Last night, we caught up with Orange Is the New Black stars Selenis Leyva (aka Gloria Mendoza) and Diane Guerrero (aka Maritza Ramos), who came out to celebrate castmate Jackie Cruz’s music debut and partnership with Rémy Martin. From what they’ve been up to this summer to what they’re loving in fashion and more, the actresses tell all.
What’s the environment like on set these days?
Selenis Leyva: Intense! The season left off on a really high note, and we’re picking up pretty intense.
What brings you out for Jackie?
SL: I don’t like her very much, I’m just here for the free drinks [Laughs]. I love her—you just connect with people, and I connect with her. She’s like a little sister to me. There was immediately this need for me to take care of her, and that’s like my character, [who’s] very protective, and I’m like that in real life.
How’s summer going?
SL: I’ve been busy! We shoot in the summertime, so it’s always not a summer because we’re working. But I love what I do so much that it’s alright! I also got into the cast of Spiderman and I shot with them. There are a few more projects coming up, but my main priority right now is Litchfield.
Let’s talk fashion…what are you loving these days?
SL: For me, it’s about comfort and what hugs my body. I have curves, so I love a designer who isn’t afraid to show them. I’ve worn Carmen Marc Valvo—he was the first designer who dressed me, and he really does embrace a woman’s body. I’ve been wearing Escada a lot lately, too. It’s all about situating what god gave me and not being afraid of that.
Any traveling lately?
SL: Some of us went out to Berlin for the premiere of Season 4 of Orange Is the New Black and it was magical. You don’t realize how the show has touched people and how far it’s reached. I went to Argentina with Jackie and we ate a lot and drank a lot and partied a lot. We received so much love. I saw Jackie went to Bali—I’m going to get some notes from her!
We hear you and Jackie are best friends!
Diane Guerrero: She is my best friend—I love her! Anything that she does I’m really proud of. I got the invite in the mail and just knew I had to come or else I’d here some sh*t. We’re like a couple! We met the second day of shooting on the show…it was like love at first sight.
What’s the dynamic between your other castmates?
DG: We’re all really good friends and support each other through whatever we do. This is my first big gig—I work on Jane the Virgin too, which is also a phenomenal cast and environment. I feel very lucky.
Have you had a moment to breathe this summer?
DG: It’s been a great summer, but lots of work. Summer isn’t summer for TV actors. Whenever I have a moment to relax I just stay at my house by my pool and cool off. It’s been great. We’re all so happy to be back, though. We can’t believe how popular the series has become and how people respond to it. We’re just trying to honor that this season.
Are you into fashion?
DG: I love fashion, and I love nice and pretty things. I’m like a Bill Cunningham—I love seeing what people are wearing and I gravitate toward interesting things and pieces. Sometimes I like to just watch people so I can take some of what they have going on.
How do you describe your style?
DG: Edgy, sexy, and sophisticated.