game by Marvel 2, to be released this fall.
Time Out Chicago / Issue 165 : Apr 24–30, 2008
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My dear Monica.... to the little girl who I once told could do and be anything you wanted to do and be.... I see you learned your lesson well, and just look what you have become, exactly what I knew you could.... a beautiful and talented woman who i couldn't be prouder of.... Today's lesson - Recipe for Success.... follow your heart.... ignore the static.... focus your efforts.... enjoy the ride.... you'll never be sorry.... I love you.... Butch.... Sue & Sammie too !
uncle Chuckie loves you and is so proud of you.Call me if you would like to come visit.We own a timeshare and we will hook you up with an awesome place to stay!!
I just read the ambiguously ethnic article and I must say Monica Lopez is beautiful and I'm sure she is extremely talented.I have been living in so.Cal for 4 years and know how it feels to want to get the hell out of here[my home town].She would be a real gem here in Cali.I'm starting to look for 'extra's' roles and this place has many oppurtunities.As far as her changing her name."Don't sweat it kid,you'll be bigger than that undisirable who happens to share your beautiful name."Best wishes!!!
HOLA MY MONI,I AM AT TIA ANNAS AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I SEE NTHIS WEB SITE AND YOU ARE ABSOULUTELY GORGEOUS AND HAVE SUCH A STRONG POISE ABOUT YOURSELF I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!
Monica, You are truly amazing and beautiful Aunty Mary is so proud!
Beautiful Monica, We are so proud of you!!!! We love you little cuz!!!! Can't wait to come and see you in Chicago! Love , Cuz Jackie and Danny and all the kids
My cousin you are so beautiful!! Im so proud of you! I cant wait to come see you in Chicago.