Rosanny Zayas: The L Word Generation Q

Who else is excited about the premiere of season one The L Word: Generation Q this fall? The popular LGBTQ series is back and better than ever with a slew of FAB new cast members as well as a few familiar faces. Last week we were lucky enough to catch up with the actress Rosanny Zayas who plays Sophie on the show

We had a chance to chat about how she got her start in acting, her role as Sophie on the show, and what it feels like to be the first Afro-Latina featured in the cast. Checkout the interview, share with friends, and make sure you tune in to the first episode December 8th on Showtime!

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TFF MAG: Tell us about how you got your start in acting.

Rosanny: Well, I’m from New York. I was born in Brooklyn and my family is from the Dominican Republic but was raised in Queens. As you know, a lot of theater and acting takes place in New York. I went to Queens College and had a Professor named Claudia Feldstein who really influenced me. She was one of those teachers who would listen and look at you and tell you that you were special. She told me she thought I would do well as an actress and that film and theater is something I should think about getting into. That was the first time anyone had said that to me.

I enjoyed it and actually got good grades *laughs*. I wasn’t just cruising through the classes. I loved being there and I loved the art of acting and being on stage. After I finished undergrad I applied to Juilliard for grad school. While I was there I did a bunch programs intermittently. I was the second class to graduate with a Masters. After graduating I was in New York on the acting grind and I came across the show. This is my first real big acting gig.

TFF: Tell us about your character on the show. Who is Sophie?

RZ: Sophie is a producer on the show and she works for Alice. They work hand in hand to make sure the things they talk about are relative and diverse. They work together a lot which is cool because I love working with Leisha Hailey on screen. She’s a comedic genius.

On the show you get to see Sophies relationship with her girlfriend Dani. You get to see the ups and downs and how they love and how they fight. They want things from each other and other times they miss the mark. Its a big ride to go through. You get to watch them come up against things that will either test their relationship or make it stronger.

TFF: How are you similar to your character in real life?

RZ: Similarities? We’re both Dominican women from New York. I’ve been lucky enough to have input on my character and that’s one of the pleasures I felt like i’ve been lucky enough to come across in the writers room. They care. We can give out ideas and work together. We can create a story that really reflects who we are.

TFF: Who’s your favorite character on the show besides your own and why?

RZ: I can’t answer that. I love them all. I think they all have something they offer to this world. I’m looking forward to watching people fall in love with the specific parts of each character.

TFF: What’s been your favorite film day so far on set? What’s your favorite episode or scene from the original L Word series?

RZ: My favorite scene from the original series was when Bette and Tina were talking about raising a child together in season one. Tina didn’t feel qualified as a white woman to raise a mixed race child. Bette felt like she could contribute to that experience and was offended by the fact that she wasn’t considered to be helpful as a Black woman. It was a great conversation and we saw their insecurities and their personal struggles.

My favorite day on set this season has been Halloween! Everyone brought their dogs in outfits and it was so cute seeing all these dogs on this huge show and just doing what they wanted to and having a good time. It was so cute.

TFF: How does it feel to be the first Afro-Latina woman on The L Word?

RZ: I feel a lot of things. It’s such a big deal. TV and film in the states has a big responsibility to show representation and diversity. I feel like every day I go to work, I want to represent who I am well. How can I be as honest and truthful about my character and the work i’m doing every time I go on set? By remembering who I am and reminding myself about my life experiences. Things other people think are small matter. My hair is curly, I embrace my curls. I try to pay attention to detail. That’s what makes up who I am. I hope people see the show and see themselves.

TFF: How would you sum up season one of the show in one word?

RZ: Acceptance.