Actress Michelle C. Bonilla of “Batman: Caped Crusader” chatted about starring in the detective series “Cross” on Prime Video.
How was your experience in the detective series ‘Cross’?
Coming into the series was a dream. Getting to work with so many wonderful actors that I have admired and finally being able to work with Ben Watkins was really the icing on the cake.
He is known for creating multi-layered characters and that is something that I just love. I had a great time on the show and look forward to more collaborations with Ben in the future.
What did you like most about your character?
I loved Clare’s complexity. There is so much going on with her, so much of her past makes who she is and how she operates in the world. As an actor, I have to fill all of that in and it was a joy to do.
Clare is unassuming at the beginning of the series and as the story unfolds you begin to realize just how much she plays in the narrative and influence with Luz and her choices. Creating Clare’s arc was just pure joy and magic.
What did this series teach you about yourself?
It taught me that “Yes, I could once again bring all that I am to a role. My own experiences and life and layer that onto a role and it will be not only desired but invaluable.”
I also had so much going on personally, losing my precious dog of 16 years right before I left to begin shooting in Canada.
There had been a lot of loss in the last 10 years of my life and I found that by digging deep and being and bringing my vulnerability to the role, it not only enhanced my performance, but gave Clare a beautiful vulnerability as well.
How does it feel to be an actress in the digital age?
It’s more work. You have to devote some time to social media and really putting yourself out there. I draw the line in doing somethings for social media or for likes.
Some actors don’t mind putting it all out there, and more power to them, but I like to concentrate on the work and celebrating it when it’s time.
What do your plans for the future include?
My plans include continuing to direct. I wrote, starred in, and directed a short film called “I Just Wish You Told Me,” which I’m currently looking for distribution for.
It’s centers around a woman who, after the unexpected death of her same sex partner, struggles to come to terms with the truth about her lover, and the unforgivable secrets revealed in their thirteen year relationship.
Also, continuing to work in film, television, and voiceover as an actor.
The second season of ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ is expected to come out in late 2026/early 2027, and reprising my series regular role as “Renee Montoya” on the iconic DC series is one of the most delightful roles I’ve played.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
I think, with every role, you are defining who you are. Whether it’s realizing that something isn’t for you or is for you – you sort it out. I’ve sustained a 31-year career as an actor.
I like knowing that producers, directors, casting directors, can call on me and know that they are getting an actor who is solid, experienced, and brings my own spin to a role.
I’ve gone through ups and downs, like any creative in Hollywood. However, staying in the game, being a good person, helping others when you can, and bringing your all, goes a long way.
This is a collaborative art and career. I have enjoyed working and continuing to work with masters in their craft, whether they are behind the scenes, in front of the camera, or behind the lens.
I would like to think that my work and relationship with my colleagues have defined who I am and who I continue to grow into.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors?
I would say: love what you do, continue to study, take good care of your body, mind, and spirit. We are our instrument. Be a good steward of it.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Cross”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
There are so many parallels to what is happening in our world and this season in Cross.
Certainly, the light on human trafficking, and in this case of women and the exploitation of Latino Labor in the show, really shines a light to what has been happening for years.
Television is a wonderful tool for holding a mirror up to humanity and letting audiences take from it what they will. With Clare, there is a definite reason for all she has done.
And, of this writing, Episode 7 “Winnow”, has just dropped on Prime Video. We see that Clare has shot Donnie and is trying to keep Luz from finding out a secret. Why does Clare do this? Love.
Her love for her Luz, who is her sister’s daughter, and has raised her as her own she was a child.
Latinos have been placed in situations, in the instance of “Cross,” discarded yet needed by society and big business for profit, but the humanitarian and basic decency have been lost to them.
I would like the audiences to take a look at what happens and who is really the Villain.
One of this season’s themes is Vigilantism. To what or who are we seeking revenge for and why? People make choices based on their circumstances. What was Claire’s circumstance? She needed to protect her niece (Luz) the only way she knew how.
Again, Ben Watkins creates such a real, close to the chest and heart, world of grit. Yes, there are plenty of elements of fun — it is a television show after all. However, don’t lose the lesson. There is always a lesson.
To learn more about actress Michelle C. Bonilla, follow her on Instagram.
