Have you learned more about the US immigration system’s policies or failings through her experiences?
These are extraordinary circumstances that Fiona is facing.
Do you think viewers will see their experiences represented through these characters?
Oh my God, absolutely.
It was a long drive going from Brooklyn to JFK.
She started talking about her life, and it actually mirrored Thony’s life, uncanny coincidence.
She was from Colombia.
She had to get away from her family situation in Colombia because of her husband being violent towards her.
She ended up living with her best friend in New York, who helped her.
At that time, she had a child, and her daughter was only four years old.
They lived together pretty much throughout the years, best friends and the daughter.
Her daughter stayed at the apartment many times without her mother, but with her best friend.
She raised her daughter by herself, and now she’s so proud.
She said that her daughter’s [attending] Columbia University.
It hit the core of what our show is about.
It made me feel very proud to be a part of a show that reflects true stories.
Did it put Fiona’s children’s lives and futures in a new context for you?
Do you have any hopes for her children going forward?
I wanted to create an authentic and believable portrayal of a single mother.
Every parent wants the best for their children in every way, education-wise.
This season … it heightened levels on a different narrative.
Every moment is about wanting the better opportunities for your family.
That’s why most people do immigrate, so you can create better futures for themselves.
I was like, “Wow, this is something very unique.
It’s such a unique take on the American Dream.”
Did you have a lot of interaction with her as you were getting into the role?
Miranda Kwok was there, along with Melissa Carter, our showrunner.
They were both there during the pilot.
They had real hands-on experience.
Basically, they created such an environment where it was so safe for creativity.
That’s about relationships and family values.
She was so accessible.
Both Melissa Carter and Miranda Kwok were so accessible along with the writers who were on set.
It was a privilege to be on such a creative set where everybody was willing to collaborate.
There was never a certain hierarchy.
It was all about creating a process to tell the truth.
With that, it lends so much authenticity to the way the show has been produced.
Being undocumented, it’s not everybody, but it heightens the situation.
I would have to go to Walgreens or whatever pharmacist that I could to deal with whatever situation.
Prior to that, the system was really precarious for me, health-wise.
I really had to take care of myself because of that.
Those were the consequences.
Despite that, this country still provides hope.
I’m not sure what Australia’s healthcare system is like.
What was your experience there?
During COVID, everyone in Australia had free access to vaccinations.
If they were sick, healthcare was provided.
I can’t afford to get sick."
That says a lot.
I could have gone home to Australia, where things were a lot easier in that way.
You come to this country with this dream and possibilities.
Honestly, from where I’m sitting right now, it’s absolutely possible.
This is the first time where I’ve been able to flesh out a character over 10 episodes.
Normally, I go on set for one day and then I’m done.
The fact that Miranda Kwok had based this character on Filipinos she knew our culture as well.
I believe my character was based on one of her best friends who is Filipino.
It says a lot about the spirit.
That’s something that I could easily connect with.
They’re always the challenges of anyone immigrating or trying [to] find a better life.
That’s what I connected with.
That’s why there’s the possibility of us operating a business at the end of the season.
It’s definitely hopeful.
There’s always hope in this show, but you have to have obstacles.
Otherwise, there’s nothing compelling, right?
It’s been called kind of soapy but dramatic, action-packed, and emotional.
All I can say is that this is a show jam-packed with whatever you want.
The show highlights a lot of that.
Did you see that renewal coming?
We were all hopeful because for it was a very incredible journey and process.
That also translates with our performances.
I had a good feeling it would be [renewed], but you never know.
I found out I was sleeping, and I got a call from Oliver Hudson.
I didn’t realize everybody was patched in, and he’s like, “Are you sleeping?”
I’m like, “What are you calling me for?
It’s 10:00 [p.m.].”
I realized everybody was on the call, and I started yelling.
Everybody seemed to be very calm.
That’s so funny!.
At 10:00 at night, was there a time difference between the two of you?
Yes, I was in New York, and everybody else is based in Los Angeles.
For them, the news was discovered earlier on in the evening at 7:00.
I’m in bed by 10:00 [or] 11:00 these days.
That’s why I was like, “What’s going on?”
I can’t even imagine getting ambushed with really good news on a group conference call.
I was like, “Am I dreaming?
Is this girl… Am I really awake?”
I was super excited, and everybody had already digested and processed it.
It’s paving the way and spearheading a lot more shows and content to explore that.
Are there any Easter eggs it’s possible for you to let us in on?
The heightened circumstances have been elevated to another level.
Put it that way.
All characters are going to go through extreme challenges of moral grays and world’s colliding and new alliances.
Is there anything else you wish we’d covered?
All I can say is the whole cast and crew are … diligently working through this season.
We’re still shooting right now.
It’s very different from last season where the season finished and then we wrapped and then it aired.
At this point, we’re still shooting and completing the season, and it’s already aired.
I’m trying not to watch any of the episodes.
That’s not going to help Fiona.
Do you like watching yourself in general?
Would you go back after?
Oh my God, no.
I’m doing all these facial expressions," and those are human things that you end up nitpicking.
I want to stay away from that right now.
It’s definitely a new experience for me in all aspects.
New episodes of “The Cleaning Lady” air Mondays at 9:00 p.m.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
