Executive produced by Ben Stiller, the CW’s series In the Dark has quietly become must-see television for the network.
The series is unlike anything on the network right now and fans have definitely taken notice. It continues to do well not only in the ratings but on social media as well. One of the reasons for the series success is the work of actor Humberly Gonzalez.
Born and raised in Venezuela, Humberly is forging her own path in the industry and is definitely someone you should keep an eye on. She’s appeared in series such as Orphan Black, Saving Hope, Guilt Free Zone, and The Detail.
We talked with Humberly about her series In the Dark and her character Vanessa. We talk about the similarities and differences between her and Vanessa, what it’s like working with Brooke Markham and why she thinks the series is resonating with its loyal fans.
Pop Culture Principle – What was it about the role of Vanessa that made you sign on to the project?
Humberly Gonzalez – Vanessa tells it like it is, I found her to be very truthful and at times blunt, but she doesn’t hide herself, even if she comes off as the harsh lover. I am always excited to play sassy characters with a heart.
Pop Culture Principle – For those who haven’t seen the series yet, can you tell us a little about your character Vanessa and how she fits in the world of In the Dark?
Humberly Gonzalez – Vanessa plays the love interest of Jess ( Brooke Markham), they are in a constantly evolving relationship, a critical role that shapes the destiny of the characters in the show. Jess is best friends with the lead of the show Murphy (Perry Mattfeld) who doesn’t like Vanessa very much, they have lots of friction throughout the series, which in turn creates friction between Jess and Murphy.
Pop Culture Principle – Can you name one similarity and one difference between you personally and your character Vanessa?
Humberly Gonzalez – A similarity would be her devotion to her partner. Vanessa is there for Jess, through the good and the bad, and she was constantly trying to lift her up and stay positive. I do believe in manifestations, a word Vanessa uses in the show. A difference would be the way in which Vanessa conducts her arguments, she can be a little harsh at times, whereas I hate confrontation haha.
Pop Culture Principle – Brooke Markham plays your girlfriend Jess in the series. You both have great chemistry on screen. What was it like working with her?
Humberly Gonzalez – I have nothing but great things to say about Brooke. It was very easy to share the screen with her, we both came into it with open arms and a lot of love. We both felt very comfortable and were always excited to play while shooting.
Pop Culture Principle – In one of the recent episodes of In the Dark, we see Jess start to pay more attention to Vanessa, which really bothers Murphy. Can you talk a bit about that dynamic?
Humberly Gonzalez – Right from the beginning Vanessa rubbed Murphy the wrong way, and she isn’t convinced it will last long. Murphy wants Jess all to herself, she doesn’t want to share her with another woman. Jess is also the only person Murphy has truly let in, so when someone else distracts Jess from being at her beck and call Murphy isn’t so psyched about it.
Pop Culture Principle – How have you enjoyed working with Perry Mattfeld who is terrific as Murphy?
Humberly Gonzalez – Absolutely! She is a rockstar, and so so so talented. I was in awe watching her work develop as Murphy, it was truly inspiring.
Pop Culture Principle – We found out recently that Jess had cheated on Vanessa. How is that going to change the dynamic between those two and how Vanessa truly feels about Jess?
Humberly Gonzalez – Vanessa, although this is her first relationship with a woman, is fully in with Jess. The cheating came out of nowhere and it was heartbreaking when Vanessa found out. But Vanessa is the kind of person that when you wrong her, you are out, she knows she deserves better, even if she loves her.
Pop Culture Principle – In the Dark already has a very supportive and vocal fanbase. What is it about this show that is resonating so much with its viewers?
Humberly Gonzalez – I have to say it has to do with the actors involved. I believe each one them 100% – they bring complex choices and rawness to the beautiful scripts, they are completely open to direction from the incredible directors involved. It takes a whole team to create a show, and the vulnerability brought by the actors to put themselves in these scenarios and truly live within them. This show brings the kind of work I love to watch, and I know the audience can sense it as well. Hence its popularity.
Pop Culture Principle – As mentioned before, the show has a vocal fanbase and they are very involved with the social media aspect of the series. Have you been keeping up with fans reactions to the series via social media? How has the feedback been from the fans?
Humberly Gonzalez – It’s so great to see fans get involved with different characters. People like my acting as Vanessa but not necessarily Vanessa’s character herself; she comes off as rude and vapid at times, but I think she’s just misunderstood haha.
Pop Culture Principle – In the Dark is unlike any show on the CW network right now. How does it feel as an actor to be part of something that is different than what the network currently offers?
Humberly Gonzalez – I felt it from the beginning that this show wasn’t in the style of other CW shows. It wasn’t about a slickness or perfection, the emphasis was on the characters development and the emotional journey of the story. A show that makes you feel a rollercoaster of emotions in one sitting, that’s what I’m here for! I feel very grateful for the chance to be a part of it, for the friendships made and the incredible artists I got to collaborate with.
Pop Culture Principle – With only a few episodes left in the first season, what can fans look forward to with the rest of the season?
Humberly Gonzalez – Twists and turns!!
Pop Culture Principle – Do you have any other upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
Humberly Gonzalez – I will be appearing in Lifetime’s new movie “Trapped: The Alex Cooper Story” the real story of a young Mormon girl who comes out as gay and forced into conversion therapy by her parents. I have also been working on a new series the last 3 months but I can’t quite share that yet, but stay tuned and you shall 🙂
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A huge thank you to the wonderfully talented Humberly Gonzalez for talking with us. You can catch episodes of In the Dark on Thursday nights on the CW. If you would like to keep up with Humberly’s latest news and projects, you can follow her official Twitter account @HumberlyG.