Ana de la Reguera
It’s difficult to start a story about Ana de la Reguera without referring to her as a “Mexican-born beauty” as she was, in fact, born in Veracruz and is certainly stunning. But there’s obviously so much more to this multi-hyphenate performer. Her talents range from voice artist (Ana can soon be heard in the scripted Audible podcast “The Big Lie,” opposite Jon Hamm) to producer, writer, and actress (season two of “Ana,” which she wrote and stars in, premieres this month on Amazon Prime and Pantaya). Oh, and she’s also a philanthropist. We enjoyed chatting with her about acting, aging, the American market, and so much more. Read on and tune in!
The Bare Magazine: What drew you to performing?
Ana de la Reguera: Dance classes. I was pretty good at it. I loved it, and I was very expressive. To be honest, I liked the attention of being on a stage, but my stage was my living room in front of my family. Then, I began getting invited to little festivals in little towns in Mexico. Being on stage, I realized I didn’t have the training to be a proper ballerina, so I asked myself what else I could do on stage, which led to acting.
Bare: Did cracking the American market matter to you?
AR: It went step-by-step. I just wanted to be an actor and get accepted into acting school. Then, I wanted a job. Then, I wanted a good role, not just a job. Then, I wanted to be a lead. Then, I was lucky to be leading movies and television shows in Mexico, and I wanted to find some luck in the U.S. The audition for “Nacho Libre” (Ana starred as Sister Encarnación, a nun who captures the heart of Jack Black’s Catholic monk, Ignacio) was actually in Mexico [where the movie was filmed]. But that was the role that eventually got me work in America.
Bare: Tell us about your scripted podcast.
AR: It’s like an old-school radio show. You’re listening to a fictional story, and you just can’t stop listening. I’ve done two of them in Mexico. This one is a 1950’s thriller, and it’s a real story. It’s based on the Blacklisted Hollywood movie, “Salt of the Earth.” It’s really about the rights of workers. It’s so good. The music is incredible. You can really imagine the whole thing.
Bare: How did “The Big Lie” come about?
AR: It was very fast, to be honest. I got the offer, and four or five days later, I was recording. What was cool is that I recorded my scenes with Jon in the same room. Most of the time people record separately. The director wanted us to be in the same room for the chemistry.
Bare: Who are your acting idols?
AR: A lot of people. I love Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett — and I adore what a lot of Mexican actresses do. I also like Laura Linney and Julianne Moore. I really like actors that do great jobs but are just a little bit under the radar. That’s the best balance, or it would be for me. Like Jeff Bridges.
Bare: Who does VeracruzANA, the organization you founded in 2010, support?
AR: It started after a huge hurricane that hit my hometown and the towns around it. I focused on La Antigua — it’s where the new world started, and the people there live from tourism. Everything was destroyed, so I knew I had to do something. I was never interested in having a charity before, but then I had this opportunity to help, and people were giving me their trust. So, I helped to restore and rebuild the town. And I built a cultural house there so the people who lived there, and visitors, would understand the importance of the town.
Bare: What is the best piece of acting advice you were ever given?
AR: You have to listen. When you’re in a scene, you have to listen and be present. That’s the most important thing. Be as relaxed and present you can. It’s hard, but you have to forget about everything and just be there and listen to the other actor or, if you’re by yourself, your mind.
Bare: Is it getting harder to find good opportunities as you mature?
AR: The industry has changed a lot. We are getting better opportunities. When I was in my mid-30’s, it was harder for me. Now, I get more jobs and offers than before because I think we’re way more interested in this age. “Ana” is a coming-of-age-at-40 kind of show. I think we’re more comfortable in our bodies and who we are.
Bare: Where do you see the most opportunity for Latinas in film right now?
AR: I feel like there’s great opportunities in Mexico, in the U.S., and worldwide. Thank God, we can do a show in Spanish, like “Casa de Papel” (“Money Heist”), and it’s a huge hit everywhere. You don’t need to be in America for the world to see your show and that’s incredible.
Bare: Describe your style for us.
AR: It depends, but I think my style is more about shapes — as in, what looks good for me because I’m not that tall, and I’m kind of curvy. I seem to have two personalities: super feminine with flowing dresses or very androgynous. I like to mix a lot of masculine clothes with heels.
Bare: What about your skincare routine? Any new products you’re really into?
AR: I go to the dermatologist a lot. I’ve been going for 14 years. I go two or three times a year and do facials, lasers, and radiofrequency. I spend a lot of money with my dermatologist and maintain with whatever he gives me. I use eye cream, toner, serum and, obviously, sunblock. My dermatologist gave me a good tip: Always refresh your skin with cold water, because heat can cause dark spots. As far as brands, I like Natura Bissé, Tata Harper, Biologique Recherche, Drunk Elephant. And I like Clé de Peau Beauté, I use their concealer.
Bare: Finally, what are your top five Bare essentials?
AR: Food, obviously. Good food, if I don’t eat, I can’t process. Health. My phone because I’m in contact with everyone I love, and I do work through it. Nature, because I like to look at beautiful things all the time. And a good bed.
Shot at Dellarocco’s Brooklyn
Ana wears her own clothing.
Photos/Makeup: Tina Turnbow using Ogee and Cle de Peau
Hair: Josue Perez at Tracey Mattingly
Interview/Editor: Didi Gluck
Shot in Brooklyn NY
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
