Alma Martinez ’84 plays resilient Latina business owner, Lupe, on the new breakout Netflix show, Gentefied.
The series focuses on a Mexican-American family running a taco shop in Los Angeles as they chase the “American Dream.” All the while, they must deal with the increasing threats of gentrification, racism, and anti-immigration in the neighborhood they call home.
Martinez’s character, Lupe, operates a botanical shop in East Los Angeles, which she renovated to adapt to the changes in her neighborhood.
Leading up to her latest role, Martinez’ acting career has consisted of movies like Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Cake, and Born in East LA, and TV shows including The Bridge, The People v. O.J. Simpson, Queen Sugar, Good Behavior, and more. She was inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2013.
With over 100 stage credits, Martinez has also had a long and successful run in theatre, famously working with National Medal of the Arts recipient and Golden Globe nominee Luis Valdez. Taking on the role of director, Martinez’ 2010 production of Valdez’ play, Zoot Suit, with the National Theatre Company of Mexico was named the “Best (Mexican) Musical of the Year” by the Association of Theatre Journalists.
