“You gotta believe there’s a little magic sometimes,” says Liza Cólon-Zayas, who plays Tina on the hit series “The Bear.” A native of the Bronx, Liza wanted to act from a young age and was encouraged by her family. After studying at SUNY Albany, she worked in theater and appeared in everything from “Law & Order” to “Sex and the City,” but a major recurring role eluded her. Liza estimates that she’s been rejected thousands of times over her decades-long career. 

When Liza was finally cast as the scrappy sandwich shop cook in the pilot for “The Bear,” alongside Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri, it turned out to be her big break. The show became a hit with critics and viewers and was recently renewed for a third season. “I will never be casual about it,” Liza tells host Kerry Diamond. “I know what it’s like to hustle and hustle.”

On today’s episode, Liza discusses why “The Bear” resonates so deeply with the hospitality industry, preparing for the role of Tina, dealing with rejection, Christmas in Puerto Rico, why she’d be trapped on a desert island with Anthony Bourdain, and more. 

Thank you to Kerrygold and S.Pellegrino for supporting our show.

Click here to snag a copy of Cherry Bombe’s holiday issue featuring Liza’s story, or find a copy at a retailer near you. 

Hosted by Kerry DiamondProduced by Catherine Baker and Jenna SadhuEdited by Jenna SadhuEditorial Assistant Londyn CrenshawMusic by Tralala, “All Fired Up”

Radio Cherry Bombe is a production of The Cherry Bombe Podcast Network. Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here. 

More on Liza: Instagram, The Bear

Want to learn more about “The Bear”?Jeremy Allen White on Radio Cherry Bombe Courtney Storer on Radio Cherry Bombe in 2022Courtney Storer on Radio Cherry Bombe in 2023