Orange is the New Black has quickly become much more than a television show, it’s a phenomenon. Nearly every character has their lives intertwined in some drama that keeps viewers binging each time a new season is released. Karina Ortiz, who plays Cesar’s (Berto Colon) girlfriend Margarita, is no different. The Dominican actress admits she’s having a ball being part of a show she was a big fan of. I spoke to Karina to learn more about her character, what it’s like working on the show, and why she wants to stop bullying.
We don’t know that much about Margarita. Do you have background information on her or have you created a backstory to help you play her?
“I definitely had to create a life for Margarita and that’s one of the wonderful aspects of playing a role like hers. The challenge of developing this world for this woman so that even when there is no background story at the time, there is something in her eyes that somehow convey all that’s made her who she is. Someone commented that they saw pain in Margarita’s eyes and I thought that was beautiful because you wouldn’t get that from just the lines.”
The popularity behind the Orange is the New Black is insane. What has it meant to you to be on the show?
“I was excited enough just to get the audition from my agent! I remember watching the first season and immediately becoming hooked as it was unlike anything else out there. Here was this series with all these beautiful and talented leads and they were all women. On top of that, seeing all the Latinas- it was just something you weren’t used to and I felt extremely proud.
Creator Jenji Kohan likes to run a tight ship, aka no spoilers. What can you share about season 4?
“Haha! Jenji for sure does keep things on the hush and there’s something extremely exciting about the element of surprise for Orange because you have no idea where they’ll go with everyone’s story. There’s so many different ways Margarita’s life can change, but you’ll have to wait and see what happens on Season 4.”
I heard you’re a big advocate against bullying. Why is this important to you?
“I think it is important for children to learn to treat others the way they want to be treated. To learn acceptance of those who are different and compassion to the lives and feelings of others. I was picked on because of my weight (I was very skinny despite eating like a 6’5 man) and because my mother would occasionally make outfits for me from scratch.
It affected my self-esteem growing up so you can only imagine my disappointment and frustration when I witnessed kids laughing at my disabled brother and calling him names for being “too old” to be in a stroller. He dealt with it often but was strong enough to push past it. Sadly, not everyone can handle bullying and we see this all the time in the news when kids go as far as taking their own lives. It is a huge issue that must be addressed and parents have to take responsibility for instilling these values in their children.”
