BELLO Cover Star | Esmeralda Pimentel
She may have started in a telenovela translated to Summer of Love, but this Winter we are totally in Love with Mexican model and actress Maria Esmeralda Pimentel. Maria is no stranger to being in front of the camera. She was first seen in television commercials at age nineteen, where she modeled for clothing brands from Mexico. She then received her first acting offer in 2009 in the telenovela “Verano de Amor” and since then has crossover to American mainstream shows and movies including The Good Doctor, No Man’s Land and most recently “High Heat” streaming only on Netflix! Check out our chat with the international bombshell below!
In High Heat you played a firefighter. Do you prefer to light things up or cool them down?
In real life to light things up, in fiction it might change from project to project. 😉
The popularity of Spanish-language content on Netflix is undeniable. How did the streaming platforms’ worldwide exposure influence your life?
I am so proud that my work and my colleagues can be seen in many places around the world thanks to the power of platforms that, without a doubt have revolutionized the way we watch movies and series. The streamers create bridges that bring us closer to other visions, universes, cultures, and narratives. I get messages in my Instagram from people from other countries who are so hooked on some show or movie that I filmed maybe years ago. It’s amazing that they can watch that translated into their own language on some platform and I think it’s wonderful that thanks to technology these companies can make us feel closer to each other.
What is your favorite city to live in? What is your favorite place to relax? Where do you like to party?
Favorite City: Madrid! A place to relax: My house with my dogs and my favorite coffee. Party: To hang out with my closest friends at their homes.
How different is it to film in US production like “The Good Doctor” vs “High Heat” for example?
Each project involves different challenges and opportunities. In the case of The Good Doctor, I remember the feeling of being extremely aware of everything all the time. Mainly because all of the communication with the production team, the Directors, and my scenes were in English which is not my native language, so I was really present and excited too. And in High Heat, playing a female firefighter was certainly very demanding and physically strenuous. In addition, the presence of fire on set undoubtedly provided a high degree of adrenaline, and although we were always surrounded by the best professionals in special effects, paramedics and crew, there is always some risk. The wonderful thing about being an actress is that I have the opportunity to inhabit other professions, see different parts of the world, and learn about other cultures. The perks of being an actor.
This past year, you were working with William Levy on the new project Montecristo. How did you like working with him?
It’s so easy to fall for William’s charisma and energy. As a producer and as a partner, he is a great example because he is a very talented man, and he has his objectives very clear. He’s so driven! Montecristo is his first project in Spain and the love and passion it causes in his fans are impressive. He also has the best Fandom because they are so generous and fun.
When should we expect Montecristo to air, and where?
Montecristo is still in the post-production stage and as soon as they give us the green-light, we are going to make all the noise we can, so everybody run and watch it.
Any more exciting new projects you are working on?
I’m about to start filming a show where I play a couple’s therapist. In the middle of the year, there is a project in Spain that I still cannot give any information about, but that project makes me very happy, and I will share it with you as soon as I can. On the other hand, I am starting my era as a producer alongside the best partners. Without a doubt, I am fulfilling a dream that I thought was very hard to achieve by being behind the scenes, telling the stories that I always wanted to see, and being surrounded by women that I love and admire.
After starting in the fashion industry, it looks like you always kept your connections to it. What are your favorite style, looks, and colors when it comes to fashion?
I don’t think I have a specific style, but I like trying and playing with different styles. It all depends on the mood I’m in or whatever situation I am living in at that moment. If I feel comfortable, I know that I will shine because I will feel authentic, free, and beautiful.
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Photography VALERO RIOJA @Valero_rioja
Styling VICTOR BLANCO @victorblancostudio
Glam EVA ESCOLONA @evaescolanomakeup
Assitant Photography ANDRES MAIZO BARBOSA @maizophoto
Assistant Styling JESUS RAMIREZ @jesus_ramirez.rr
Interview ED SOLORZANO @edsolo87
Production CHUVIC PRODUCTION @chuvicproductions
