[Si] TV

At the turn of the century April Lee Hernandez was just another Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx making decisions about what she would do with her life. Fortunately for us, April decided to take an acting class while studying to be a nutritionist at Hunter College and the acting bug bit her. She began looking for work on www.nycastings.com and soon found herself making the rounds at comedy clubs. From there she moved on to appear in a Super Bowl commercial, high profile television shows like Law and Order, and most recently the MTV film “Freedom Writers.”

In “Freedom Writers,” April worked alongside Oscar winner Hillary Swank. The film is set in Los Angeles at a newly integrated school that is full of gangs, violence, and despair. April plays Eva, a third generation gang member with what seems to be a huge chip on her shoulder. Eva exudes a rage onscreen you can feel as you watch her utter things like “I hate white people” through clenched teeth. I could not have imagined the person I interviewed would be such the opposite of that character.

Bridgez: Let’s start from the beginning. What moment do you consider your “big break,” or is that moment yet to come?
April Hernandez: I would have to say my big break did come in the form of the Super Bowl ad that I did with Yao Ming and Yogi Berra. I was the Yo! girl.

Bridgez: A lot of actors out there are becoming singers and vice versa. It seems like the thing to do these days. Are you planning on doing the same?
AH: NO (Laughs).
I am not a singer. If a role called for it I would take the necessary steps to play the role to the best of my abilities, but I will not be shopping for a record deal anytime soon.

Bridgez: That being said, there have been many comparisons between you and another Bronxite, la estimada Jennifer Lopez. Have you two met?
AH: No, but I think it will be interesting when we do.

Bridgez: Do you think there will be a Naomi Campbell vs. Tyra Banks type of situation?
AH: No (laughs again). Those types of situations are based on insecurities and fear. I doubt that someone of Jennifer Lopez’ status has anything to fear from me. She is well established and opened doors for people like myself. Latinos in entertainment will get much further by collaborating and being mentors to one another.

Bridgez: Ok, so where did all of that rage come from in the character you played…was it drawn from your own experiences?
AH: I never experienced racism growing up, and actually had to try to imagine what it felt like. I would look at white people on the set and say; “I hate you” in my mind. It was a new experience for me because I don’t have those feelings at all.

Bridgez: How did you prepare for such a role?
AH: I only had two weeks of rehearsals. There wasn’t enough time to work on an accent, so I just got in tune with the character & brought her to life the best I could. Having Erin (Gruwell) there for hours on end to answer any questions I had helped a lot.

Bridgez: What are you up to besides films?
AH: More films. I have a production company called “DeApuesto Entertainment” with my partner Casper Martinez. We have some really good stuff in the works. I can’t give any details but expect me to be wearing the production hat pretty soon si Dios quiere.