JULIA GARCIA

What was the most rewarding part of portraying the character of Emmy on Sydney to the Max, and how did you grow in this role throughout the series?

The most rewarding part of portraying Emmy was having little girls come up to me and say that I looked like them and that it made them happy.  At the end of the day representation matters, having children in the audience see themselves on screen is important. It reiterates that their dreams can be achievable.  I’m so thankful to the writers and producers of the show because Emmy character development over the course of three seasons was wonderful.  Emmy became more secure with herself and embraced her differences with support from her friends and family.

Can you share what it was like working alongside Ruth Righi and Jackson Dollinger on Sydney to the Max? How did their presence influence your experience on set?

My co-stars showed me the importance of building real connections on and off the set. This translates into authentic performances and a stronger ensemble. Both Ruth and Jackson are incredibly talented and collaborating with each of them has helped elevate my technique and performance.

You’ve appeared on shows like Fresh Off the Boat, S.W.A.T., and Station 19. How did working on those series differ from your experience on Sydney to the Max?

Fresh off the Boat, SWAT and Station 19 are all single camera television shows. Sydney to the Max was multicam which meant you were getting filmed from many different angles.  On Sydney to the Max we didn’t have a live studio audience but prior to Covid we had live “laughers” on set.  This was essentially like a mini live audience that gave a more organic feel to the comedy.  This allowed me to work on my comedic timing to ensure the funniest outcome of my performance.  

The episode of Station 19 you were in went viral, gaining millions of views. How did that moment impact you, and what was it like being part of such a powerful scene?

To say it was an honor is definitely an understatement. To be a part of a moment where women across the globe were able talk about their experiences and tell their stories was incredible.  It really opened up a line of communication that just wasn’t there. Another aspect to the story was about not having a mother and what it was like growing up alone. So many women connected with this aspect and were able to encourage each other. Social media really sparked an amazing and much needed conversation.

Having started your career at the age of 5, what advice would you offer to young actors today who are just beginning to navigate the entertainment industry?

The best advice I can give as an actor is to learn all sides of the business, it gives career longevity.  It also gives you creative control, to ensure your vision is brought to life in the most organic way possible, but honestly for me, it gives me empowerment.

In addition to acting, you’ve transitioned into producing films like Abuelo and Shura. What inspires you as a producer, and how do you balance both acting and producing?

I am definitely a creator and visionary at heart, I love all aspects of the art of film.  My goal is to always make meaningful and impactful projects. I produced my first film at the age of fourteen, so pretty early on I knew it was something I wanted to do.  Producing allows me to be a part of a project every step of the way. I hope the audience can take away a new perspective that challenges perceptions. I would love for people to be provoked by the stories I tell.  If it can spark a conversation or even a debate then I’ve done my job.  Balancing both acting and producing can be challenging at times but they both go hand in hand. When you’re producing a project you embody the entire film which gives clarity to the character you’re portraying.  If you’re an actor playing a role it becomes a collaborative experience with the producers and director of that particular project to ensure their vision comes to life. 

What was the inspiration behind Abuelo, and what was the most fulfilling part of working on a project that gained Oscar consideration?

‘Abuelo’ came from the heart of Kayvon Derek Shanian and Love Project Films who created the movie.  It’s a story of family and the twist and turns that life takes you. You see the unconditional love of a grandfather (played by Pepe Serna) who would do anything to protect his granddaughter (played by Izabella Alvarez). For me, producing this film was important because telling the untold story speaks volumes. Kayvon is incredibly talented and for him to gain that consideration is a testimony to his art. As a producer on this film to have a project be considered for Oscar qualification is such an honor.

You’re also a classically trained ballerina and assist at the Millennium Dance Complex. How has your background in dance influenced your approach to acting, and what do you enjoy most about teaching?

 Ballet has given me technique and discipline in dance and in life.  The performing aspect of dance, whether it’s been on stage or through the camera, goes hand in hand with acting. Training with Millennium Dance Complex’s  world renowned choreographers and dancers and to have assisted them in their dance tutorials is a dream come true. That alone is an insane opportunity. People around the world use those tutorials to learn and train when it’s not physically possible to travel to LA. The Millennium family has encouraged me to take my art to the next level. Everything is linked together to bring it all full circle.

You’re actively involved in charitable work with organizations like CHLA and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Why is giving back important to you, and what causes are particularly meaningful to you?

I’ve helped raise money for both Children’s Hospital LA and Saint Jude because I can be a voice for ill children who need support, hope and encouragement.  I’m currently an ambassador for Teen Cancer of America as well. My brother was an ill child, so any time I can help kids or teens it brings me joy. Supporting these brave warriors and raising awareness is important to me.

With your growing social media presence, how do you maintain authenticity online, and what message do you hope to convey to your followers through your platform?

Having a platform that has endless boundaries is a blessing and I don’t take it lightly. The ability to connect with a diverse audience allows me to encourage unity, empathy, and understanding. I stay authentic by sharing content that reflects who I am in a real and relatable way. The message I hope to convey is to embrace who you are and to live authentically. Social media allows me the opportunity to inspire awareness and positive change I’d like to see in the world.