Supergirl TV series, interview with actress Donna Benedicto: 'Being inclusive' the good doctor
Comics / Interview - 17 April 2023
Supergirl and The Good Doctor are some of the actress's projects
Donna Benedicto as an actress has worked on several TV series and films. Recent projects include With Love and a Major Organ, Buddy Games, the TV movie Nature of love. In the series Supergirl - available for streaming - she has the role of DEO Agent. Look at the Gallery: New comics and manga releases
You recently worked on the film With Love and a Major Organ. What is the plot, and what is your character?
Yes! I’m so proud of our film! With Love and a Major organ just made its
debut in SXSW! It's set in an alternate world where technology rules, hearts
are made of objects, and suppressing emotions is self-care. People take
direction for their lives and responsibilities in apps and our heroine Anabel
is out of place in this world because she’s a deeply sensitive person that
experiences a range of emotions she can’t suppress.
I play Casey, Anabel’s best friend who’s is supportive but heavily reliant on technology. Our conflicting views and my (Casey’s) addiction to apps lead to tension in the friendship. Casey remains a loyal and supportive friend, striving to bridge the gap between their perspectives.
Playing Casey inspired me to think about the healthy balance between using
technology to enhance our lives, and not letting it consume us entirely.
Technology has made our lives a lot easier and more convenient, but hopefully
our film is a reminder that it’s not a replacement for genuine human
interaction and connection.
You also worked in the TV series Supergirl, in the role of DEO Agent. Do you like the cinecomic genre?
Acting in the cinecomic genre is always awesome because you get to tap into
your inner child and have fun playing a character who can do things that you
would never be able to do in real life. The cinecomic genre is great because it
introduces us to larger-than-life characters who inspire us to be better
versions of ourselves. I would jump at the chance to work on another cinecomic
project!
You are of Asian descent. Do you think there has been a difficulty-in recent years-for Asian actors to get a role in film or TV series?
As a Filipino actor, I believe that there have been some positive changes
in recent years towards better representation of Asians in film and TV, but
there is still a long way to go! Michelle Yeoh's win at the Oscars was a huge
moment for Asian representation in Hollywood! It's inspiring to see Asian
actors and filmmakers finally gaining recognition for their talent and hard
work.
However, there's still a significant lack of representation for other Asian
communities, like Filipinos and Southeast Asians, in mainstream media. If more
storytellers made a conscious effort to include people of color as leads in
their productions, regardless of whether the story is specifically about their
nationality or race, it would send a message to audiences that we can be just
as compelling and relatable as any other lead character. This could help create
more opportunities for actors from diverse backgrounds to showcase their
talents and break down the barriers that have prevented us from gaining the
same level of recognition as our white counterparts.
Representation isn’t just about casting more actors from diverse backgrounds,
but also about telling authentic stories that accurately reflect the
experiences of all communities. Ultimately, the goal of representation should
be to create a more inclusive and diverse entertainment industry that
accurately reflects the experiences and perspectives of all people, regardless
of their race, ethnicity, or background. Everyone’s stories should be heard and
celebrated!
Michelle Yeoh's victory was incisive.
It's a
sign that the industry is slowly but surely recognizing the talent and hard
work of actors from diverse backgrounds, and that our stories are just as
valuable and worthy of recognition as anyone else’s.
It's been a long time coming, but progress is being made! Excited for the
future and seeing more representation and recognition for diverse communities
in Hollywood.
You also worked in The Good Doctor. Do you like medical drama?
Yes! It's crazy to see all the life-or-death situations that doctors and
medical professionals face on the daily. As an actor, I love jumping into the
emotions and experiences of characters who are dealing with seriously intense
stuff.
In the show, I played an
astronaut who required life-altering surgery, and it was a powerful experience
to dive into the vulnerability and uncertainty that comes with such a
situation. It was also a great opportunity for Filipino representation to
portray an astronaut on screen, and I'm glad to be part of that effort.
I had a blast working on The
Good Doctor and I feel fortunate to have been a part of such an amazing show
that has resonated with so many people. It was a pleasure to work with such a
talented cast and crew, and I learned so much from the experience.
Have you ever been to Italy?
Not yet, but it’s definitely on my list! I just want to go there and eat
everything.
What is your next project?
I’ve got a few things coming up! I'm in two movies coming out this April -
"Professional Bridesmaid," a Hallmark movie where I play bestie to a
trusty wingman to brides, and Lifetime’s "Pride: A Seven Deadly Sin
Story" where I get to play a director. I'm also on a gritty Tubi Original
production called "Traphouse", and I'm super stoked to be the leading
lady in an upcoming rom-com called "Inspiring Love."
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