As a Latina actress myself, I can wholeheartedly appreciate and respect Juliana Aiden Martinez’s sentiments about the portrayal of Kate Silva on Law & Order: SVU. It’s truly refreshing to see characters like Kate who break away from stereotypes and offer rich, complex narratives that resonate with audiences.
There’s a new detective at Manhattan SVU.
Juliana Aidén Martinez is now permanently part of the cast for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, appearing alongside Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson, Ice T as Odafin Tutuola, Peter Scanavino as Dominick Carisi, Octavio Pisano as Joe Velasco, and Kevin Kane as Terry Bruno – who was recently promoted to a regular role for the upcoming season.
In the fictitious universe of Dick Wolf’s long-running series, Martenez plays Kate Silva – a character who used to be a homicide detective in Brooklyn, with a father serving as deputy police commissioner for the New York Police Department. This role was debuted in the season 26 opener and has already made significant progress within the team.
Before taking on the role of Kate, the actress had previously acted alongside Sofía Vergara in the series titled “Griselda”. Her convincing portrayal of the trailblazing detective who took down Griselda Blanco (also known as the Cocaine Queen of Miami) earned her a nomination for the Imagen Award in the category of best supporting actress in a limited series.
For Martinez, being part of an already formed cast and working on the longest-running prime-time live-action TV show presented a whole new kind of challenge.
She shares with The Hollywood Reporter that the creative dilemma for her was figuring out how to respect the established material and foundation while introducing something fresh, all while maintaining integrity and offering a unique twist. Additionally, she ponders about the current state of a young woman’s voice, where her own voice and community fit in, and where they are significant and relevant.
Additionally, she mentions that Hargitay gave her guidance when she started working on the show over the summer, showing her the ins and outs of the production.
The actress expresses a deep, inherent appreciation for Mariska and her contributions to the show. She often functions like a captain and leads the cast. This admiration translates into a unique dynamic where she feels she can learn so much from Mariska, and wishes to respect and build upon what she has already achieved. In essence, there’s a subtle, educational mentorship vibe at play.
In the interview below, Martinez shares details about Kate Silva, why Hargitay is considered a significant feminist role model, the inspiring theme of season 26 for SVU, the Emmy-winning actress from The Bear he’d like to collaborate with on the NBC series, and other interesting tidbits.
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Why did you want to join SVU?
To put it simply, SVU, for me, stands out as a groundbreaking show in television history. It’s the longest-running series and has transcended its role as mere entertainment, serving as a cultural touchstone while simultaneously providing a platform for narratives about women and sexual assault. These are stories that often go unheard or underappreciated, and I have friends who have faced similar experiences. With shows like this, I believe we’re contributing to societal growth and giving voice to women’s stories, which is crucial for us to continue making progress. This aspect was particularly significant to me.
Walk me through the process. How did you come to be the next member of the SVU squad?
Essentially, I got this opportunity unexpectedly. I was in New York for another project’s final round, and my team contacted me about an opening on the SVU team. They were looking for someone who could join permanently and contribute significantly to the team with a fresh and exciting perspective. They wanted to see me, so I sent a tape, and within two days, they invited me for a screen test with Mariska. Although I had never met her before, it felt like a perfect fit. Within three days of that, I became a part of the team.
When was that?
I’d like to express that I’m referring to the month of July. Truthfully, since wrapping up filming, things have been a whirlwind. Despite people saying it’s just a well-oiled machine, it somehow evokes the feeling of reading Dune for me – you’re climbing onto this massive worm and traversing through the desert, with an inevitable destination in sight. That’s somewhat how my mind feels right now.
How has it been joining such a pre-established ensemble cast?
Indeed, the experience with “Griselda” was indeed fresh as everyone was starting anew. The exploration of what the show would become was a collective effort. Contrarily, with “SVU,” there were many discussions with David Graziano and Julie Martin, our writers. Mariska Hariharan took me under her wing, guiding me through the intricacies of the show. This was followed by understanding how the show had evolved over time, and for me, it was crucial to find where a young woman’s voice could be heard now, where my voice and my community belong, and where they are relevant. This blending of ideas was crucial to me.
How did you find that synthesis?
In a straightforward manner, I’d say: “It felt instinctive, really. Through discussions with the team and understanding its place within societal consciousness and my own, I didn’t follow a straight path. Instead, it was about absorbing everything around me and then sensing where it genuinely resonated. The process was more intuitive than linear.
Who is Kate Silva? What can you tell us about your character?
Kate Silva, being the daughter of a deputy commissioner, is often labeled as a “nepo baby,” a term that implies she’s only successful due to family connections. While it’s true her father was in law enforcement, she also has personal experiences that set her apart. She’s known as a “9/11 kid,” having been deeply affected by the events of September 11th, much like many young women. This tragic event marked a significant shift in our country, and Kate felt this change profoundly. Her desire to join law enforcement stems from this personal connection to 9/11. Additionally, she’s a fiery individual who isn’t just riding the coattails of her family name.
Previously, she served as a homicide detective, which has honed her keen intuition about people and sharp intellect. Her attentiveness to details is remarkable, giving her a unique blend of skills typically associated with homicide investigation, but now applied in real-time to victims’ situations. I believe that the nature of homicide investigations carries a certain spiritual weight, as the detective often serves as the last beacon of hope for the deceased, striving to bring justice on their behalf.
With SVU, you’re immersed in the raw emotions of victims dealing with trauma as they seek justice. This gritty reality is set to provide an engaging transition for the character, Kate. Moreover, we will uncover this season why Kate decided to join SVU. She’s undeniably a fiery, determined, and intelligent individual. In fact, her dry wit somewhat resembles that of Detective Munch. However, she aspires to carve out her own path in the pursuit of justice. Therefore, keep an eye on Kate.
What can you tell us about her onscreen dynamic with the SVU crew?
The dynamics among us are quite unique, as one crew member shared with me recently. It struck a chord when they said, “Aren’t they?” Indeed, my relationships with the cast members seem to intertwine rather than stand alone.
Now I need to hear what one of the best bits of advice he’s given you is.
Wow, that’s an excellent point! He made a humorous remark that resonated with me: “Don’t seek advice from the financially struggling; instead, listen to the rich because they’re wealthy.” As a finance enthusiast, I strongly advocate for financial literacy among women. Unfortunately, this is not something we are often taught. For me, it was always the mindset that men would take care of us, which I’ve actively avoided in the past. On set, I would be engrossed in finance books, and I’d share one with Ice T, asking for his thoughts. He’d question the author’s credentials and background, and I’d respond that I was just reading the book. Ice then wisely suggested seeking advice from individuals you respect and aspire to become like, as they will guide you towards your goals. I found this insight both smart and authentic.
It seems that your statement about dependence on men being more prevalent in some Latin cultures resonates with me. Given my background, I can relate to that upbringing as well.
Absolutely, it’s worth noting that my grace was not meant as a burden by my father. Growing up in a working-class family, I often pondered, “Why wasn’t I taught financial literacy?” Basic money management skills like budgeting, saving, and understanding finances were never imparted to me. This lack may stem from ancestry, culture, or limited resources, but I strongly advocate for women’s financial independence. Empowerment includes being financially self-sufficient, hence the phrase, “women getting their bag.
As a gamer, I’d rephrase that as: “I’ve had the privilege to act alongside heavyweight actresses like Sofía Vergara in ‘Griselda’ and now Mariska Hargitay on ‘SVU’. Working with these influential ladies of entertainment has been an incredible experience.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by extraordinary women, and I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge from each one of them. They’ve inspired me to pursue my goals within the industry, such as becoming an independent executive producer and director. Moreover, I aspire to champion projects that elevate women into higher positions, contributing to stories that resonate deeply and matter greatly. On a larger scale, I find myself in sync with these actresses who are making significant strides. They’re true leaders, and their wisdom guides me daily, filling me with excitement about the possibilities for my future and the impact I can make on the industry.
Reflecting on my experiences, I can’t help but recall a unique and heartwarming moment shared with Sofía during the filming of Griselda. It was more than just a scene; it felt like a genuine connection that transcended the screen. As for Mariska, I eagerly anticipate our interactions this upcoming season on SVU. I believe there’s a special chemistry waiting to unfold between us!
It seems to me that I’m watching how they manage their roles on set, with Sofía consistently showing respect and dedication towards Andrés [Baiz], our director. Her approach was always about serving the story, asking questions like “What do you need from me? How can I best deliver the narrative?” She deeply cared for the character of Griselda, a role that seemed to be a 13-year labor of love for her. This determination and perseverance reflect the strength needed in this industry for women to achieve their goals.
Why has the long-running success of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) been maintained over the years, resulting in it repeatedly setting new records?
It’s undeniable that Mariska has been instrumental in the show’s longevity. To me, she embodies the epitome of a modern feminist. From her early days as a young detective alongside Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), to finding her voice, becoming a lead detective, a captain, a mother, and now a leader in this new era, Mariska’s journey resonates deeply with fans. I believe it’s her inspiring portrayal of strength, resilience, and leadership that keeps us hooked.
What role has it played in expanding the Latin cast of SVU, particularly since its return for Season 26 during Hispanic Heritage Month?
The timing couldn’t be more ideal, and it’s just fantastic! As a Latina, I can’t help but rejoice, maybe sharing some tequila with friends as we welcome the new season. This also presents an excellent platform to highlight the intricacies of Latin culture, which has been underrepresented in the past. We’ve only glimpsed a narrow perspective of what Latinidad encompasses, but now, we’re seeing more diverse portrayals. I find that truly thrilling!
Were you informed that episode six is among your preferred episodes from this season. What makes it particularly appealing to you?
In episode six, you’ll witness Kate Silva in an entirely fresh and captivating perspective. What makes this portrayal particularly appealing is that she seems to seize control, showcasing her hidden greatness, which I find truly impressive. This is especially noteworthy for young women, as it provides an opportunity for them to assert themselves and occupy space confidently.
Does it seem likely that Kate will continue on the SVU team as long as characters like Carisi and Velasco, who have been with the unit for several years already?
From the get-go, it was clear that they had meticulously planned my inclusion in the series. They seemed determined to find someone who could seamlessly blend with the existing cast and commit to being a long-term asset to the show, essentially becoming an integral part of the team. In fact, as far as I know, they hadn’t conducted a screen test for a new cast member since Kelli Giddish, which speaks volumes about their dedication to finding the right fit. From the very first day, their intent was palpable: “We want you to be a part of our squad.” This sentiment was consistently evident throughout the process, making me feel truly valued and welcomed.
What can you tell us about the season overall?
A new detective joins the team, bringing a fresh perspective to our midst. In today’s world, we face numerous challenging situations, both domestically and globally. The writers and I discussed how this season should serve as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. Tune in to find comfort that things will get better, that justice will prevail, and that there will be relief, even when times seem their darkest. I believe this message is particularly relevant in our current climate.
One last question, who from the last 25 seasons would you love to see come back?
It’s not certain if this can be arranged, but I am acquainted with Liza Colón-Zayas, the recent Emmy winner from “The Bear”, who also appeared as a guest star on “SVU”. We were both nominated for Imagen Awards, and she was aware of “SVU”. I have always been involved in the LAByrinth [Theater Company] community in New York, where Liza is one of the founders. I shared with her that I was working on a project, and expressed my hope that she might rejoin the show. Given her exceptional talent, I am thrilled to see her success. However, it would be quite special if there could be a chance for her and Kate Silva to collaborate again.
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SVU” air every Thursday evening on NBC. The following day, these episodes become available on the streaming platform, Peacock.
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2024-10-11 05:55