Interview by Markos Papadatos
Mandy Gonzalez is an American singer and actress. She is known for her role of Nina Rosaio in the Broadway production of "In the Heights," as well as for playing Elphaba in the hit musical "Wicked" and Angelica in "Hamilton." Most recently, she plays Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" on Broadway on Tuesday evenings, and at select performances as Nicole Scherzinger's alternate. Having seen Mandy Gonzalez twice as Norma in "Sunset Boulevard," she was sublime in the role and in her performance, and made it her own.
Favorite Movies
Gonzalez listed “Sabrina” with Audrey Hepburn, “West Side Story,” and “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” as some of her favorite movies. “I’m an old school movie buff,” she admitted. “I loved ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn’ so much and it’s a big reason why I moved to Brooklyn, which is kind of cheesy.”
Mandy's Favorite Series to Binge-watch
On her favorite series to binge, she said with a sweet laugh, “Bridgerton.” “I am a total romantic,” she jokingly laughed.
Favorite Motto to Live by
Her favorite motto to live by is the following: “Tend to your own garden and the butterflies will come.”
Mandy's Favorite Cheat Meal
Her favorite cheat meal is “Pad See Ew” from Yum Yum Too, and spring rolls.
Favorite Sports to Watch and Play
“We are big fans of the Phillies, and to watch it with my family at home is the best,” she exclaimed. “I am probably one of the worst athletes, but I guess running is my favorite sport.”
What Mandy Gonzales Says is the Best Thing about Being her Age
On the best thing about being her age, she said, “I am a lot wiser, and I don’t put up with some things from people anymore.”
On This Stage of Her Life...
Regarding the title of the current chapter of her life, she revealed, “Fearless.”
Favorite Hobbies
On her favorite hobbies, she shared, “Spending as much time with my daughter as possible. I love knitting, gardening and reading books. I love books.”
If Mandy Gonzales Was Not an Actor She Would Be..
Her alternate career choice would be a “teacher.” “I think it’s the hardest job, and even though you don’t make a lot of money as a teacher, it is probably the most rewarding.”
Her Superpower of Choice
If she were to have any superpower, it would be “flying.”
To learn more about Mandy Gonzalez, follow her on Instagram.