Judy Reyes played Carla Espinosa on the hit series “Scrubs” and has also appeared in shows such as “NYPD Blue” and “OZ.” Judy’s most recent project “Gun Hill Road” has been accepted in the Sundance Film Festival. Movie Mikes had the chance to speak with Judy about her new film as well as some of her other projects.
Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your new film “Gun Hill Road”?
Judy Reyes: “Gun Hill Road” is a fantastic indie film that was shot in the Bronx. It’s a story about a father that has recently been released from prison and who is looking to pick up with his family where he had left off. What the father begins to realize is that everything has changed since he has been away. The man’s wife Angela which is the role I play has strayed and their son is struggling with some sexual identity issues. These problems are really going to mess with the family and put them through a lot of changes.
AL: How did you become involved in the project?
JR: It was such a compelling story and one that is very powerfully written from the Latino perspective. I had been thought of ahead of time by the director for this role which made it very appealing. I also really enjoyed the challenges that this role would pose. I had just become a mother a few months prior to taking this role and that created an excitement within me. It was an opportunity that was begging me to jump at.
AL: How was it working with Esai Morales?
JR: Esai was really fantastic! I have been a fan of his for a really long time and it was a pleasure 
to work with him. He and I really got into play acting with each other. We were really comfortable. Esai is a guy who is very well respected in the business and in the Latino community.
AL: How did you feel when the film was accepted into Sundance this year?
JR: I was beside myself! I knew when I got the phone call that it was going to be good news. I’m such a fan of independent films that this is really an honor. We worked so hard to see this film through and get it completed. It is really thrilling and we are all delighted to be a part of Sundance.
AL: A lot of our readers know you from the hit series “Scrubs.” Do you have an episode of the show that is a favorite of yours?
JR: I really enjoyed the musical episode. It was a really hardcore episode for us to complete. We spent about a month on that one episode! It was a lot of fun to sing and dance which was always my dream. That episode will always stick in my mind.
AL: Besides “Scrubs” you have also had the opportunity to be on a bunch of other really great series. Is there one of those that sticks out as a favorite?
JR: “Sopranos” was really delightful. I also did an episode of “Off the Map” recently which was 
great. It’s always wonderful to be on a show that is successful and where everyone involved works together to put out a really great product. “Third Watch” was another show that I really enjoyed being a part of.
AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?
JR: I am currently exploring a few options that have come my way in the past few weeks but I don’t want to say too much right now as nothing has been set in stone. I also want to see what will happen after Sundance as well.
