IN CONVERSATION WITH MARISSA REYES

interview by JANA LETONJA

Rising talent Marissa Reyes is quickly carving out a dynamic space for herself in the next generation of Hollywood actors. Returning to Netflix’s Running Point for its second season, the Mexican-American actress reprises her fan-favourite role as Sofia, a character set to take on new depth as the story evolves. Originally trained in musical theatre, Marissa brings a strong technical foundation to her work, paired with a natural on-screen presence that has carried her from Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home to Days of Our Lives, and now to a growing slate of high-profile projects. With upcoming work alongside Faye Dunaway and increasing creative momentum, she is stepping into a defining moment in her career.

Season 2 of Running Point is almost here. How does it feel to return to Sofia?
Most of all, I feel lucky and incredibly grateful to be returning to Sofia for the second season of Running Point. In this industry, nothing is given, and absolutely nothing is certain. It is never guaranteed that you will have the opportunity to return to characters and expand their worlds within the show. So, I always say I’m just happy to be here. It feels warm with familiarity to step back in, like seeing an old friend, and yet it feels exciting because there is still so much to discover about her and so much to define within her inner workings.

Your character has become a fan favourite. What do you think audiences connect with most about her?
In a setting filled with characters who are all hilarious and lovable, yet sometimes unrelatable because of their extreme wealth and occasional out-of-touchness, I think fans find themselves drawn to characters who feel grounded and familiar, like Jackie and Sofia. Sofia is a hard-working, determined badass who has fought for everything she has and fights for herself and those around her.

We hear this season dives deeper into Sofia. How does she evolve?
This season, I got to explore Sofia in settings and circumstances we hadn't seen in season 1. She's given the chance to pursue her own priorities and ambitions that may or may not have to do with the Waves. While she holds firm in the personality traits we love—a dedicated leader and friend—we get to witness her vulnerability. How does she handle uncertainty and crossroads? Sofia has steadfast, fierce confidence that is completely authentic to her, but she doesn't always allow herself to lean into vulnerability when it presents itself. This season, we get to watch her navigate that tension while still remaining a force to be reckoned with.

How has your approach to Sofia changed from Season 1 to Season 2?
Exploring Sofia across two seasons shifted my approach naturally. This season, she was given opportunities that brought her from two-dimensional to three-dimensional. I allowed her to have a few cracks in her armor that showcase her humanity. As badass as she is, she's still only human—vulnerable, questioning her own confidence, uncertain, yet still fighting for who and what she believes in.

What is it like working within Mindy Kaling’s creative world?
To say that existing in Mindy’s creative world is a dream would be a total understatement. I am a huge fan of her work, I always have been, and I think she is absolutely brilliant. Everything she touches is gold, and getting to mark myself in the Mindy-verse is the craziest, coolest thing in the whole wide world. It is a true honour to be part of it.

You started in musical theatre. How does that background influence your acting today?
I feel so passionately about theatre, and musical theatre particularly. Since I was a little girl, I have felt very strongly about having my roots in theatre. I studied theatre and musical theatre for about a decade, most of that under my mentor, Janet Adderley, and have carried invaluable lessons into my work as an actor—memorisation, performing in front of large crowds, enunciation, projection, and the ability to push through performances regardless of unexpected events. Theatre has made me a better, more thoughtful actor, and my heart still lies on the stage.

Your career has moved across Disney, daytime TV, and now Netflix. How have those experiences shaped you?
Each experience has been so different, from multi-cam kids comedy to dramatic daytime soap operas to single-cam Netflix comedy. The extreme differences continue to challenge and excite me as an artist. I feel incredibly prepared and sharp for whatever the industry throws at me next.

You’re also starring alongside Faye Dunaway in The Evilry. What did you learn from working with someone of her calibre?
It is an absolute honour and deeply humbling to even be mentioned in the same sentence as these artists. I am a sponge, soaking up everything I can by watching them, working with them, and witnessing their process. It really is the greatest school of acting to be in the room with an icon like Faye.

How do you choose roles at this stage in your career?
My team and I are thoughtful about the types of characters I want to be seen in and the types of projects I want to be forever associated with. What is meaningful to me as an artist, and what makes for a good representation of who I am? I am grateful for every opportunity and excited to shape who Marissa Reyes is within the industry.

As a Mexican-American actress, how important is representation in the projects you take on?
Representation has been a driving force for me since before I was even in the industry. Growing up, there were very few actors who looked like my family and me. Almost every single character of mine has been intentionally written to be Latina, and that is incredibly significant to me. I want to provide representation for kids like me who didn’t see themselves on screen growing up. We are important, we are strong, and we deserve to be seen.

How do you stay grounded as your career continues to grow?
I feel grounded because of my family. They are my north star and keep my foundation unwavering. My mom, dad, and sister are steadfast in their support, love, and belief in me and my art. When my professional life feels tumultuous, I retreat back to them. With them behind me, I can fly as high as my wings will take me, while staying tethered to what’s most important.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about this next chapter?
I am excited about it all. I am so young, and there is so much I want to do and achieve. What excites me most is the opportunities that will find me because of the work and love I poured into this last chapter. I am so excited to discover what's next for me as an actor and will enjoy every second of whatever unfolds.

TEAM CREDITS

talent MARISSA REYES
photography VICTORIA REYES
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA