Was Justina Machado in the Military?
Justina Machado is an American actress, best known for her role as Penelope Alvarez in the Netflix series "One Day at a Time." But did you know that she has a rich background in the military? In this article, we will explore whether Justina Machado was indeed in the military and what her experiences were like.
The Early Years
Born on September 19, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois, Justina Machado grew up in a military family. Her father, Jorge Machado, was a Puerto Rican veteran of the United States Army, and her mother, Susan Pérez, was a Puerto Rican nurse. Machado’s early life was marked by frequent moves, as her family followed her father’s military career. This experience would later influence her acting career and her passion for storytelling.
Service in the Military
Although Machado’s father served in the military, Justina Machado herself did not enlist. In fact, she has spoken publicly about how she never considered joining the military, despite her father’s service. In an interview with People Magazine, Machado credited her father’s stories with shaping her perspective on the military and influencing her acting career.
Acting Career
After high school, Machado pursued a career in acting, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Puerto Rico. She began her career in the early 2000s, landing small roles in TV shows and films. Her breakthrough role came in 2017 when she was cast as Penelope Alvarez in the Netflix series "One Day at a Time," a remake of the 1970s sitcom of the same name.
Breakthrough and Success
"One Day at a Time" was a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim for its portrayal of a Cuban-American family and its exploration of themes such as mental health, identity, and immigration. Machado’s performance as Penelope, a loving and fierce matriarch, was particularly praised. The show ran for three seasons and won numerous awards, including a Peabody Award and a Critics’ Choice Television Award.
Impact and Influence
Machado’s success in "One Day at a Time" has had a significant impact on the representation of Latinx characters in television. She has spoken about the importance of representation and the need for more diverse stories and characters on screen. Her advocacy work has inspired countless young Latinx actors and actresses, and she continues to be a powerful voice in the entertainment industry.
Table: Justina Machado’s Awards and Nominations
| Award | Year | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peabody Award | 2018 | Entertainment | Won |
| Critics’ Choice Television Award | 2018 | Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Won |
| Imagen Award | 2018 | Best Actress – Television | Nominated |
| ALMA Award | 2018 | Favorite TV Actress – Comedy | Nominated |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Justina Machado was not in the military herself, but her family’s military background has had a significant influence on her life and career. Her experiences growing up in a military family and her advocacy work have helped to shape her perspective and inform her acting choices. Machado’s success in "One Day at a Time" has been a game-changer for Latinx representation in television, and she continues to be a powerful voice in the entertainment industry.
References
- People Magazine. (2017). ‘One Day at a Time’ Star Justina Machado Opens Up About Her Family’s Military Service. Retrieved from https://people.com/celebrity/justina-machado-one-day-at-a-time-military-service/
- Variety. (2018). ‘One Day at a Time’ Wins Peabody Award. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/one-day-at-a-time-peabody-award-1202829343/
- The Hollywood Reporter. (2018). ‘One Day at a Time’ Wins Critics’ Choice TV Award. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/one-day-at-a-time-critics-choice-tv-award-1084399
