On Starz’s ‘Vida,’ queer Latinx character from Ser Anzoategui shines

BEVERLY HILLS — A lot happens in the first episode of  Starz’s news series “Vida.” There’s a death in the neighborhood. Friends and family cope with the loss. Secrets are revealed.  And viewers see sex — lots of sex.

The death also sets the entire storyline in motion.

Mexican-American sisters Lynn and Emma Hernandez (Melissa Barrera and Mishel Prada) return to their Boyle Heights neighborhood for their mother’s funeral and soon learn she had been living a secret life.

Their mom, Vidalia, was married to a woman, Eddy (Ser Anzoategui).

In a show filled with strong characters, topical subject matter, and tangled relationships, Eddy stands out with a softspokeness and love that centers the show.

Anzoategui’s portrayal of Eddy is a great counterbalance to Prada’s hard-as-nails, no nonsense Emma, and Barrera’s free-spirited and even reckless Lynn.

Starz’s ‘Vida’ explores queer Latinx experience

Anzoategui, who identifies as queer, non-binary, and uses they/their pronouns, spoke with Q Voice News in Beverly Hills at the Four Seasons Hotel.

During the interview, which is in the video above, they talk about their experience of bringing Eddy to life with a Latino cast and writers who celebrate the queer Latinx experience, the long road to inclusion, and why characters like Eddy are so important.

“Vida” airs Sundays on Starz.

On the Starz series “Vida,” Ser Anzoategui stars as Eddy, a sensitive soul, who is trustworthy, generous, and passionate, but also intimidating looking upon first glance. In many ways, Eddy is the heart of the community. When her wife, Vidalia, dies, the community aches, too. Photo: Starz.

Meet the “Vida” characters:

Lyn (Melissa Barrera)

Lyn loves to party and avoids her life problems while living in the Bay Area with her boyfriend. When she returns to Boyle Heights for her mother’s burial service, Lyn is compelled to confront her past and present.

Emma (Mishel Prada)

Emma, who has had strained relationships with her sister, Lyn, and her mom, reluctantly returns for her mom’s burial service and to contend with her family’s business. Emma rapidly realizes that things at home radically have changed, and Lyn may be the only individual who can help her figure out everything.

Eddy (Ser Anzoategui)

Eddy is sensitive, loyal, and reliable, but at first look appears threatening. Eddy is the soul of the neighborhood.

Marisol “Mari” (Chelsea Rendon)

Marisol defines East Side youth culture: woke, politicized, and a fierce fighter against gentrification. She will battle treachery; however, when Marisol sees that injustice kicks her in the gut, her drive and boldness will be tried.

Johnny (Carlos Miranda)

Johnny is an honorable man who runs his father’s auto shop and is engaged to his pregnant sweetheart. Johnny’s unshakeable vision of his future —  Be a devoted dad and husband — is shaken when his first love, Lyn, comes back into the picture.

Cruz (Maria Elena Laas)

Cruz is a mysterious lesbian, who has a checkered past with Emma. With Emma coming back to Boyle Heights, issues that were left uncertain between them rise to the top.

About the author

Beatriz E. Valenzuela

Beatriz E. Valenzuela is an award-winning journalist who’s covered breaking news in Southern California since 2006 and has been on the front lines of national and international news events. She also covers all things nerd, including comic book culture and video games. She’s an amateur obstacle course racer, constant fact-checker, mother of three, and lover of all things geek.

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