Actress Melissa DuPrey On Grey’s Anatomy Role And Latinx Representation

This talented actress is one of our favorites!

You might recognize Melissa as the lovable character ‘Dr. Sara Ortiz’ in the hit series “Grey’s Anatomy”. She’s also catched our attention in breakout roles in everything from FOX’s “Empire” to Showtime’s “The Chi”.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Melissa on her journey on ‘Empire’, Kate Walsh, and more!

What do you love about your character in ABC’s show Grey’s Anatomy? 

M: “When I got the breakdown for “Intern Sara Oriz”, it said that she was AFROLATINA, so I was proud to give this character, who was intentionally written with my same intersectional identity as me, life on the screen. I love that she reads as Black and Latina. Representation is so important. Even folx in Brazil can see themselves represented and that will always excite me. She comes with all that sass and flava. You can definitely tell with all the facial expressions. She’s very involved and committed to her career. She wants to make an impact, and I feel that.”

You have already been able to work with some impressive names so far in your career. Is there anyone you would love to work with someday? 

M: “I recently shared space with Daphne Rubin-Vega on a project we shot in New York. She reminds me about the journey it takes for visibility in this industry coupled with the kind of artistic passion that can only really come from being on stage. I really want to stay in community with her for future work, as well as create with folks like Gloria Calderon Kellet, Eva Longoria, Lisa Vidal and other Latinas who are really expanding the canon of Latinx representation in media.”

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from being in the entertainment industry?

M: “Be someone people want to work with. These are long hours, and with something like GREY’s where folks come and go, KINDNESS and JOY really do make an impact. People remember your attitude and work ethic over your talent. I walk into every work environment recognizing it’s a blessing, and that  I, too,  am a blessing.”

What was your experience like being on Fox’s hit series “Empire” and Showtime’s “The Chi”?

M: “There was a point I was sitting in the makeup trailer, and to my right, all the way down the line there was Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sibide, Vivica A. Fox, Nicole Ari Parker, then me. I couldn’t handle it. Taraji specifically really makes you feel you have made it just by being in the room with her, all the while feeling like we are all girlfriends. I made a wonderful friend in Gabby- she is a whole vibe. I have learned from her and still in awe of how brilliant she is. It was the first time I was part of a culture as a TV show. And whew! The glamour! Hair, makeup, clothes, accessories, it was the first time I felt like a star. 

Similar to EMPIRE, THE CHI was an opportunity to showcase Chicago talent, and I was happy to be involved, even if much of the lines ended up on the floor. When I was on The Chi, it wasn’t the show we are seeing now. The talent and the content have really evolved. I might be biased with a sister friend, Kristiana Rae Colon, in the writer’s room now. I would love to return to take part in its new evolution.”

Do you have any funny stories from your experiences on the set of Grey’s Anatomy? 

M: “I am a HUGE fan of the show, so when Kate Walsh returned as “Addison Montgomery”, my reaction was a genuine fangirl moment that was caught on-camera. She comes strutting around the corner as Bailey introduces her to the new residents, and I slowly pull my phone from my pocket to get a pic. It just so happens that ANOTHER Grey’s Icon was on set that day shadowing director Chaundra Wilson (Bailey), and HE was watching the monitor from that moment. That person was T.R. Knight who played none other than “George O’Malley”. I couldn’t believe “George” was dying laughing over how I improvised my completely genuine reaction to “Addison” doing our rounds. It was a total dream come true for me that ended up being the preview trailer to the episode. It went viral because my camera was upside down for the trailer but was corrected in post for the episode. I got dragged for my genius moment of improv history. When you don’t have lines, have reactions!”

What message do you have for your fans? 

M: “I have FANS?! This is a wild world! I know I have a following that has been with me through my theater years, through my stand-up years, and now with TV/Film. I’m incredibly grateful for their support in how they push me to be better, more present and not to second-guess myself. This is a difficult industry, so the best thing I could do is remind everyone to love themselves and keep the negativity out of the comment section. There’s so much to watch. If you don’t like something, move on. Actors sometimes get in there to see what fans are enjoying and what we can bring more of, so to see our work being ripped when so much of it is out of our control can really add on to an already vulnerable position. Be kind, lead with love, and support work you value.”

What is the craziest or most exciting thing to ever happen to you while on an audition?

M: “We, us Chicago actors, really felt seen when EMPIRE came to film, and we were just waiting for the opportunity to be on the show. I had waited 5 seasons to get on the show, so by the time my audition came in its 6th and final season, I didn’t think there would be much road left. My character was a nameless day-player with just a few lines. I went into the director’s session with a firery spanish rant to add on to the scene because I really didn’t think they’d actually hire me. They did, and my one day turned into 6 episodes; they kept writing for me. And gave me a name. They really enjoyed seeing the character as an AfroLatina and I became Gabourey Sibide’s sidekick by the end of the season. Unfortunately, COVID derailed us from shooting the highly anticipated series finale. I was so grateful to have finally been apart of that era.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

M: “I’m pretty active on IG, so @boomboomduprey is where you can keep up! I’m currently working on some projects that will center mental wellness and decolonized spirituality for the small screen, so if you a hood witch trying to break generational trauma, I got something for ya!”

Photo Credits:  Lori Sapio Photography

Loryn Maul- Entertainment/Celebrity Reporter– Is an entertainment reporter at New Scene, where she writes about exclusive interviews. She prides herself on staying on top of the entertainment trends. She is also an experienced publicist in the B2B SaaS space.