Full Breakdown
Judy Reyes: Navigating Hollywood's Challenges and Celebrating Latinidad
4/1/2026, 5:24:28 AM
Return to Iconic Roles
Judy Reyes, the Bronx-born Dominican actor, has recently reprised her role as Carla Espinosa in the reboot of the ABC medical sitcom “Scrubs.” This return, spanning four episodes, sees her character as a head nurse and mother of four, reflecting the passage of time and the evolving dynamics of her life. Reyes also stars as Lieutenant Selena Soto in ABC's “High Potential,” a crime drama that showcases her leadership alongside Kaitlin Olson and Daniel Sunjata. Reyes emphasizes the importance of representation, stating, “Latinos are lieutenants and nurses and doctors, et cetera!”
Balancing Multiple Projects
Reyes managed to film both “Scrubs” and the second season of “High Potential” simultaneously, thanks to the flexibility offered by ABC. She expressed her honor in being part of television history, noting the natural progression of her character in “Scrubs” as she navigates the challenges of motherhood and work. In “High Potential,” her character faces relatable moments of defeat, particularly when not chosen for a captain position, which Reyes connects to broader themes of resilience for women, especially women of color.
Incorporating Cultural Identity
In her role as Lieutenant Soto, Reyes has found ways to incorporate her Dominican heritage, such as featuring a mug with the Dominican Republic flag in a scene. She highlights the significance of representation, stating that Latinos have not historically held leadership roles in Hollywood, though progress has been made. Reyes acknowledges a retreat in diversity efforts, emphasizing the need for more representation behind the camera, including writers and directors, to foster authentic storytelling.
The State of Hollywood
Reyes reflects on the current state of the entertainment industry, noting the challenges posed by mergers and the shift towards streaming. She expresses concern over the impact of these changes on the workforce, stating, “The more you merge, the more people you fire and the more machines you put in their place.” Despite these challenges, Reyes remains committed to using her platform to connect with other creatives and advocate for diverse stories.
Commitment to Community and Art
Reyes is motivated by the need to protect artistic expression and support her community. She is involved in initiatives to train Latinas as coaches, aiming to empower others to see themselves in the arts. Her dedication to theater and collaboration with fellow artists keeps her grounded in the creative process, as she continues to navigate the complexities of Hollywood while celebrating her cultural identity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our very existence is political no matter what. Our joy is a problem for a lot of people,” — Judy Reyes, Actor
- “I’m so honored and so thrilled to be part of what I consider a television history,” — Judy Reyes, Actor
- “The more you merge, the more people you fire and the more machines you put in their place.” — Judy Reyes, Actor
- “That’s another way to reach out to the community and help people see themselves.” — Judy Reyes, Actor
Judy Reyes exemplifies the intersection of personal and professional challenges in Hollywood, advocating for representation and community engagement while navigating her evolving career.
