Key Takeaways:
– Stephanie Beatriz originally auditioned for the role of Amy Santiago in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
– Beatriz struggled with her screen test, especially when she had to improvise with Andy Samberg.
– Unexpectedly, Beatriz was cast as the character Rosa, initially known as Megan.
– The actress assumed that the show wouldn't cast more than one Latina actress and was pleasantly surprised when this assumption was proven wrong.
A Complicated Casting Journey
Stephanie Beatriz, known for her iconic role as Rosa in the hit comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”, has recently shared her rather nuanced journey towards landing this significant part. While fans still miss the exceptional teamwork of Jake Peralta, Amy Santiago, Lt. Teddy, Captain Holt, Charles Boyle, and Gina Linetti in Nine-Nine precinct, Betaiz's revelations about the casting process have rekindled interest among the show's audience.
The is no denying the impact of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's ensemble cast in its success, and Beatriz, who beautifully portrayed Rosa, was pivotal in breathing life into the persona of a “cool, tough, smart, and scary as hell” officer. However, her path to playing Rosa was a scenic detour filled with uncertainties and surprises.
The Original Audition
While speaking on the BUILD series, Beatriz shared that she first auditioned for the role of Amy Santiago, a part that eventually went to Melissa Fumero. Apparently, casting director Allison Jones saw potential in Beatriz for another character, Megan, who later became Rosa. Beatriz wore all black for her audition, reflecting Rosa's tough personality. She ended up landing callbacks for both characters and even a screen test for each.
Unanticipated Pressure
One of her screen tests, however, did not go as smoothly as she'd anticipated. Beatriz, a self-confessed fan of Andy Samberg, was asked to improvise with him during her screen test for Amy Santiago. She found the pressure of sharing a scene with someone she admired quite overwhelming, and she felt her performance wasn't up to the mark. However, her screen test for the character of Megan, now Rosa, went exceptionally well.
Casting Uncertainties
Following the screen tests, when Beatriz discovered that Fumero had been cast as Amy, she felt her chances of playing Megan/Rosa were practically non-existent. Thinking that the possibility of casting two Latina actresses in one show was unlikely due to industry practices, she was braced for disappointment.
Breaking the Hypothetical ‘Latina Limit'
Beatriz soon discovered that Brooklyn Nine-Nine was willing to defy industry norms and stereotypes by casting two Latinas. When she received the great news from her agent, announcing her casting as Megan/Rosa, Beatriz was pleasantly surprised. The casting decision helped debunk the misconceived ‘Latina limit' and demonstrated Brooklyn Nine-Nine's commitment to representation and diversity.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at her casting journey, Beatriz realized that Brooklyn Nine-Nine was more than just an ordinary show. Its willingness to break stereotypes and its diverse cast were defining elements that transformed it into a much-loved global phenomenon. The experiences shared by Beatriz also provide a heartening glimpse into the world of television casting, reminding us that sometimes the unexpected detours lead us to the most rewarding outcomes.
