Talking With: Cynthia Quiles from Marc Cherry series “Why Women Kill”

This edition of Talking With focuses on actress Cynthia Quiles, as the acclaimed second season of Marc Cherry’s anthology series, “Why Women Kill,” has Paramount+ fans enthralled with every beautifully seductive moment.

Set in 1949, the 10-episode storyline explores beauty, truth, rejection, and the cost of acceptance. Just how far will frumpy housewife, Alma (Allison Tolman), go to become a member of high suburban society? Her plight is not an easy one as socialite Rita (Lana Parrilla) and her Garden Club gang, including Brenda (Cynthia Quiles), stand poised to clip Alma’s blooming aspirations.

Always a busy actress, Cynthia recently anchored the news as ‘Ana’ alongside Ted Danson NBC’s Mr. Mayor, researched cancer as ‘Monica’ on ABC’s Station 19, and popped in for roles on All Rise, Jane the Virgin and Confess. Her films include the horror-thriller Phoenix Forgotten, from executive producer Ridley Scott, and the action indie State of Ward, starring Dean Cain.

To learn more, we are Talking With: Cynthia Quiles.

Why did you want to be part of “Why Women Kill”?

CYNTHIA: Marc Cherry is known for creating the most beautiful worlds, filled with the most elegant and most importantly, interesting and dynamic female characters. This show is no exception. He created a world filled with characters that have depth, dealing with scandal and drama. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Any opportunity to play in Marc’s world is something I’d sign up for. The entire cast and crew were incredible to work with and everyone came together to create one of the most stunning shows I’ve ever seen, let alone had the pleasure to be a part of.

As an actor, what helped you the most in bringing ‘Brenda’ to life?

CYNTHIA: Bringing Brenda to life was so much fun. I sat with the character to really dive into who she was, where she came from, what her personal life was like away from the Garden Club, and what her quirks were. I drew inspiration from some of the icons of classic Hollywood, such as Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Hedy Lamarr and Joan Crawford. I studied their body language, the way the moved, the way they spoke and held themselves. It was important for me to truly study the mannerisms of high society women during this time because it was so distinct and so very different than how women carry themselves today.

Where do you start when preparing for a role? And does that change depending on the genre or other factors?

CYNTHIA: I always start with the character when prepping for the role. I ask myself questions about who she is, what her relationship is to those around her, and what her role is in the story being told. I then dive deeper into her physicality, how she moves and speaks, what she looks like, and what she would wear because I think that says a lot about a person. This changes a lot based on the genre, but particularly when approaching a period piece such as this one. Obviously, I wasn’t alive in the 1940s, so really sinking it to that by immersing myself in the cinema of that time, the music, the era, was very helpful in gaining an understanding into what living in that time period would’ve been like.

How did it feel to portray a socialite in the 1940’s?

CYNTHIA: Portraying a socialite in any time period is so much fun, but playing one in the 1940s was a literal dream come true. I’ve always been a fan of that time period so to have the opportunity to slip into that world, especially during a pandemic that was occurring in present day, was incredible. For moments in time, I got to forget what it was like existing in 2020 and I got to play in the world of 1949. And to be able to portray high society from that time period, particularly as a Latinx woman, was amazing. Studying actresses such as Rita Hayworth, who few know was actually Spanish, helped me with this. Seeing how women of color during that time had to play a certain role to fit in, who hid their heritage in plain sight, helped me gain an understanding of what it took to be accepted by the elite during that time period.

What was your favorite moment from working on the show?

CYNTHIA: There are way too many moments to mention because quite honestly, every moment I got to play in this world was remarkable. From the makeup and hair to the costumes to the sets to the people, you couldn’t ask for a better job! One moment or episode that truly stood out for me was working on Episode 204, which was directed by Eva Longoria. Eva is quite honestly one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with. Her direction was keen and insightful and it is very clear she knows Marc Cherry’s world and style. Also, working for a Latina female director who has had to fight for her own seat at the table was so inspiring. She is smart, warm and kind and a pure pleasure to create with.

Were you a fan of the show prior to booking the role?

CYNTHIA: I started watching the show when this audition came around and I quickly became hooked on Season 1. The beauty of the world was so mesmerizing and all the actors from the first season were so good! I binged all 10 episodes in a matter of days. That definitely made my desire to play Brenda even stronger! Quite honestly, even though Season 1 was incredible, I think fans will enjoy Season 2 even more because the show stays on one timeline of 1949, giving fans even more of an opportunity to be invested in the world and the relationships of these characters.

How was it working with Allison Tolman and Lana Parilla?

CYNTHIA: Working with Allison Tolman and Lana Parrilla was like working with a dream team. These two women are so ridiculously talented and each had their own style and way of working. I learned so much from watching them do their thing. Both of these women were so kind to everyone on set and treated everyone with respect. Allison was so loveable in this role, even when her character wasn’t always doing the “right” thing and Lana shines as Rita Castillo. Lana was able to exude a likeability in that role, even you want to hate Rita for being so mean. Working with Lana, who is also Puerto Rican, was also an incredible treat. There are so few Puerto Ricans in Hollywood, so to share the screen with one of the greats like Lana Parrilla was an experience I will never forget.

Why do you think fans will enjoy these characters so much?

CYNTHIA: The beauty of this cast is that they all bring an almost cult following of fans to this show. Each and every one of our leads has such a beautiful fan base and I think they will really enjoy seeing us all come together in this beautiful world. Additionally, the relationships between all the characters this season is very strong. It allows fans to truly be invested in what’s going on in the story and to immerse themselves in this world. Not to mention the drama, suspense and sexiness that most fans will enjoy as well!

Any specific moments we should be watching for coming up this season?

CYNTHIA: Every episode is filled with twists and turns that will leaves fans surprised and wanting more so it’s hard to say what you should look out for, but I can say the show will not disappoint. The costumes get more and more fabulous with every single episode and that is a treat in itself, but the story will also develop and pull you in ways you can’t even begin to imagine. This show is truly a delight.

What inspires you the most creatively?

CYNTHIA: I am inspired creatively by living the fullest life possible. As artists, it is very easy to immerse ourselves in the work, but to accurately portray fully realized characters, you need to be observant of human behavior and of life’s circumstances. It is important to live life and create your own memories and experiences that you can draw from. I am also very inspired by nature. Taking time out to reset in nature, to silence the mind, and to relax. I find myself most recharged and ready to create by making time for that on a regular basis.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

CYNTHIA: The most important thing I’d like to share with other artists out there is a reminder that your life in the arts can change in the most beautiful ways imaginable, but you must always keep going. Keep persevering no matter how hard the journey feels at times. This business is filled with a lot of “Nos” but one yes can change it all. And it usually comes when you least expect it. So always continue to show up, do your best work, and shoot every shot that comes your way, because one day you look up and wonder how you came this far and that is a beautiful thing.

Keep up with Cynthia Quiles on Instagram: @Cynthia.Quiles