Danielle Larracuente

The 30-year-old daughter of two retired NYPD officers of Puerto Rican descent, says that a driving factor for her aspirations is to continue, in the footsteps of her idols like Jennifer Lopez and Rosie Perez, to bring a rising presence in TV and film for the Latino community.

At a very young age, Danielle started in print work and secured her first major commercial at only four years of age. For the next few years, Danielle continued as a child actress doing more commercials, advertisements, and plays. An important milestone in Danielle’s young career, at the age of nine years old, was landing the starring role of Young Nala in “Lion King” on Broadway (2001). After her run, she was cast in a role for a skit on “Saturday Night Live” with Jimmy Fallon (2002) and hosted a season of commercial breaks for the Women’s National Basketball Association (2003).

At fifteen years old she along with her mother moved to Los Angeles, California to further pursue her goals and aspirations as an actress. As she continued with more roles, she moved into television guest starring in an episode of “ER ” (2006). Her next role was in “Without a Trace” (2009). After a monumental hiatus to be a mother to her young son Benson, complete her Cosmetology License as well as a B.S in Psychology, Danielle returned to television with a recurring role on “Vida” (2020), guest spots on “NCIS”, “Home Economics”, and “Good Trouble”. A great achievement of hers is co-starring alongside Melissa Joan Hart in the hit Christmas Movie “Mistletoe in Montana (2021).”

Danielle is currently taking on the role of Paulina Calderon on the Bosch spin-off ” Bosch Legacy” in a recurring role and most recently recurred in NBC’s hit drama This Is Us Final Season, shining as Mandy Moore’s nurse Laila who helps her with her Dementia diagnosis and aiding the family through this tough time (May 2022).

What inspired you to pursue acting?

The acting bug bit me at the early age of 4. I remember watching the movie “Selena” and wanting to be her! I would tell my mom I want to be on the TV, and I would ask her to watch me practice how I would act in the mirror!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I would have to say, first and foremost being a mom to my beautiful son, Benson. Second, regarding the acting realm, I would say when returning to pursue my passion for acting. I took about 6 years off of acting but after having my son I decided to jump back in. I had to start from scratch and I worked hard at learning everything I needed to work in the business again. I pursued acting classes, camera work, and spiritual work, and everything came together because I have a really strong faith and belief in myself as an actor.

Do you have advice for aspiring Latino actors?

Yes! I promise that if you can dream it, you can achieve it! Don’t give up! There is only one you, trust yourself! The industry is waiting to see you! Lastly, being proactive in your career is a huge part that sometimes gets overlooked by actors. This is what moves the ball in your court. So, think of it as tennis! You do your admin work which includes updating your reel and headshots, learning how to make your self-tapes look better, and of course updating and creating your website. Then, working on your craft by going to acting class, working and improving camera techniques, and taking the time necessary to submit really good auditions. That is your serve! Then you let the industry throw the ball back, like with a callback or positive feedback from a CD, or a booking. When the ball is in their court that is when it is important to let go and trust that the ball will come back!

How do you use social media to connect with your fans?

I love using Instagram. You will find a peek inside my life and updates on any projects I am doing. I love to engage with my followers and uplift them as much as I can. As my followers support me, I make it a point to remind them, “Hey, I am supporting you too!” I also just started using TikTok, and I am having a fun time attempting these challenges. Both sites are @daniellelarracuente

What is your dream role?

I am manifesting a few roles that are on my list of accomplishments! I am open to being a part of the Marvel team, bad guy or good! A period piece would be so monumental for me, as it is an area of my field that I thought I could never do. Now, as people of colour are getting opportunities to do these period pieces, it opened my mind as to what I never thought possible – can be possible! Since doing a lifetime movie “Mistletoe in Montana,” last year in Montana, now I am looking forward to “Yellowstone.” I am dying to be on that show!

What is the best advice that you have received?

Listen to your gut! That is truly your inner compass! I promise, even if you feel “Ah, maybe I’m just overreacting”, in the end, your gut is never wrong. You will live a happier life by just listening to your gut the first time.

Do you have any role models?

Yes! I have many great role models in my life. One for sure is my mom. She is one of the most inspiring, strongest women I know. She is a retired NYPD officer now turned civil rights attorney in LA and fighting the good fight. She reminds me daily through her actions to keep rising and never stop moving forward!

What have you learned from playing your most recent role as a rookie police officer, Paulina Calderon, in Bosch: Legacy?

Even though both my parents were in law enforcement (NYPD police officers), playing one gave me so much gratitude for what police officers do every day. I learned it is really hard work, being a cop. Putting yourself in scary situations and having to protect and serve makes you understand what is important. Also, that uniform with the belt is no joke! It is super heavy, and mine wasn’t even the real weight of what officers wear out in the field.

As an advocate for women’s empowerment, what issues are most important to you?

I would say the underrepresentation of women in these bigger rooms. We are as educated, talented, and competent as our male counterparts. Let’s be treated, supported, and paid as such. Secondly, a lot of my focus is on the next generation of girls growing up. I want their self-esteem to be through the roof, to feel supported, and to see from my generation they can be anything they want to be in their lifetime!

What is next for you?

Some very exciting stuff! My goal in my career is to always take on characters that are different from each other and challenge my growth as a woman and actress! So, there soon will be a lot more of that! Stay tuned!

Danielle’s Holiday Rules

Favourite vacation spot?

My motherland is Puerto Rico! Being there feels to me like paradise, yet a sense of home. I run there any chance I get.

The best part of travel?

The best part of travel for me is learning the culture of my destination. I am a huge history buff and love incorporating their foods and style into my life.

Top hotel?

I love a good view! A hotel that has good customer service, a view, bed and a good shower – I am sold!

Favourite spa?

I love a good day spa!!! I am dying to check out the Blue Lagoon in Iceland! It’s a total dream!

Packing tips?

I am the biggest over-packer, so I always lay out all of my outfits them make it a rule to put 3 or 4 back. Then I put everything in a travel bottle. You save so much room!

Airport style?

I love going in workout clothes or lounge sets. I have to be comfy, but still want to look cute.

Go-to luggage?

I am an all-black kind of girl because then your luggage looks so sleek and stays the cleanest, especially from all the banging around when checking in your bags.

Beauty kit essentials?

I have sensitive skin and bouts with eczema and acne, which gives me polar opposites in skin type. I have dry skin, yet can’t use serums because I will break out! I swear by Cerave! I use their face wash and face lotion. It keeps my skin hydrated to help with eczema, yet doesn’t clog my pores.

What do you read?

I am currently reading Viola Davis’ new book. Her story is so inspiring! I am a huge fan of her as an actress, and as a person.

In-flight rituals?

I find I get in some good mediations during flights. I guess you don’t have many distractions flying, so I can focus. I also always have activities for myself such as books, music, and downloads on Netflix.

For more, see Danielle in Retreat Magazine!