The Golden Age of television; it’s a phrase you hear more and more often. Advancements in media, the economy, and perhaps even the alignment of the stars has culminated in a period for which the delineation between film, TV, and streaming media displays work by the same individuals. Regardless of their vocation as a writer, producer, director, or actor, talented professionals seek out the avenue which affords them the opportunity to display their talents for a myriad of viewers and admirers. Lorena McGregor has shared the screen alongside James Franco (in Don Quixote), Michael Pena and America Ferrera (in Cesar Chavez), and worked under the direction of Diego Luna (of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Netflix hit series Narcos, The Book of Life), but she also can also be seen on traditional broadcast television shows like Primetime Emmy nominated series NCIS: Los Angeles. Appearing alongside the show’s two leads, Golden Globe nominee Chris O’Donnell and Primetime Emmy nominee LL Cool J, gave the actress a chance to exhibit some of the more physical sides of her skills. For the Durango Mexico native, both TV and film are different facets of an acting career which has blossomed extensively in the United States.
Coming to the US at eighteen-years of age would be intimidating for anyone not from the country; moving to LA and experiencing the ups and downs of the production industry even more so. What Lorena refers to as “good fortune” in landing roles alongside some of the most famed actors in the business is obviously the result of talent, discipline, and dedication. On CBS’s NCIS: Los Angeles, McGregor appeared as Carmen, the woman with the key to unravelling a shooting being investigated by Callen and Sam (O’Donnell and LL Cool J, respectively). As a woman who has taken to prostitution to support her family, Carmen represents all the young girls and women who are victims of sex trafficking and prostitution. Lorena worked with Ana Mercedes (West Wing, True Detective, Shameless) on the series who states, “Our director Denis Smith is very selective in the talent he chooses, which spoke well of Lorena already. I can confirm that working with her on set is a pleasure.”
An unexpected bonus of working around this subject matter was Lorena’s inclusion in a strong female supporting class which included Valencia Algarin (Black Jesus), Gloria Garayua (How to Get Away with Murder) Diana Maria Riva (Mc Farland, Telenovela). She reveals, “Even now I think about it and feel a tingly sensation. It was such a beautiful experience. Being on set with all these women gave me so much confidence; not only as a woman but as an actress. To think that all of us have worked our way through the business to be where we are! We all went through a lot to be on that set. I’m not saying it in a way of victimizing women. I don’t think there should be any pity or victimizing in the effort we put in; it’s more like a recognition of ‘Wow! In spite of all the obstacles, in spite of being a business where white male are predominant, despite being Latina women; we are still here standing high and strong, waiting for our next adventure and making the best out of this experience.’ We were unstoppable and we are unstoppable.”
While the experience of being on set amidst a great cast offers the actress professional insight, the ubiquity of TV offered Lorena increased international exposure. Seen in many countries around the world, McGregor’s work on NCIS: Los Angeles not only had casting agents calling but friends from back home in Mexico as well who had seen her on the program, even as far as France and Germany. There’s an undeniable strength that Lorena McGregor brings to her roles whether as Carmen, Sylvia Chavez, or Don Quixote’s dutiful niece Antonia. She confirms, “Many times in life we want to give up too easily because we don’t think we can handle it but then you come across people like these women and they open up your eyes, teaching you that you’re stronger than you think.