Jearnest Corchado can be seen starring in Apple TV+’s series “Little America”. We got to chat with her about acting, the show, and some of her favorite things!

upfrontNY: When did you know that you wanted to be an actress?

Jearnest Corchado: I was always very melodramatic and hyper as a kid. Had always so much energy and was extremely talkative — my mom prayed I would shut up at some point. Haha. Ever since I was three, I would dance in front of everyone at family’s parties, always trying to entertain, and put on a show for my audience aka my parents guests. Later, when I watched my first telenovela where kids were the stars, I basically begged my mom to put me in acting class because I wanted to be just like them. It seemed so fun! I would even force my best friends and brother to play pretend, always creating our own drama and telenovelas. Haha.

 

upfrontNY: What was the best and hardest part about moving to LA from Puerto Rico?

Jearnest Corchado: The best was that I could finally pursue my acting career. The one thing I always dreamed of doing. That was my north, every decision I would make as a child had to do with acting and filmmaking but the hardest and my biggest sacrifice has been to leave my beautiful family behind. I’m extremely close with my family, and I have a HUGE family. I’m super attached to every family member, but I think the hardest was to leave my little brother behind. I had already made the decision to move before my mom got pregnant of my now 6 year old brother. That has been the hardest thing I’ve had to do— not being able to see him grow and witness his growth on a daily basis.

 

upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your series “Little America”?

Jearnest Corchado: It’s an anthology series that follows the lives of immigrants in America. It follows the lives of True Dreamers— Humans who are fearless, determined, caring, loving and powerful. It tells the immigrant story through a fresh new lens. A much needed perspective that is often overlook in current cinema. It gives a humanity to those who are often negatively stereotyped on TV. It seeks to show that we are all beautiful beings regardless of our race, language and culture.

 

upfrontNY: You play Marisol, can you tell us about her and her story?

Jearnest Corchado: Marisol is a strong, determined, young immigrant teenager who wasn’t allowing herself to dream because of the limitations society had created for her— or so she thought. After she discovers that through her new-found passion — playing squash— she can finally give herself a chance to dream, she becomes a JAGUAR. She works night and day to become the best, and eventually that’s what makes her take control of her life and destiny. It is based on the beautiful, powerful business woman and professional squash player, Reyna Pacheco.

 

upfrontNY: What drew you to this project and how do you feel others will connect with the series?

Jearnest Corchado: It was inspiring. It was a show made with purpose— a higher purpose. To inspire, to represent the narrative that is incredibly missing in our American media, and ultimately to bring humanity together. That’s how I felt about the project, and I knew I needed to be a part of it. People will connect because they are human stories. Incredibly raw and real. This show is absolutely beautiful and everyone should watch it. I’ve never been prouder.

 

upfrontNY: You starred in “Cucuy: The Boogeyman”, are you a fan of scary movies? 

Jearnest Corchado: Oh YEEEES!!!!! That’s my favorite genre. I love horror especially films like Freddy Krueger, Scream, and The Conjuring.

 

upfrontNY: Can you tell us about the film “Raise Your Hand” and your character Gia?

Jearnest Corchado: Yeah, “Raise Your Hand” is a coming of age drama about a Gia, who is trying to discover herself and find her voice in the process. The film is very complex and it covers themes such as rape, social injustices, abuse of power and class/race inequality. Gia is very complex. I think she represents every human. She is not perfect. She is flawed and is in a constant internal battle. The film is truly is provocative.

 

upfrontNY: What has been one of your favorite filming experiences?

Jearnest Corchado: All my filming experiences have been extremely unique, powerful and life changing. I think they’ve all been beautiful and very special. I really don’t have a favorite experience. I do love anything that has some sort of physicality to it. I love doing stunts and being athletic on set. It keeps it fun!

 

upfrontNY: When you are not acting, what do you like to do?

Jearnest Corchado: I love spending time with my friends, they’re like my family here in LA. I love going to the movies, the beach, doing yoga and dancing whenever I can fit that in my schedule. I also LOVE recording music. I’ve been recording music on and off as a hobby and I really enjoy it. It’s another creative outlet and I like to use it as a form of expression.. as therapy even. I write my own songs. So there’s a lot of that there of self-reflection and self discovery.

 

Favorites

Movie: The Notebook, Practical Magic, The Big Sick, Shape of Water, etc..

Musician: Right now Jessie Reyez, Rosalia, Alesia Cara, Sade, Jhene Aiko and Shakira (SHAKIRA FOREVER!), Camila (the group), Selena

Song: “Octavo Día” by Shakira and “Como La Flor” by Selena

Book: “Por un Día Más” by Mitch Albom. Read it in Spanish.

Snack: Hot Cheetos, KitKats, bread

Positive or Motivational quote/message: Stay true to yourself and fly. Believe in your dreams, believe that everything is possible and go for it. The world is a magical place.. Also I love Gina Rodriguez’s message – “You can and You will.”

Animal: Dogs, cats, elephants

Color: Baby blue, emerald-green and rose gold

Social Media platform: Instagram

Vacation spot: Italy