Chillin’ with Chelsea Rendon
By Joseph Luparello
Born and raised in Montebello, California, Actress Chelsea Rendon has been grinding and developing her acting skill since the age of seven.
The beginning of it all dates to when she booked a lead role in the feature film No Turning Back. Her portrayal of Cristina garnered multiple awards. She continued to work on shows such as E.R., The Shield, and Judging Amy in her youth.
More recently, Rendon was cast in Disney’s McFarland, USA, and starred in both Netflix’s original hit “Bright” and the Oscar-nominated film, A Better Life. Chelsea can also be seen in the immigration drama “The Infiltrators” (2019). Chelsea’s 2019 capped off with a recurring role on the hit Showtime series Shameless, and 2020 greeted her with a guest starring role on the new CBS series All Rise.
Today, the most anticipated role of Rendon’s is in the upcoming season of the hit series Vida. Chelsea will return as “woke” activist ‘Mari,’ starring alongside Mishel Prada and Melissa Barrera in the half-hour drama series, keying in on two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles. Chelsea’s character is from the exact part of LA where she grew up herself. Vida aired its third and final season April 26, 2020.
Since its premiere, the series has received critical acclaim. Vida has been one of the top shows of 2018 and 2019 and received a rare 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
As an actor who is attracted to empowering female roles, Chelsea draws inspiration from the likes of Viola Davis and Mariska Hargitay and hopes to one day produce content and dabble her hand in directing. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys practicing karate, eating her way through the city’s best tacos, and finding time to catch up on her favorite television shows. Chilled sat with her to get some details on upcoming projects, drinking preferences, and how she’s dealing with the current pandemic.
Tell us about the projects you are working on.
Right now, I’m getting ready for the season 3 premiere of Vida on Starz. I’m also producing and starring in a romantic comedy, we’re in the early stages. But I’m really excited for it.
With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?
I’m all about TV. I watch everything Roswell New Mexico, The Baker and the Beauty, Station 19, The Rookie, On My Block, literally everything!
When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?
I’m always up for tacos, Tacos Don Cuco in East LA is my go-to. If I’m feeling fancy, I love steak, so Ruth’s Chris or Fleming’s is my jam.
What types of dishes do you typically order?
My go-to orders are ribeye steak, pasta, or tacos!
Any favorite bars?
The Room in Hollywood. I love the music and vibe there.
What drinks do you order when out? Favorite drink?
I love me some Don Julio 1942, depending on my mood I do wine, beer or whiskey.
Do you prepare drinks at home?
I drink Micheladas at home because I’m obsessed with Michelada’s mix!
Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?
My sister just got me a whole mix set that I haven’t used yet. I have Pacifico, 1942, Jameson!
Have you ever been a bartender?
No, but I make one hell of a Michelada, so I have my whole station set up when I have people over.
If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?
Kobe, I would love to sit, share a drink and just talk to him.
What dishes/drinks are you making at home right now during “stay-at-home?”
I’ve been making enchiladas, Mexican rice, grilling steaks, carne asada, and making sure to include a side of michelada.
How are you coping with COVID?
I’ve been okay, good days and bad days. I have watched so much TV and now that we’ve started publicity for my show, I get to feel more productive.