BB Exclusive: Jearnest Corchado Talks AppleTV+’s “Little America”
AppleTV+ released a new series earlier this year, “Little America”. The series is an anthology series that focuses on a different person overcoming some significant obstacle, whether it is deportation, visa problems, language gaps, or other cultural clashes. Up and coming actress, Jearnest Corchado, stars in the episode 2 of the show, “The Jaguar”, where she plays ‘Marisol’ an undocumented teen that becomes a killer competitive squash player.
We had the chance to sit down with Corchado to talk about her new series, playing Marisol, her upcoming projects, moving from Puerto Rico and so much more. You can check out our chat below.
Tell us about your new show, “Little America”, and your character, Marisol?
“Little America” is an amazing anthology series that follows the lives of eight different immigrants in the USA on Apple TV. Every story is different as some are very funny and then others are more serious but I think they’re all overall very heartwarming and inspiring. I got to play Marisol on the second episode “The Jaguar”. It is about a girl who discovers a big passion for squash and is encouraged by her coach to pursue this dream. Eventually, her love for the sport transforms her and completely changes the course of her life. When I was prepping for this role, it was really important for me to constantly remind myself that I was playing a real-life hero. I didn’t get to meet Reyna in person but through conversations with my wonderful director Aurora Guerrero, I think we were able to capture her essence and be as authentic and honest to her story as we possibly could. Looking back at it and after hearing good feedback from Reyna herself, I think we were able to do something we are all proud of. Filming this was one of the best experiences of my life. I will cherish it forever.”
Did you know anything about squash before landing the role?
“No, I didn’t! I knew how to play tennis but didn’t know anything about squash. I had to train and look like I was a professional squash player in less than a week, which was a crazy challenge but also extremely fun!”
How did you come to be a part of “Little America”?
“I just auditioned for the role. I sent a tape in. Apparently they had an open call and about 2,000 girls sent their tape in. I was lucky enough to be considered and then later offered the role.”
You can check out the rest of our chat under the jump. “Little America” is currently streaming on AppleTV+.
Photo credit: MLC PR
You are also starring in a new indie film, “Raise Your Hand”, can you tell us a little about the movie and your character, Gia?
“Yes, I am! It’s a coming of age drama based in the 90’s that follows the lives of two best friends as they face the challenges of growing up in a bad / low income neighborhood. My character Gia is this really tough girl who after a very traumatic event, has to find her way back to who she was, or rather find a way back to a better version of herself. She uses her talent as a writer as therapy and it helps her find her voice. Eventually, she is able to speak up and inspire others to do the same. I think this film is very thought provoking especially after the #metoo movement. It’s very complex and it doesn’t shy away from racism, social injustices and the gray areas as my director called them.”
What was it like filming the indie?
“Amazing. I grew so much while I was working on this project. It was a very life changing experience. I love working on indie films. It feels like they are a bit more experimental and open to trying new things, so as an artist, it is very satisfying. You never know what’s going to happen next!”
You just wrapped filming on your first series regular role, CONGRATS! Can you tell us about your new series, “Sneakerheads” and the character you play on the show?
“Yes! The title is pretty self explanatory. Haha. It’s a comedy about Sneakerheads— people that are obsessed with sneakers. The crazy thing about this project in particular was that I actually auditioned for this role super last minute. I think I did the tape on Monday and got offered the role on Tuesday and started working on Wednesday. I had to read 6 episodes and learn all my lines over night and try to familiarize with the lingo of it all. I am not a Sneakerhead myself, so it was a challenge to learn all the names and act like I was super tough and streetsmart or I guess I should say “sneakersmart” but I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. We shot about 5 episodes in a month which was insane, but we definitely enjoyed the crazy ride! My character Nori is like the boss on the streets, “the connect”, and the hustler who always can find the best sneakers in town. The girl that’s going to have the hook up.”
What was it like filming your first series regular role?
“It was a rollercoaster. Haha. This project was like nothing I’ve done before. It was a little overwhelming not going to lie. Because of the short notice, I think it made me more nervous than usual because I was learning things/lines as I went. I was also working with insanely talented comedians who I had never met before and that was a little threatening, in the best way possible. And yet the actors were so kind to me and they made me feel very comfortable, so that definitely helped and helped me eased a little. I think it felt like bootcamp after that experience, I’m ready for anything! It truly trained me and kept me on my toes.”
Do you have a preference of which format you prefer acting in, films or television?
“Mmhm I love doing both but I think I rather do film. I think it’s not so much about the format, it’s more about whether I am working with a consistent director or not. I love having a dialogue with the director and having a director I can trust throughout the process. With Little America, even though it was technically TV, it still felt like I was doing a film because of that beautiful relationship between actor and director. I felt like Aurora, the director, and I were on it together. We were a team and I live for that!”
You were born in Puerto Rico, but moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, what was that move like?
“It was exciting, exhilarating! It was all I ever dreamed of doing. I was more happy than a kid on Christmas morning. Haha.”
Do you miss home?
“I do, every single day. But I try to visit often. It’s the sacrifice many of us have to make.”
As your career progresses, is there someone you would love to work with in the industry?
“I would love to work with Ava Duvernay, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Marielle Heller. I have so many!!! Haha. As for actors — Adam Driver, Dakota Fanning, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, Joaquin Phoenix… ahhhh the list goes on.”