Interview with Bernadette Balagtas Batts
From the big screens of the cinemas to the stages of comedy, Bernadette Balagtas is no stranger to the cameras. She has graced commercials, appeared in a number of movies and television series, and walked the red carpets of countless events. But for the Filipino-American actress and comedian, life was not always like this. Her journey started in the country we all know and love, the Philippines.
“Like many families from the Philippines, we came to America in search of a better life and more opportunities. At customs, they asked why we were coming to America and I said, “To be on the Price Is Right!” I would always see the contestants win washers and dryers for a “dollar” so I thought that was the actual price in America. Obviously, I now know it was a dollar because everyone overbid but I just really wanted us to stop washing clothes by hand,” recalled Bernadette.
Little did she know, her life would take an interesting twist away from the “labandera” and into the spotlight.
Photo courtesy of Bernadette Balagatas
After the big move to the United States, Bernadette spent her childhood years among the diverse communities of Los Angeles in Cerritos. As she started college, she decided to take a break to try her hand at acting and comedy. This immersion into the world of entertainment was the start of something beautiful and ultimately led Bernadette down a path that would allow her to make a major impact on the Filipino American community and beyond.
She eventually returned to her studies and graduated with high honors and a degree in Theater at California State University Long Beach. “College was tough because I would go to school during the day and then do stand-up comedy at night. Some nights I would stay up until 2am doing comedy shows then back in class by 8am the next morning. This was probably the most exhausting yet rewarding time of my life,” she mentioned.
Photo courtesy of Bernadette Balagatas
Bernadette’s start in comedy was brought about by chance. As a young actress in pursuit of her SAG card, she was doing extra work on a TV show. They were filming a concert scene that consisted of over 100 extras when Bernadette did yet another thing that would take her down a new path.
“During a break, I told a funny story to another extra on the set and everyone turned their chairs and started listening and laughing. Afterwards, people started asking me, “Where do you do stand-up comedy?” I was like, “I don’t.” And a bunch of people said they’d pay to come watch me do it. I said, “NO way.” But after hearing it so many times, I decided to try it at least once. My first time on stage was at the Comedy Store open mic. When I got off stage a small woman came up to me and said, “You’re really funny. You should come back.” She then got in a limo and left. I found out later that it was the owner of the club, Mitzi Shore. Since then I’ve toured the country with fellow Filipino comedians and shared the stage with Chris Rock, Bill Burr, Damon Wayans and many other legendary comics.”
Photo courtesy of Bernadette Balagatas
If you weren’t able to catch Bernadette in action with her comedy, you might have seen her in the first ever Filipino American film to be released theatrically nationwide, The Debut, where she starred alongside Dante Basco as Rose Mercado. This film made waves, receiving recognition from publications like Los Angeles Times and even went on to win the Best Narrative Feature award at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. Bernadette and the cast and crew behind the film, helped Filipino Americans across the country feel seen and heard through their work.
“Playing the role of Rose Mercado will always be one of the proudest moments in my life. I feel like the cast shared a special bond from being in that film and representing other Filipinos. They had lots of talent to pick from so I was so honored when I booked the part. I remember getting a call from the director, Gene Cajayon, and I was washing dishes when he told me I would play the role of Rose. I almost broke our plates,” says Bernadette as she remembers filming.
“The very first scene we shot of the movie was the “You’re just as brown as the rest of us” scene between Rose and Ben. I remember feeling sick to my stomach because I was acting opposite Dante Basco, Rufio, from the infamous “Hook” by Steven Spielberg. But once Dante and I started the scene I felt this sense of calm and knew that we were making something great. And the rest is history.”
Photo courtesy of Bernadette Balagatas
Bernadette has appeared in a number of films and shows with some of the industry’s most respected personalities. Her most recent work includes appearing on shows like “Mr. Mayor” with Ted Danson, Apple TV’s “LOOT” with Maya Rudolph and alongside Courtney Cox and Judith Light in an upcoming show “Shining Vale”, which is set to hit screens next year on the STARZ network.
“I loved working with Ted Danson on “Mr. Mayor”. He looks you right in the eye and genuinely listens and cares about what you are saying. Drew Barrymore is exactly how amazing you’d expect her to be. If “a ray of sunshine” was a person, it would be Drew. And most recently Judith Light from “Who’s the Boss?”. I grew up watching that show so the whole time we worked together all I could hear was Tony Danza’s voice saying, “Yo Angela!” Watching Judith Light work is like receiving a master class in acting,” recalled Bernadette.
Photo courtesy of Bernadette Balagatas
The hard work and effort that Bernadette put into owning her craft both onstage and on camera helped pave the way to a fruitful career. With all that she’s achieved throughout her time in the industry, Bernadette takes pride in her roots and culture. Her Filipino heritage has definitely played an important role in her life.
“Being Filipino means lifting each other up and always having a connection to one another. I could be anywhere in the world and if there’s another Filipino person nearby, we can look at one another and just KNOW we are connected. It’s always been my dream to play Filipino characters and slowly but surely, it’s happening more and more! I recently got to speak in Tagalog on AppleTV’s “Loot” with Maya Rudolph. What made me even more proud is when the other actors on set recognized me from “The Debut”,” she mentioned.
Bernadette’s journey is one that inspires Filipino Americans across the globe to pursue their passions and follow their dreams, despite the challenges and hardships that may stand in their way. When asked what her advice is for those who wish to follow in her footsteps, she replied, “Just. Keep. GOING. Keep working on your craft and focus on your own race. Push through the tough times and believe it’s going to happen.”
Written By Nico Belasco
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