IN CONVERSATION WITH MARIEL MOLINO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Mariel Molino is set to star as the co-lead in ‘NCIS: Origins’, the highly anticipated ‘NCIS’ prequel series set in 1991, which will debut on CBS on 14th October. Mariel has previously led Freeform series ‘The Watchful Eye’ and is set to star Molino is also set to star in the second season of HBO Max series “Vgly”.

Mariel, we’ll be seeing you as Special Agent Lala Dominguez in ‘NCIS: Origins’. What can the viewers expect from this prequel?  

Viewers can expect a grittier, more intimate take on the origins of the NCIS team, with a deep dive into the backstories of some key characters and some new ones, like Lala. Lala Dominguez brings her own unique energy to the team. She’s the only female, she’s sharp, determined, and unafraid to break a few rules to get the job done, and she has a sense of humor about it all. The show blends intense investigations with moments of humanity and humor, making it both gripping and relatable. I think viewers are going to fall in love with our ragtag team. 

What attracted you to this role, and how did you approach bringing Lala to life? 

There's a monologue that introduces her in ‘NCIS: Origins’, and breaking it down during the audition process was one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of preparing for the role. Lala has this strange, almost cynical view of life, finding fascination in things others might consider dark or odd, which immediately attracted me. Beyond that, stepping into the shoes of someone I’ve never played before, a cop and former Marine, was incredibly appealing. She’s tough as nails, being a female Marine in the 80s and later joining the new NIS in a male-dominated world. But to me, her strength is also in her deep empathy and understanding of others. The role captivated me because of these dichotomies. It presents a challenge, both emotionally and physically, I’m hoping some of that shows on screen. 

The series is set in 1991 and explores the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. How did you prepare for a role set in this specific time period, and what challenges did you face portraying a character in a male-dominated field?

I was lucky enough to connect with a female agent who worked at NIS in the early nineties. Her experience on the field and in that time was very informative to my work. It was important to understand the societal dynamics and the added pressure Lala would face as a former Marine turned NIS agent in a world that wasn’t always welcoming to strong women.

One challenge was capturing that balance of toughness and vulnerability. Lala is resilient, but she's also had to navigate her own path, often surrounded by men who may underestimate her, even the men on her own squad. Preparing for the role involved honing in on that inner strength, while also reflecting on how someone like her would maintain her compassion and keen instincts. It was tough to try and find that when I first started filming the show, and I definitely felt like I was struggling to find her. 

Can you share a memorable moment or scene from filming ‘NCIS: Origins’ that you’re particularly excited for viewers to see?

In episode 6, Lala goes undercover. We’ll get to see her and Gibbs in what feels like a Bond movie. Lala became a completely different character. 

How did you get into acting, and how have you evolved as an actress since your first role?

I started doing theater when I was about 6 years old. I loved the adrenaline. I loved getting to play someone completely different to who I was. I’ve always had a fascination with fantasy and world building. 

My hope is that I have become more present with the years. When I started out, I wasn’t listening enough. Now, I think I’ve become better at listening and trusting that whatever needs to be there will be there. I learn something new with each project and as I learn more about myself, I become more comfortable exploring other aspects of myself. 

How do you choose the roles you take on, and what impacts your decision-making process?

When choosing roles, I focus on how fully developed the character feels and whether there’s a clear path for growth. If I can see their flaws and complexities, there’s a journey to embark on, a rawness to uncover. I’m drawn to characters with substance, where there’s meat on the bones, because it gives me the opportunity to explore and work through layers of emotions, struggles, and triumphs. It’s not just about who the character is at the start, but where they can go and how I can bring that evolution to life on screen. And from a purely entertaining standpoint, if it’s a horror, a western, or something sci-fi, my ears perk up. I love any kind of world building. 

How do you balance the demands of your acting career with your personal life and interests?

To me, a lot of that balance comes from surrounding yourself with the right people, family and friends who are honest, supportive, and love you for who you are beyond your work. 

Tell us more about your passions and interests outside of acting.

I love spending time with my dog, Kika. Long walks with her are one of my favorite ways to unwind. There’s something so fulfilling about making a meal from scratch and sharing it with friends, it always brings me joy. I love hosting. Recently, I’ve been taking horseback riding lessons, and it has become a rewarding mental and physical challenge. I also love going to the movies, and since it’s Halloween season, you’ll definitely find me indulging in all things spooky and scary. It’s my absolute favorite time of year. Additionally, I’m passionate about supporting women in my community through organizations like Alexandria House here in Los Angeles.

You are fluent in many languages. How has this skill contributed to your work in the entertainment industry, and do how beneficial do you find it in connecting with diverse audiences?

I’m fluent in 3  languages, Spanish, English, and French. And conversational in Italian. My goal is to work in all of these languages because I feel a connection to the cultures behind them. My grandmother is Italian so I would love to explore that. It would be a dream to combine my acting career with travel, potentially living in France or Italy. I owe a lot to my fluency in Spanish. It’s the foundation of my career, which began in Mexico. I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for teaching me these languages when it would have been easier not to. This skill has kept me busy working and has also connected me with a global audience. 

Besides ‘NCIS: Origins’, what can you share with us about your other upcoming projects?

I have two movies coming out very soon, the horror film ‘The Shade’ and a thriller with Adriana Paz, ‘Dead Man’s Switch’. Next year, I will be in the second season of HBO Max’s ‘VGLY’. I’m very excited for my role in that show, it’s a crazy one.

TEAM CREDITS:
photographer MAX MONTGOMERY
styling AMANDA LIM
hair SYLVIA WHEELER
makeup SALVADOR GONZALEZ