Myrna Cabello is a Mexican American actress, voiceover artist, and creative based in New York City. Born and raised in Austin, Texas to immigrant parents, she has been immersed in storytelling and performance since childhood—writing plays, songs, and short stories. Myrna Recurs as Silvia, Guillermo’s mom, on FX’s What We Do In The Shadows, and also as Lucia in the Freevee series Sprung. Her voice can be heard on PBS Kids promos, national commercial spots on Pandora, and the original variety series Myrna & The Bulldog in 3D, which she created with her husband. Most recently, she can be seen as Esperanza on the new Apple TV series Your Friends and Neighbors, which premiered in May 2025. She earned her BA in Studio Art while performing in local theater, later launching a parallel career in graphic design. After signing with her first talent agent, she began working steadily in film, television, and voiceover—and hasn’t stopped since.
1. Myrna welcome to OLC! Congratulations on the new series we love it! Can you share your experience working with Jon Hamm and Hoon Lee on Your Friends & Neighbors? How did their dynamic influence your portrayal of Esperanza?
Thank you! I’m so glad you love it! It’s a really good show with a great cast. Anytime you get involved in a project with such high caliber and popular actors you know when you get invited to the table it’s a huge honor. You know it’s going to get press and be seen so it’s exciting to be a part of it. I’ve always been a huge fan of John Hamm since Mad Men and it’s been fun watching his work since and on this show. I love his friendship with Hoon Lee in the show. What a great dynamic huh? I’m elated that I get to recur on a show with such power houses. As actors we don’t get to watch the whole production or even get all of the scripts of each episode unless we are in it. It all depends on how hush hush they want to keep the plot under wraps, so I was watching the rest of the episodes unfold with the audience so there wasn’t an opportunity to be influenced per se. I just know that being part of this cast I had to step up to the plate.
2. Playing Esperanza in Your Friends & Neighbors is one of your latest roles. What drew you to this character, and how did you prepare for the part?
What drew me to the character honestly where the people involved with the project, the fact that I would be a recurring character and the scene I got to audition for was very intriguing. I saw possibilities for the character to develop further.
I did my investigative work first finding out as much about the show as possible including plot lines, tone, who the director was going to be, who are the writers, who is involved, are there any articles about it on-line, etc.
If there are character breakdowns besides mine I read those to give me clues on the world I am stepping into.
Then I begin breaking down the scene figuring out what is happening and then I start running through the lines, rehearsing and seeing what comes up during the physicalization of it. When I booked the role I revisited all the research I had before and my self tape to see what I had done. Usually I will get the whole script by this point and I can add anything I learn from that, fill in any gaps.
3. You’ve been recognized as one of the top 100 influential Latinas in Austin, Texas history. How has this honor shaped your perspective on your work and influence in the industry?
First off I have to say yes what an honor! When I got notified that I was going to be a part of this ceremony I was in shock and so touched. Secondly, It made me realize that I don’t live in a bubble, people are paying attention to my work and it is affecting them. I’m so used to being in my own little head working away and feeling blessed I get to do what I love doing that I forget that. I was proud that I was representing Latinas and that I could make a difference. I definitely carry that with me as I move forward.
4. Recovering from Bell’s Palsy must have been a significant journey. How did this experience impact your approach to acting and your career moving forward?
When I got Bells Palsy my whole world came to a screeching halt. I was heartbroken that I had to turn down projects and since I didn’t know anything about the disease I didn’t know what to expect long term. I started a video journal of my journey it was fascinating how my body was doing its own thing without my permission. I knew I couldn’t be on camera or do voice over anymore because it affects your ability to speak, but I realized I could still sing and write so I leaned into my music. It taught me to be extremely grateful for anything that came after that. Once I was able to return to acting I went in full force and with passion.
5. Having a day named after you in Austin and being inducted into the Texas Music Museum are incredible achievements. What do these honors mean to you personally and professionally?
I mean wow, I think that every time I hear that it sinks in a little more and I feel so honored. Personally and professionally it makes me proud of all the hard work I have put into my art. It’s incredibly rewarding for people to take notice and to value what you are putting out into the world. I mean I do it because I love doing it and it brings me joy, but the icing on the cake is it meaning something to somebody else because then I can feel connected and appreciated.
6. You’ve worked on a diverse range of TV shows, from What We Do in the Shadows to FBI: Most Wanted and New Amsterdam. How do you adapt to such varied roles across different genres?
I’ve always had a knack for shifting gears when it comes to roles and art disciplines. I’ve been called a chameleon before. Maybe it came from being brought up in two different worlds? Shifting from the Mexican to the American culture and language. It feels like a dial in my head. I figure out who the character is and then I add in layers of the tone and genre of the show. That’s a really good question, I’m definitely going to ponder on it some more. Also, the directors I have worked with have been wonderful about keeping me on track and adjusting those dials.
7. As a multifaceted talent—actress, producer, writer, and more—how do you balance these roles, and which project has been the most rewarding for you creatively?
I’ve found that the entertainment industry has ebbs and flows. Sometimes I’m incredibly busy in one area and then when it slows down I’m able to pick up on the other. For example when the acting slows down I can pick up and start focusing on writing, singing, or creating.
During covid when the world stopped I wanted to create something meaningful so I gathered some friends and we created a short film called “Strawberry Cake” and submitted it to festivals. I also created Myrna and the Bulldog in 3D with my husband, a variety show with skits and music so we could stay connected with friends and family.
I don’t think that I can say which is most rewarding honestly, each project fulfills me or teaches me something different. In that sense they are all rewarding. Who knows maybe when I’m old and gray there will be the ones that stand out and I can say for sure haha.
8. With your extensive experience in both film and television, what advice would you give to aspiring actors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, looking to break into the industry?
Listen, if you are truly an artist at heart and it’s in you then you can’t quit. It will keep calling you back like a siren.
Never wait for permission to perform. If a door seems closed then try another one. There are so many platforms nowadays with social media and you can access people from all over the world with zoom you can create content for yourself.
Form groups, create a community that will have your back and keep encouraging you because it’s a long journey.
Audition for student films it’s a great way to hone your skills and get the experience on set. Audition for theatre it’s a great way to create community, to learn discipline, stamina and character development. Take classes.
Be kind to everyone on set because well it’s the right thing to do and you never know where people end up and they could appear again later in life and offer you a role. Luckily today the doors are opening wider for diversity. When I first started there weren’t as many roles for someone like me, but luckily I have seen it change recently.
You’ve got this! Welcome to the family!
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
