As “Cobra Kai” prepares to bow with its final season, Vanessa Rubio Her transformational journey is mirrored by the character of Carmen Diaz, who became the emotional foundation of the series. From her heartwarming moments as a devoted mother to Miguel (Xolo Maridueñafor her tender romance with Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), Rubio’s portrayal brings depth and authenticity to a show steeped in martial arts and nostalgia. “Cobra Kai” captivated audiences worldwide for seven years, and the experience was life-changing for Rubio.
In an exclusive interview for Hello! USARubio shared how it felt to say goodbye to a role that blended elements of her life with the resilience and strength of the immigrant women she grew up with. He reflects the influence “Cobra Kai” Her career and personal growth, her responsibility to authentically represent the Latino community, and her excitement for the projects ahead. With a mix of gratitude and nostalgia, Rubio opens up about the highs and challenges of bringing Carmen to life and what he hopes audiences take away from this iconic series.
© Emma McIntyreAt the conclusion of ‘Cobra Kai’, Rubio reveals how he feels. “Absolutely bittersweet,” she admits. “I think it goes in waves. When Billy (William Zabka) filmed his last scene, it was like a big close-up and he gave a really nice speech. It was the culmination of a lot of things, seven years of work, a cast and crew that were very became close and saw each other as family so it was a lot of ups and downs.”
Vanessa said she was able to leave her role behind. “It was kind of a release of energy, because I didn’t realize how much I was holding onto Carmen until I had a chance to say, ‘Okay, now I can let you go a certain amount.’ And I felt that release of energy, but then it was just pure sadness and joy as well, I think it’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime kind of show,” the star explained.
Carmen Diaz: A Career-Defining Role
Carmen Rubio had her first major role in a series, and the impact was profound. “Carmen is definitely my best-known role. Before that, I worked on projects like ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and ‘Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings,’ which I also loved, but ‘Cobra Kai’ became a global phenomenon. The show was a hit. So it was nice to be a part of it when people tell me they love my character, so fulfilling because that’s my job as an actor – to make people feel connected.”
© Curtis Bonds Baker/NetflixVanessa says playing Carmen has changed her life in many ways. “A role like this, in a show with such wide exposure, inevitably changes you. I’ve always had a very strong intention about why I want to act simply. To tell the truth. I want to tell my own truth. That includes live experience and actors. It’s really hard to do, so I have to be honest.”
“It’s wonderful to be able to bring a character like Carmen to life, because she’s so dear to me, so close to my heart.”
Rubio explained that her role was “basically a combination of me and my mom and other strong Latinas that I grew up watching and watching, how they act,” the star explained. “Women, mothers are amazing, and especially immigrant women, it’s a fascinating segment of the human consciousness. So for me, it’s a wonder. It changed my life completely because it made me realize that this essential truth, this lived experience. It’s so specific. , means a lot to people, because a lot of people can relate to it.”
On Johnny Lawrence’s love interest
Playing the partner of an original “Karate Kid” character was an unexpected journey for Rubio. “It didn’t hit me right away. At the end of 2017, when we started the first season, we didn’t know where the story was going to go. It was about doing our best and seeing what happened. the rose [Bianco]The person who plays my mother on the show actually predicted it while filming. She looked at me and said, ‘They’re going to make you a love interest.’ I did not think of it! That realization came step by step and it added a special dynamic to my character.”
On playing Xolo Maridueña’s mother
Rubio also shared her thoughts on playing Carmen, the devoted mother to Miguel, portrayed by Xolo Maridueña. “It was amazing. I mean, luckily, we had such a cast, a well-chosen cast. Xolo is amazing, and so is Billy, and it was like the movement and Rose, the main unit of the family that we exist,” Vanessa said. Hello! USA. “Zolo is so relatable. He’s so down to earth, and he’s so funny. He’s a big jumpster. I mean, sometimes I have to be like, ‘Don’t make me laugh.’ But yeah, I think a lot of it had to do with the pre-story, and a lot of the back story to fill in, so I had to mentally draw the lines there, so that the audience would get it and we’d get it, and then we exist in an organic way. .”
Representing the Latino community
Rubio has always taken the role of Carmen seriously, especially to represent a strong Latina character. “It’s nice to be part of a family that isn’t in stereotypical Latino tropes. Carmen is authentic, and that was important to me. I fought to make every line feel genuine because I know how much she means to people, including me.”
“As a Latina, I bring my lived experiences to every role and I want those experiences to resonate with the audience.”
© Charlie GalleyWhat’s next for Vanessa Rubio?
As he settles into a new city, Rubio is excited about what lies ahead. “I’ve traveled a lot, and people are following my adventures on social media. I also have a movie coming out called “Black Spines”. It’s a horror movie, but thankfully, I don’t play a scary character. I’m always open to new opportunities and the universe is my way. Can’t wait to see what it brings.”
“Cobra Kai” fans will always have a special place for Carmen Diaz’s portrayal of Vanessa Rubio as a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of strength and love. With the series coming to an end, Rubio is ready to take on his next chapter.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
