Five years ago, we were introduced to Julia Garcia when she played Emmy Mendoza in Disney Channel’s popular sitcom Sydney to the Max, and a lot has been going on for the budding actress since the third season wrapped in 2021.
With a new projects on the way as well as balancing a dance career and producing films behind the camera, Celeb Secrets sits down (virtually) with Julia to talk more about her acting career, how life has been since filming Disney’s Sydney to the Max, if she’s ever up for a cast reunion and her passion to bring more diversity to the entertainment industry. She also spills about her love for anime and why it fascinates her.
Keep scrolling for our full Q&A with Julia below and don’t forget to let us know if you’d be down to see a Sydney to the Max reunion by leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
You can connect with Julia by giving her a follow on Instagram at @realjuliagarcia.
Celeb Secrets: Can you tell us more about your beginnings as an actress and how you got to where you are today?
Julia Garcia: “My family tells me I’ve been performing and dancing around for them since I was really little. Dancing on stage ignited my love for performing. When I was four years old, I saw my friend Izabella Alvarez in a McDonalds commercial and I begged my mom to call her parents because I was going to be on TV. Needless to say, the Alvarez’s are the reason why I am where I am. They are my family, my mentors, and my people.”
CS: What made you want to get into acting?
JG: “I always loved dressing up in themed costumes for dance performances which ignited my love for the art. So, I guess you can say acting has always been a part of me.”
CS: Is there someone in particular that you would watch growing up that inspired you?
JG: “Selena Gomez was a huge part of my childhood. Her comedic timing on Wizards of Waverly Place really resonated with me. Watching a strong female lead who was Latina, just like me, was really special.”
CS: We know you’ve had many roles, with one that everyone knows and loves you for — Sydney to the Max. Can you tell us more about your character on the show and maybe some of your memories from working on it?
JG: “I played Emmy Mendoza who marched to the beat of her own drum. She was really funny and very clueless most of the time. She loved wholeheartedly and was full of energy. She was definitely feisty and over protective over her friends and family. I have so many amazing memories. Every day was something new and since the majority of the cast were my age at the time, I embraced having new friends that were kind and supportive. We would ride bikes and skateboard around the soundstages. We played basketball and corn-hole during our down time. Honestly the best memories were all of us kids just being kids. Laughing and being silly is what I hold dear to my heart.”
CS: Do you still keep in contact with Ruth, Jackson and the rest of the cast?
JG: “Most definitely I love my STTM family. Everyone is busy these days working and in college, but we still make time for each other. We text, call, snap and DM often. It’s nice just to know everyone is doing their own thing but we’re still able to stay connected with one another. We’ve shared such a wonderful experience that will forever bond us all together.”
CS: If you could have a dream reunion, where would it be and what would you do?
JG: “This is such a great question! The wrap party for season 1 was at a bowling alley. I would LOVE to get the crew back together and go bowling with everyone! Replicating some of the pics from that night would be absolutely hilarious, comparing the then to the now.”
CS: What can you tell us about any upcoming roles that are on the way?
JG: “Due to nondisclosures, talking about upcoming roles isn’t something I can do, but what I can say is that the fans will definitely be seeing a different side of me. It’s a darker script with an edge.”
CS: In addition to acting, we know you’ve dabbled in producing! Can you tell us more about your production experience and what your favorite part about being behind the camera is?
JG: “My goal is to always make meaningful and impactful projects. I want to bring more diversity to the entertainment industry by ensuring representation of various ethnic groups that reflect themselves in the media. My favorite part of being behind the camera is actually taking control of how the project is done. I enjoy making those tough decisions from how to bring a project to life all the way through to the final editing process.”
CS: If you could produce your own film that you could star in, what would it be about?
JG: “Fun fact, I’m currently knee deep in producing my own film! This project is truly special to me because it’s also the first project I’ve written. I’m actually bringing a story to life that has been in my head for a while now. My project that is currently unnamed, is a psychological thriller that will resonate with audiences. It tells a meaningful story of friendship, and the scars that life has given us.”
CS: Aside from acting and producing, can you tell us what else you’re passionate about?
JG: “I love dancing! I’m passionate about technique and form, I’m a classically trained ballerina. Ballet is my foundation, it comes first before any other styles. Ballet gives me discipline but above all it brings me joy. Ballet is my core, and it’s my heart.”
CS: What’s one thing you would like to achieve this year?
JG: “I want to direct this year, I’d absolutely love to add director to my resume. Over the years I’ve had amazing mentors, I’d love to apply my knowledge of being in front of the camera as an actress to directing. It’s all about the vision and I believe I can be an asset in the creative process as a director.”
CS: Since we’re Celeb Secrets, can you share a secret (fun fact) about yourself that we wouldn’t know just by watching your shows/films and following you on social media?
JG: “A secret…oh I got this, I’m really into anime. Naruto Shippuden was the gateway to other shows. In each season the characters have constant growth towards their goals and I love the story telling aspect as well. It opened my eyes to the anime world, I really have respect for it.”
