In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month we are joined by a delightful panel of professionals from the stage, screen and behind the scenes for a special roundtable discussion. Multicultural TV Talk host Juan Ayala is joined by Phillip Garcia, currently starring in Freevee series Sprung; television and film director Gabriela Tagliavini, whose latest project Christmas With You stars Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr.; and stage and screen actor Eric Anthony Lopez, currently starring in Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera and the upcoming Disney+ film Chang Can Dunk.

The group shared the individuals who made them feel the most represented in entertainment, from actor-comedians George Lopez and Cheech Marin, to Academy Award-winning directors Guillermo Del Toro, Alfonso Cuarón and Alejandro Iñárritu. 

When the trio was asked “is now the best time to be a Hispanic in entertainment?” to which Tagliavini quickly responded “Yes! I see a change in front of the camera, there are more actors that are Latinos, there are more Latinos directing television. The female directors in film are still low but I think finally the Latino population is growing in the US and the numbers don’t lie so it’s a great time to create products for our community.”

Garcia, who has made guest appearances in Criminal Minds, Scandal, and Mayans MC, has also appeared in national commercials for major brands like State Farm, McDonalds, and Walmart and spoke on the increase in diversity and representation beyond just television and film, but also in commercials and advertising. “It was tough for me at first, in 2011 I booked maybe two commercials. But then [over the years] all of my Latin friends, my Asian friends and Indian friends started booking a lot. It’s a wonderful time to be an actor of color. I’m very happy to be on that wave.”

Lopez chimed in, noting that representation has not just increased for performers but for all positions behind the scenes as well, particularly on Broadway, from assistants to dressers and makeup artists. “You’re getting a really diverse group of people and it’s really something. It’s a nice time and we obviously still have work to do but it’s nice to see things shifting behind the camera, behind the stage and onstage.”

Watch the full conversation above, or choose your favorite podcast platform below to tune in.