Inspirational Women In Hollywood: How Maria Russell Of ‘Jury Duty’ Is Helping To Shake Up The Entertainment Industry
…Oh, there are so many lessons. For one, I’ve learned that I’m quite skilled at maintaining a deception for three and a half weeks, staying in character the entire time. That’s quite something.
But regarding the lessons, one of the biggest is that kindness always prevails. Despite living in a world where unfortunate events occur, at the end of the day, the essence of kindness triumphs. That’s a major reason why people felt so connected to the show. Yes, it was incredibly funny, absurd, and wild, but beneath all that, there was heart. That’s rare in shows today; not many can make you feel the way this one did. I even cried at the end when I first saw it, feeling surprised by my reaction. It gave me goosebumps. It demonstrated our collective journey, accomplished with love and care, not as a mockery. That’s why the show resonated so deeply with its audience…
I had the pleasure to talk to Maria Russell. Maria, an actress of Mexican and Lithuanian descent, has become a notable figure in the world of comedy, especially recognized for her role as ‘Inez De Leon’ in the Amazon Freevee/Amazon Prime series “Jury Duty.” In the series, she humorously portrays a self-assured character who, after unsuccessfully vying for the role of foreperson, embraces her niche as the jury’s lunch coordinator and social planner. This documentary-style series, lauded for its candid peek into the American jury trial system and featuring James Marsden, has enjoyed critical acclaim and a slew of award nominations, including nods from the Golden Globes, Emmys, Independent Spirit Awards, and a win at the TV Critics Award, among others.
Russell’s career spans television and film, with her versatile acting skills showcased in a variety of roles. She has appeared in series such as MTV’s “Teen Wolf,” ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” and CBS’ “Criminal Minds,” demonstrating her ability to navigate between dramatic and comedic performances seamlessly. Her comedic talent was further highlighted in HBO Max’s “Tacoma FD,” where she played ‘Lt. Salazar,’ a role that endeared her to many fans.
Apart from her television roles, Russell has made significant contributions to the film industry, with notable performances in “Lights Out,” a Warner Bros. production, and upcoming roles in films like “In Flight.” Her engagement with independent cinema further underscores her commitment to diverse storytelling and her ability to connect with audiences on various platforms.
Russell’s talents extend beyond acting. She co-wrote and stars in “The Latina Christmas Special,” an Off Broadway hit that has received critical acclaim and audience adoration for its insightful humor and heartwarming narratives. This production, alongside her film and television work, showcases Russell’s multifaceted creative abilities and her dedication to exploring and expressing complex characters and stories.
Her background in classical ballet and proficiency in a range of dance styles, including jazz, Latin/salsa, and hip hop, adds a unique dimension to her performances, enriching her acting with physical expressiveness and grace. An advocate for fitness, she also engages in activities such as kickboxing and pickleball, illustrating her belief in the importance of physical well-being in complementing her artistic pursuits.
Russell’s personal story is deeply rooted in her bicultural heritage, having grown up in a loving home that celebrated both her Mexican and Lithuanian identities. Her journey into acting was supported by a foundation of love, ambition, and the belief that she could achieve her dreams, a sentiment strongly encouraged by her family. This grounding has informed her career choices and her approach to her craft, emphasizing connection, storytelling, and the exploration of diverse narratives.
Living in Los Angeles with her two dogs, Boris and Natasha, Russell embodies a spirit of adventure, both in her professional endeavors and her personal life. Her commitment to exploring the world, coupled with her passion for storytelling, positions her as a dynamic figure in the entertainment industry, eager to push boundaries and explore new territories in acting, producing, and directing.
As Maria Russell continues to leave her mark on the world of comedy and drama, her work reflects a dedication to diversity, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence. Her story is one of inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance, talent, and the importance of a supportive community in the journey toward achieving one’s dreams.
Yitzi: Maria, it’s a delight and an honor to meet you. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share this story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Maria: Certainly. My mother is Mexican, from Michoacan, Mexico, and my father is Lithuanian, a first-generation American from Pennsylvania. I grew up as an only child in a very loving home, where I was taught that I could be anything I wanted to be in this world. My mother would always encourage me with a “Yes, Miha, you can do it. Dream big.” So, I was raised in a home full of love and ambition. My father worked as an LAPD officer and training officer, and my mother was a homemaker, dedicating her time to raising me. She would take me to all my activities, always being there for me. I was born in Burbank, raised in Sun Valley, and now live in Studio City, not having ventured far, although I do love to travel. My professional acting career started during my college years, which was a very interesting time. I balanced school, auditions, classes, and even worked as a Budweiser girl, doing promotions at night or on weekends. It was hectic but so much fun, allowing me to live my dream.
I began working professionally in TV in 2007, and since then, I’ve been fortunate to be a working actor, which is not an easy feat. I’m also the proud mom of two dogs, Boris and Natasha, and live a fulfilling life. I enjoy pursuing my dreams, working out, playing pickleball, and believe in working hard and playing hard.
Yitzi: You probably have so many interesting stories, whether it’s on set or just from your professional life. Can you share one or two of the most memorable, the most interesting stories you can recall from your career as an actress?
Maria: Oh gosh, there are so many little poignant moments. One that stands out was when I was working on a show called “Leverage.” It was one of my first jobs, and I was still quite new to the industry. My character was the wife of a man who had taken some energy/diet pills, and I knew my role would be dramatic and intense. There was a court scene I had thought would be straightforward, but the director pulled me aside and indicated he wanted me to cry during the scene. The pressure was immense, with the entire crew, actors, and the camera focused on me. Unfortunately, I couldn’t produce any tears, which was distressing at the moment. However, the scene turned out well in the end, despite the initial challenge. It was a significant learning experience for me, showing the pressure and unexpected demands of acting.
Another aspect of pursuing an acting career is that it’s not just about having talent. There’s a lot involved, including luck. There’s no clear cut way to success in this industry; it’s complex and multifaceted.
Yitzi: It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting and the lesson that you learned from it?
Maria: Well, going back to the story I mentioned earlier, when I was first starting out, I was trying to navigate my way through this new world. I knew I had something to offer, but pinpointing exactly what that was proved challenging. I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh and feel good, recognizing that as my superpower. The most significant lesson I learned early on is the importance of being true to yourself. Attempting to be some odd, inauthentic version of yourself comes across as awkward and insincere. I realized the value of bringing my genuine self to every role, regardless of how scared or nervous I was, or how much the material didn’t reflect me. This approach ensures authenticity and prevents any performance from feeling superficial. This principle has stayed with me, reinforcing that people appreciate seeing the real you at work, whether it’s to make them laugh, cry, or anything in between. That’s a lesson I carry with me to this day.
Yitzi: Is there a person who made a profound impact on your professional life? And if there is, can you please share a story about that person?
Maria: Oh my gosh, there are so many people who have played a significant role along the way. My mom, without a doubt, is the central figure. I hold immense love for my dad as well, but it’s my mom who truly stands out. My dad, with his concern about when I’d get a “real job,” didn’t fully grasp the unconventional nature of acting. It’s not a linear career path like most; it’s unpredictable and scattered. My mom, on the other hand, has been an unwavering source of support. She instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. She was there through the highs and lows, always ready with encouragement and affirmations of my talent, beauty, and uniqueness. Her belief in me made me believe in myself.
Suzanne Morris, my coach, also had a profound impact, not just on my acting skills but on understanding life and the business aspect of the industry. It’s crucial to treat it like a business.
Even my dad, in his unique way, inspires me. He’s hilarious and brings a different kind of support and inspiration. So, yes, there have been many influential people, but my mom and Suzanne stand out as pivotal to my journey, with my dad also playing a significant role in a different manner.
Yitzi: So, let’s pretend you were the queen of Hollywood. You could snap your fingers and make things happen. What changes are you happy about seeing over the past few years, and what would you change moving forward? So, what are you happy about, and what would you change?
Maria: I’m genuinely pleased with the diversity and inclusivity that have emerged in Hollywood, especially in the last five to ten years. Gone are the days when there was a specific mold for actors and actresses to fit into to be considered for roles. The industry has evolved to embrace a wide variety of appearances and talents, breaking away from the traditional cookie-cutter standards of the past. This shift has opened the door for everyone to have a chance, irrespective of their looks or height. Additionally, the advent of the internet has empowered individuals to create and share their own material, which is a significant change for the better.
As the hypothetical queen of Hollywood, one change I’d advocate for is the democratization of opportunities beyond the A-list celebrities. While I understand the industry is business-oriented, there’s a vast pool of new and talented individuals who deserve their moment in the spotlight. It’s essential to venture out and explore fresh talent, not just focusing on well-established names like Margot Robbie or Ryan Gosling. Especially considering the challenges posed by the recent strike, spreading opportunities more evenly would be a priority. This approach would not only benefit the industry by showcasing a broader range of stories and performances but also help many talented artists get the recognition they deserve.
Yitzi: That’s great. Amazing. So, Maria, you have so much impressive work. But what are some of the exciting projects that you’re working on now or in the near future?
Maria: Yes, I’m really excited about a film I have coming out this year called In Flight. It stars Christo Fernandez, known from Ted Lasso, and Tiffany Smith, who was in Guardians of the Galaxy. The exact release date is still to be determined, but it’s definitely happening this year. Additionally, I’m gearing up to start working on another film next month, which promises to be an exciting venture.
Yitzi: So, as you know, Jury Duty was among the highest-rated and the funniest shows over the past few years. I don’t think I laughed so much with a show since Seinfeld. From your perspective, what was it that really captured people’s hearts and attention about the series?
Maria: I believe it’s exactly as you mentioned; the show resonated with people’s genuine emotions. Viewers initially might wonder what they’re getting into, but soon they find themselves completely engrossed. The magic of Jury Duty lies in the authentic bond we shared off-screen; we genuinely loved and supported each other, creating a chemistry that translated on screen. Moreover, we all brought big hearts to our roles, which I think really connected with the audience.
Ronald, for example, is a fantastic character, and his interactions with everyone touched the audience deeply. The show illustrated a hero’s journey filled with innocence and doing the right thing, which was compelling and beautiful to witness. Additionally, the relationships, like the one between Inez and Ronald, felt real because they were based on genuine connection and emotions.
We made it a priority to ensure that every personal or heartfelt moment on the show was authentic, not just for the sake of the story but also for Ronald to feel that sincerity. This authenticity, combined with the humor and chemistry among the cast, truly captured the hearts and attention of the audience.
Yitzi: So, looking back, what lessons do you think we can learn from the themes and motifs of the show?
Maria: Oh, there are so many lessons. For one, I’ve learned that I’m quite skilled at maintaining a deception for three and a half weeks, staying in character the entire time. That’s quite something.
But regarding the lessons, one of the biggest is that kindness always prevails. Despite living in a world where unfortunate events occur, at the end of the day, the essence of kindness triumphs. That’s a major reason why people felt so connected to the show. Yes, it was incredibly funny, absurd, and wild, but beneath all that, there was heart. That’s rare in shows today; not many can make you feel the way this one did. I even cried at the end when I first saw it, feeling surprised by my reaction. It gave me goosebumps. It demonstrated our collective journey, accomplished with love and care, not as a mockery. That’s why the show resonated so deeply with its audience.
Yitzi: Could you compare and contrast your personal character, Maria, with Inez, the character you play in the series? How are you similar, and how do you differ?
Maria: Oh, we share a lot of similarities. It’s quite funny because when I initially read the description of Inez, I didn’t really like her. She seemed too stern, too serious, and too uptight for my taste. So, I thought she needed to be more enjoyable. I discussed this with the producers, suggesting a different direction for her character, and surprisingly, they were open to it. This was both a dream and a challenge for an actor because there’s always the risk it might not work. But I felt it was the right choice. I aimed to make her more fun and relatable, focusing on adding humanity amidst a cast of eccentric characters. I wanted Inez to be someone Ronald could genuinely connect with, without fearing bizarre or dangerous outcomes. In making her fun and a bit bossy, though in a positive way, I injected a bit of my personality into her. So, we’re similar in being fun and taking charge when necessary. As for differences, it’s hard to say because I deliberately infused her with traits akin to my own. If anything, I’m more adept at getting lunch orders right, ensuring no mixed messages and straight to the point.
Yitzi: There were so many moments in the show where it was unbelievable that he didn’t catch on to the fact that it was all staged. I’m sure you’ve heard this often, but was it stressful for you? Like you were constantly worried that today would be the day he’d figure everything out and feel like his time had been wasted?
Maria: Absolutely, it was a daily concern. That thought was always at the forefront of my mind, not just in the background. There was this constant internal battle where part of me had to fully commit to the role, while another part was filled with anxiety over the possibility of him discovering the truth. With cameras everywhere, the pressure was immense. Yet, you learn to let go and immerse yourself in the moment. There were many instances where the production team, from their control room, had to quickly adapt to maintain the illusion whenever Ronald sensed something off. They’d invent excuses like an extended lunch break or a long testimony to watch, which helped convince him of the reality we were presenting. The fear of the entire operation unraveling was ever-present. However, the strong teamwork and our collective effort to support one another played a crucial role in the success of the show. We were committed to our roles, maintaining honesty within the context of our characters, which I believe was key in keeping Ronald engaged and unsuspecting.
Yitzi: I imagine there was a lot more improvisation in this show compared to others, right?
Maria: Absolutely, it was mostly improvised. About 95 percent of it, in fact, because we couldn’t predict what Ronald would say or do. We had to be ready to follow his lead, whether he went left or right. There was a basic structure, a sort of skeleton script with bullet points outlining the key moments that needed to happen, along with suggested lines to guide the story. But everything else required us to fill in the gaps on the spot. Looking back, it’s astonishing how we managed it all. At the beginning, none of us really knew what we were doing. I remember connecting with Cassandra Blair, who plays Vanessa, and we both admitted our uncertainty. This shared feeling of not knowing added to the show’s success because it forced us to rely heavily on instinct and trust. The level of trust among us had to be incredibly high to avoid ruining the illusion. It was a remarkable achievement.
Yitzi: Did you ever feel guilty about deceiving him, especially since he believed it was real jury duty? Did that ever weigh on you, knowing he was being tricked?
Maria: Initially, we weren’t sure if he would make it until the end, so it was uncertain ground. However, I didn’t often feel guilty, maybe just once. This was because of a planned scene where Inez and another character were to have an affair, which would have deeply involved Ronald in a more personal and potentially upsetting way. The producers decided against it, fearing it could cause real distress to Ronald, especially given the bond he and I had developed. Another instance involved a planned argument between Vanessa and me, which Ronald witnessed and was visibly upset by. Seeing his reaction, we quickly abandoned the idea to avoid causing him any more distress. These moments made me reconsider the emotional impact of our actions.
However, Ronald was genuinely enjoying himself throughout the experience, which alleviated most of my concerns. It was only towards the end, when revealing the truth, that we all felt a mix of relief and apprehension about his possible reaction. We were worried it might trigger something negative, considering we didn’t fully know his personal history or how he might process the deception. When the reveal finally happened, it was an emotional moment for everyone, filled with apologies and assurances of affection. Thankfully, Ronald took it well, which was a huge relief.
Yitzi: I feel this is a profoundly sociological experiment, almost the antithesis of the Stanford prison experiment. There are so many psychological lessons to be learned. For instance, the way everyone rallies and works together, hoping it will work out. It feels like the longest improv ever. Could it win the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest improv?
Maria: That’s such a great question. Oh my God, I really need to check the Guinness World Records seriously. There was no time to relax for a second. When I came home, I would write down things I told Ronald about me to stay on my game because he remembered everything too. That’s why I tried to keep information as close to my real life as possible. However, there were things that weren’t true, like being married at the time, but on the show, I’m divorced. I couldn’t say, “Oh yeah, my husband and I went out.” No, I had to stay on track and be present. It was seriously wild.
Yitzi: I’m sure it’s going to be copied a million times, probably just because of the strike; they haven’t had the opportunity yet. But there’s going to be so many variations of it. Your show and your character is going to be the template for how to do it.
Maria: Yeah, it’ll be interesting to see.
Yitzi: OK, this is our signature question. So, you’ve been blessed with a lot of success now. Looking back, do you have five things you wish somebody had told you when you first started acting? What are five things you wish somebody had told you?
- Yeah, that it’s a business. I wish someone had told me from the get-go, you know, because it seems glamorous and amazing, with the red carpets and all, but it’s a business.
- Second of all, it costs more money to invest in yourself than you might get back later on. Yes, you start to build, right. But in the beginning, no, you’re dishing out money left and right for photos, classes, and so on. I mean, it’s endless, right? But having that thick skin is crucial. I wish I had known that.
- I thought I had an amazing memory, and then I started working on soaps and plays. I was like, “Oh my God, this is really difficult.” I wish there was a magic pill to have a better memory than I thought I did. But I do have a very good memory. It’s just that sometimes there are chunks and chunks of dialogue. Even to this day, in the film I’m working on, I’m like, “Oh my God, how am I going to memorize it all?” But then I do. I think it’s just that fear, you know.
- Well, this is a statement, but I kind of knew it. I never did take it personally, but in the very beginning, you know, when you’re starting out, you don’t understand the concept that, oh no, it’s not you they don’t like. You can’t take it personally if you’re not chosen for the job. Right. It’s just that you might remind them of someone, like the director’s wife, or whatever it is. So, not to take it so personally. But let me tell you, over the years, I’ve developed very thick skin. You have to. You absolutely have to.
- So I wish someone would have told me that, and that I would be on one of the most successful shows of our lifetime called “Jury Duty.” Who would have known? It’s so crazy.
Yitzi: Amazing. So, this is our final aspirational question. Maria, because of your great work and the platform you’ve built, you’re a person of great influence, and people take your words very seriously. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most people, what would that be?
Maria: OK, that would definitely involve animals. It would be a movement where I’d have all these animals with me, and I would invite everyone who wanted to come over, for therapy. So, therapy with animals. I’d invite everyone and anyone over, and we’d all have a party with all these animals. That would be my movement because animals are healing. That would be my movement, “The Maria con los animalitos.” It could be anybody — children, adults, whoever needs some healing. Come on over. It’s beautiful. That would be my movement.
Yitzi: How can our readers continue to follow your work? How can they support you? How can they watch your next movie?
Maria: Yes, you can follow me on Instagram. I’m an Instagram girl, so you can find me there at MariaAnnRussell. I don’t really do X but that’s where you can catch up with me, MariaAnnRussell as well.
Yitzi: You know, Maria, it’s been such a delight to meet you. Thank you so much for the amazing stories. It’s been such a joy to meet you. Hope we can do this again.
Maria: Yes, for sure.
Yitzi: And I’ve interviewed a lot of people. I really believe you’re going to be a superstar one day.
Maria: You’re so sweet. Thank you.
Inspirational Women In Hollywood: How Maria Russell Of ‘Jury Duty’ Is Helping To Shake Up The… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.