NATALIE MARTINEZ: FROM MIAMI TO BAD MONKEY – A JOURNEY OF WIT, WISDOM, AND WRY MYSTERIES

BY: IRVIN RIVERA

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLING: ADENA ROHATINER, MAKEUP: CAROLA GONZALEZ, HAIR: ODALYS NUNEZ, STYLING ASST: RIKKI MENLO, PHOTO ASST: ANDREW LOPEZ, LOCATION: GRAPHICS METROPOLIS STUDIO

Natalie Martinez has built a career on captivating performances, from intense, gritty dramas like “Kingdom” to the refreshingly light-hearted mystery-comedy, “Bad Monkey”. In “Bad Monkey”, Martinez takes on the role of Dr. Rosa Campesino, a sharp, truth-seeking medical examiner navigating a quirky world filled with dark twists and laugh-out-loud moments. Reflecting on the series, Martinez shares how her Miami upbringing and Cuban roots brought a unique authenticity to her portrayal. "Being born and raised in Miami, I was able to bring so much of myself into Rosa, from the way I spoke to the details of her style," she reveals.
As a new mom, Martinez finds creativity in every corner of her life, from chasing her toddler around to experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Her ability to balance the intensity of her career with personal joys is part of what makes her such a compelling actress and person. "I feel incredibly fulfilled right now. Life is great, and it keeps getting better!" she says. In our exclusive interview, Martinez dives into her journey on “Bad Monkey”, what it’s like working with comedic legend Vince Vaughn, and the broader life lessons she’s learned from embracing change. It’s clear that this multi-faceted actress isn’t slowing down anytime soon—so get ready for a conversation filled with heart, humor, and a peek into the exciting projects she has in store.

Natalie, congratulations on “Bad Monkey!” How are you staying creative and busy these days?

I'm doing great, thank you! I'm thrilled “Bad Monkey” is out and being so well received. Life is busy, especially with a toddler at home, so a lot of my creativity these days comes from keeping him entertained with fun activities or chasing after him. When I'm not in mom mode, I’m working on household tasks or finding little ways to make everyday life creative, like experimenting with new recipes. On the work front, I’m diving into personal projects like writing and painting, always looking for something exciting to take on next.

Growing up in Miami with Cuban roots, how did your background influence your portrayal of Dr. Rosa Campesino in “Bad Monkey”?

My background completely shaped my portrayal of Dr. Rosa. Being born and raised in Miami, I was able to bring a lot of authenticity to the role—from the way I spoke to the little details like the jewelry I wore.

In “Bad Monkey”, Rosa needs a breath of fresh air. Did you feel any parallels between her journey and your own at this point in your career?

While Rosa is searching for change, I feel like I’m in a place of fulfillment right now. Life is great, and it keeps getting better!

Rosa gets caught up in a quirky, dark mystery. How did you prepare to balance the seriousness of being a medical examiner with the comedy in the show?

Bill Lawrence did an amazing job writing Rosa’s character. The script naturally balanced the seriousness and the lighthearted moments. In high-stress professions like being a medical examiner, people often use humor as a coping mechanism, and for Rosa, it helps her separate from the tough realities of the job.

What was it like working with Vince Vaughn, known for his improvisational style? Did his approach to comedy influence your performance?

Vince Vaughn is such a legend, and having him as a scene partner was a gift. He’s so present and generous, and his genius definitely influenced my performance. When you work with someone like him, you have to be ready to play on the day.

You mentioned that working with real coroners helped shape Rosa’s character. Can you share some behind-the-scenes insights into the research process?

We had someone on set to ensure everything was accurate—from how I approached a cadaver to the way things operated in the office. That attention to detail really helped make Rosa feel as authentic and professional as possible.

How does Rosa’s relationship with Yancy evolve, and what do you think draws them together beyond the mystery?

Rosa and Yancy are both truth-seekers, and that drives them to get to the bottom of this case. Yancy’s quirky charm definitely intrigues Rosa, and their shared curiosity connects them on a deeper level.

“Bad Monkey” is a departure from the darker, intense roles you’ve played in “Kingdom” and “Ordinary Joe”. How did this shift in tone affect your creative process?

Every project has been a unique experience, and while “Bad Monkey” had a lighter tone, it didn’t change my approach much. I always put the same level of care into my characters, but the energy on set made it especially fun to work on.

The series explores themes of self-discovery and reinvention. How does Rosa’s journey reflect broader life lessons you’ve learned over the years?

I’ve learned that growth comes from embracing change and being open to new experiences, even when they’re uncomfortable. Like Rosa, we all have moments where we question our path, and those moments have been key in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally.

What advice would you give to someone feeling stuck in a rut and searching for that fresh breath of air, like Rosa?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, take risks, and try something new. It’s important to be patient with yourself—growth doesn’t happen overnight.

With the rise of diverse roles for women on television, how do you see your role in “Bad Monkey” contributing to the broader conversation around representation?

Rosa is a strong, complex character who isn’t defined by any one thing, and that’s what makes her feel real and relatable. By bringing characters like her to life, we’re helping expand the narrative around what women can be on screen—showing that they can be flawed, funny, vulnerable, and strong all at once.

Looking ahead, what kinds of characters or stories are you most excited to explore?

I’m drawn to roles that challenge me and push me to think differently, whether it’s through emotionally intense storylines or something completely unexpected. I’m open to any project that sparks creativity and helps me grow as an artist.

Reflecting on your career so far, what has been the most significant evolution in how you approach your craft?

I’ve learned to stay present and open to whatever the scene brings. Every project has taught me something new, and that growth has shaped how I approach every character and story now.