INTERVIEW: MEET LATINX/LEBANESE ACTRESS SARA GARCIA

Photographer Sarah Krick, MUA Robert Bryan, Hair Stylist Doug Mengert, Wardrobe Stylist Lucy Warren

Sara Garcia is a Latinx/Lebanese and queer actress whose impressive career has been highlighted by her most recent starring role in "Ride," a gripping story about a ranching family and their struggle to maintain it. Garcia can also currently be seen in a guest star role on NBC’s musical series “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”, as well as on CW's superhero show "The Flash."

She portrays a multigenerational family ensemble in her newest show "Ride," which follows the McMurray family, descendants of a rodeo dynasty that has lived on for generations. In response to a tragic loss, each character embarks on a life-changing journey of self-discovery and transformation while simultaneously uncovering a web of secrets that threaten to tear the family apart. The show stars our special guest for today Sara Garcia with Nancy Travis, Tiera Skovbye, Beau Mirchoff, Jake Foy, and Tyler Jacob Moore.  

Let's see what Sara has to say about her upcoming show and life in general. Follow me right this way.

WELCOME, SARA! THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TODAY. HOW'S LIFE TREATING YOU? EVERYTHING IS GOING WELL?
Couldn’t be better! 

YOU GREW UP IN CANADA, RIGHT? HOW WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD? DID YOUR PARENTS HAD ANY INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER PATH?
I grew up in and around Toronto. I was always encouraged to follow my passions. When I was young, my mom found creative ways to encourage my talents; for example, enrolling me in the local church choir so I could get free singing lessons. Eventually, I attended a high school for the performing arts which provided me with an amazing education and understanding of what it takes to turn your art into a career… and I’ve been doing it ever since. 

SARA, YOU HAVE QUITE A DIVERSE BACKGROUND. LATINO AND LEBANESE, THAT'S A FASCINATING MIX. HOW DID THAT COME TO BE?
My dad was born in Uruguay and my mom is Lebanese and Scottish. It was interesting growing up mixed race, I often felt as though I didn’t quite fit into the boxes society tries to force you into or to conventional beauty standards at the time. I felt as though I was living between two worlds, so I really had to search for confidence from within and I think that ultimately helped me build resilience. 

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY AT QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY? 
I went to an arts high school much like the one in the movie ‘Fame’. I think due to its unconventionality, I was craving a more ‘traditional’ academic atmosphere. I remember going on a tour of the campus and fell in love immediately with the architecture and beauty. Queen’s University is one of the Ivy Leagues of Canada so it was a no-brainer. 

YOU SPENT SOME TIME ABROAD, TEACHING MIGRANT CHILDREN HEALTH AND ENGLISH IN CHINA. HOW WAS THIS EXPERIENCE FOR YOU?
Through my time at Queen’s, I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to study abroad at Shanghai’s Fudan University. During that time I ended up volunteering at an NGO called Roots and Shoots teaching health to students in the migrant school district. I fell in love with the city and found myself back there quickly after graduation. I hadn’t decided what I wanted to do after my post-secondary education so Shanghai really became the place where I could try many different jobs and find myself. I tried teaching, found acting again and I even transcribed episodes of GI Joe for translation. It was a wonderful chapter in my life and working with children was difficult at times but fulfilling. I have so much respect for teachers and early childcare givers. It’s such an important job and I don’t think they get the respect or pay they deserve. 

YOU FOUND YOUR PASSION FOR ACTING IN CHINA. HOW DID THAT REVELATION HAPPEN?
While I was working as a teacher I found that Shanghai had a vibrant theatre community. I started with a company working backstage, doing hair, make-up, wardrobe, and assistant directing. Then started auditioning and quickly found success. I was so fortunate to star in many plays during my time there. Finally, one of my mentors and very talented Director (Ann James) encouraged me to pursue my career back in North America. They were integral to my decision to pursue acting full-time and really gave me the confidence needed to persevere.  

I'M IMPRESSED WITH YOUR SHOW RESUME! WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING/ACTING IN THEM LIKE?
This cast is so special. We are a family on screen and off. Each and every one of them brings a sparkle to this show and I consider myself incredibly lucky to share the screen with them.  

IN THE BUSINESS OF ENTRAINMENT, BEING A WOMAN IS NOT EASY. ESPECIALLY FOR QUEER WOMEN. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU STRUGGLE WITH ON A DAILY BASIS IN THIS REGARD?
I have been very lucky in my career to have been around supportive people, cast, crews, and mentors. I have felt protected and humbled by those who came before me; who have struggled and fought to lay the foundations for a safer path. There’s still work to be done, especially within the realm of representation both on screen and behind the camera. Being in a leadership role makes me uniquely positioned to push for actionable change. Sometimes that’s on a micro level and sometimes that’s on a macro level, but every step forward is a step in the right direction.  

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT RIDE?
Ride airs Sunday nights 9/8 central on Hallmark. Ride is a multigenerational family ensemble following the lives of the McMurrays, a dynastic rodeo and ranching family, as they struggle to keep their beloved ranch afloat. In the aftermath of a family tragedy, each character goes on their own journey of transformation that ultimately leads them back to the place and people they call home. You can catch up on previous episodes by streaming on Peacock. 

SO THAT'S ALL WE HAVE TODAY! THANK YOU AGAIN, SARA! FOR BEING WITH US TODAY HERE AT RIVAL. ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH US?
Thanks for having me and I hope you enjoyed the Ride. 

Story by Armando Vera