Perez, an actress and comedian, had experience playing villains in previous projects but this would be different.
But from an actor’s point of view, she was fascinated.
But it’s an impactful scene for Selena fans who know what her presence means in her tragic story.
Netflix
So I remember thinking I’d like to see what it’s like playing an evil villain.
I remember working with the director on the scene and she asked me how I was feeling.
I told her I was feeling conflicted.
Michael Lavine/NETFLIX
The actress in me is also worried for her safety.
I’m not her."
Perez was so convincing in costume that her colleagues on set failed to recognize her on multiple occasions.
Once she removed her makeup and costume for the day, she caught many confused glances staring back.
“Who are you?”
the Venezuelan actress was asked by fellow cast members and the crew.
Plus, Yolanda is 5'1" and I’m 5'7".
[Laughs]
A lot of research went into becoming Saldivar since she wasn’t a public figure.
“I did as much research as I could,” she explained.
My interest was in seeing her mannerisms, and how she spoke.
Instead, I spent so long scouring the internet finding anything I could about her.
“The series isn’t about her death.
Everyone was very careful with how it was all handled.
Unfortunately, Yolanda is a part of Selena’s tragic story.
It’s a beautiful thing.”
