Aimee Garcia | Age: 34 | Occupation: Actress on Dexter
So first off, we loved you in the "George Lopez" show. What do you think was the biggest career lesson(s) you gained from working on that show? If any at all?
I learned from George that you can never take success for granted and to always work hard. No matter how tired or busy he was, he always took time to connect with his fans and the people he worked with. He taught me to treat the people you work with like family.
You made a big leap from comedy to drama, and you're now on a beloved show -- Dexter. Tell us about how much this show has differed from other projects you've worked on! What were your expectations of this new role? And working with an established cast. "Dexter" has a HUGE fan base, so I knew I was coming into a high-profile show... But, the cast was so welcoming that I was never intimidated. It's a dream to be on a show that hits that sweet spot of being critically acclaimed, but also being commercially successful. On top of that, the writers tailor the script to an actor's natural sensibilities - C.S Lee is hysterical, so Masuka is snarky...Jennifer Carpenter has a hug heart, so Deb wears her heart on her sleeve. However, in the finale this year Jamie shows her darker side, so I have no idea where the writers drew that from! Or what the writers have in store for her next season.
What other things do you have coming up in the new year that you can tell us about? Right now I'm shooting "RoboCop" alongside Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton... so I'm learning a ton and having a blast! Our director Jose Padilha is amazing, so I really am living the dream right now.
Talk to us about New Year's resolutions! What's on your to-do list, or even your things you'd wish to improve, etc?
Yoga, cooking, traveling and golf! I keep SAYING I'm going to do yoga on a regular basis, but I never do it! I'm the world's worst cook, so I'd LOVE to master a good salad, vegetable, and salmon dish this year. I'd also like to go to Cape Town, South Africa, or Berlin.
Among all the roles you've portrayed, what has been your favorite and why? Was it the cast? The job itself, etc?
Jamie on "Dexter." She's fun, flirty, smart and feisty...when she has to be. I LOVE working with Michael C. Hall. I really think he's one of the best actors of our generation. And, the writers are amazing! TV lives and dies by the writing, so I feel lucky that "Dexter" has smart and creative writers who keep you on your toes.
Now tell us about your Christmas and New Year plans! Are you baking, cooking, DIY-ing, etc?
I'll be in my hometown Chicago spending the holidays with my family. While I'm there, I'll hang with my Northwestern girls and grade school buddies. Then, I'm off to New York to see some Broadway shows and hang with more friends.
If you could play a role in a film or television show from the past, which would it be?
Meg Ryan in When "Harry Met Sally." She was funny, smart, sexy, charming, quirky, and absolutely adorable. I love Billy Crystal too...their chemistry and banter was AMAZING! And, how fun would it be to do that scene where she has a fake orgasm in the diner!
Five things you just can't live without...?
Talk to us about the outfits you chose to put together for this feature. How would you describe your style? Your favorite designers are...?
My style right now is natural chic. I love earth tones, black & white, and muted solids that have an amazing, but simple cut. I don't have a lot of pieces in my wardrobe, and would rather splurge on a few that I can't live without. Then I mix them up with cool accessories and different hairstyles to turn it into a whole new outfit. I love my Vince black leather jacket, Elizabeth and James, Rag & Bone, Derek Lam, and I mix it all in with some classic vintage pieces.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
To live abroad! I have very few regrets in life, but I regret never living abroad. When I was a sophomore in high school, I had the opportunity to live with a family in France for the summer. Instead, I stayed in Chicago and did a movie! I probably would have been much more fluent in French by now lol! Work will always be there... you have to grab experiences when you can.
In the next 5 years, where do you see yourself? What are some of your goals?
Now that "Dexter" is ending, I'd like to find the next Dexter-esque show working with talented actors and writers. I'd also like to start producing my own projects, be more involved with charity, and check some places off of my travel bucket list.
Photographer: Derek Wood Hair Stylist: Stephen Lewis, Exclusive Artists Makeup Artist: Agostina, Exclusive Artists Production Assistant: Connie Wang Special Thanks: A-Line Media and Jennifer Mitzkus
Accessories Alert: Aimee is wearing a bangle from Local Socialites, seen in the second image. Shoe Alert: Aimee wears the Hashini wedges from JustFab.com available online for $39.95.