Ana Ortiz may be instantly recognizable as Hilda Suarez from ABC's "Ugly Betty" and Marisol Suarez from Lifetime's "Devious Maids," but beneath these career-defining roles lies a passionate performer whose first love has always been the theater. Born and raised in the bustling streets of New York City, Ortiz's journey through show business reveals a nuanced understanding of identity, perseverance, and self-discovery that speaks to both aspiring artists and established performers alike.

"There's something magical about live theater that television can never quite capture," Ortiz shared during our intimate conversation. "When I'm on stage, there's this electric connection with the audience that reminds me why I fell in love with performing in the first place." Her eyes light up as she recalls her early days in New York's theater scene, where she honed her craft in off-Broadway productions and dreamed of seeing her name in lights on the Great White Way.

Despite her success in television, Ortiz has never lost sight of her theatrical ambitions. "Hollywood has been incredibly good to me," she admits, "but Broadway represents the pinnacle of performance art. It's where I've always felt most alive as an artist." This dedication to stage work speaks to a deeper authenticity that has characterized her entire career, from her earliest auditions to her most recent performances.

The path to success wasn't always smooth for Ortiz. She faced numerous rejections and setbacks early in her career, experiences that she now views as valuable learning opportunities. "Every 'no' taught me something about resilience," she reflects. "In this industry, you have to believe in yourself even when it feels like no one else does." This determination eventually led to her breakthrough role in "Ugly Betty," a show that not only launched her to mainstream success but also helped reshape Latino representation on television.

Growing up in New York's diverse cultural landscape shaped Ortiz's perspective on what it means to be Latina in the entertainment industry. "People often try to put you in a box," she reflects. "They have these preconceived notions of what a Latina should look like, sound like, or act like. But our community is incredibly diverse, and our stories are just as varied." Through her work, Ortiz has consistently challenged these stereotypes, choosing roles that showcase the complexity and richness of Latin American experiences.

Her commitment to authentic representation extends beyond her acting choices. Ortiz has become an advocate for diversity in entertainment, working behind the scenes to create opportunities for other Latino artists. "It's not enough to just be in front of the camera," she explains. "We need to be in the writers' rooms, in the director's chair, and in executive positions. That's how real change happens."

When asked about the advice she would give her younger self, Ortiz pauses thoughtfully. "I spent so many years trying to fit someone else's idea of perfection," she reveals. "I would tell my younger self that your uniqueness is your superpower. Don't waste time trying to be what others want you to be." This hard-won wisdom came after years of navigating an industry that often places unrealistic expectations on performers, particularly women of color.

The turning point in Ortiz's journey came when she finally embraced her authentic self. "There was this moment when I realized that I was enough, just as I am," she shares. "It wasn't about changing myself to fit the role; it was about bringing my whole self to every character I portray." This revelation has not only enriched her performances but has also made her an inspiration to aspiring artists who see themselves reflected in her success.

Today, Ortiz continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations, whether on screen or pursuing her Broadway dreams. She's also taken on new challenges, including directing and producing projects that tell stories often overlooked by mainstream media. "I want to be part of creating the change I want to see in the industry," she states with conviction.

Her evolving career serves as a powerful reminder that success isn't about conforming to others' definitions but about staying true to your passions and embracing your authentic self. As she looks toward the future, Ortiz remains committed to her artistic growth while inspiring the next generation of performers to forge their own paths. "The best stories are still waiting to be told," she says with a smile. "And I want to be part of telling them, whether it's on Broadway, on television, or through whatever medium allows us to touch people's hearts and change their perspectives."

Editor’s note: This interview was originally conducted in 2021 and has been updated.