by Luis Carlos López
Natali Martínez in Deathrace.
ABC’s Tuesday (10/9 central) primetime crime drama Detroit 187 debuted this fall, and nine episodes in, the reviews have been fairly positive. Interviewed by Weekly Report, 26-year-old Cuban - American actress and Miami native Natalie Martínez talked about her featured role as detective Ariana Sánchez and what it means to be Latina in Hollywood.
What is Detroit 187 about?
It’s a gritty cop show shot on the streets of Detroit, a fresh take for a television show. Detroit is one of the cities with the toughest homicides, simply because there are not that many detectives there.
That’s why Detroit was selected?
It just adds so much. Detroit is a character. You can tell when you watch it. This place is just amazing. The city that once was, the city that is here now.
What sets this show apart from other crime dramas? What do you think is going to be its enduring quality?
It’s not only a serious procedural show, but it also has some funny parts to it that set it a little bit off real. It’s easier for people to relate.
How much research did you do to prepare for your role?
I’ve always been a fan of cop shows. I watched them all my life. I met with a lot of detectives and asked them, “How do you deal with what you see every day?” They said, “You just have to find the funny things — not that it’s funny necessarily, but you have to have a light attitude toward things.”
What has been the reaction so far?
A lot of positive feedback. Everybody loves Detroit 187.
How will the Hispanic aspect of detective Sánchez unravel?
You’ll definitely see more. It’s going to come out quite a bit.
How important is it for shows like this to have a Hispanic voice?
It’s important to have a diverse group. It makes things more Latina in Hollywood.
Does Hollywood pay enough attention to Latinos?
They are getting better. There have been a lot of opportunities that made it easier for a newcomer like me to present myself as a Cubana, as a Latina. I think they are pretty open to it.
Before Detroit 187, the actress starred Fashion House, a series for MyNetwork that marked her acting debut in 2007. Martinez was also the female lead in Death Race, a 2008 feature film for Universal, appearing opposite Jason Statham, Ian McShane, Tyrese and Joan Allen. She most recently was a recurring character in the television comedy Sons of Tucson, opposite Tyler Labine. She has also appeared in the independent films Jack Stone, opposite Shane West, and Magic City Memoirs.
What do you think your role does to inspire and motivate Hispanics?
It’s very empowering. I grew up in Miami. There aren’t that many Cubans out there doing what I do. You get a sense of power when Latinos see a minority take a lead on a show, especially with kids.
As an actress, are there any special goals you have set for yourself?
I want to try my hand at different things, pushing myself and working hard. HispanicLink.
