Imagine going in knowing that no Mexican American before you had ever succeeded in a lead role,

I think it's easier for African American and white comics to be praised than it is Latinos because they think our culture or our humor is substandard, ... I mean, I just don't think they want to give us credit. I just don't think that they see us as important enough to be at their level. . . . I'm the longest-produced (comedy) at Warner Bros. and I don't feel special. They come over and say hello. But everybody's gonna make a lot of money and I don't feel like I'm special to them.

I had to endure the worst time of all in terms of racial discrimination in Hollywood when I first started out. It was inconcievable to American directors and producers that a Mexican woman could have a lead role.

I can't imagine anyone else in that role now.

My first lead role was probably 'Party Girl' in 1994.

My first lead role was a stage play called 'A Kestrel for a Knave'. I was 11.