From road trips to red carpets, Paulina Chavez the Mexican-American actress is smashing stereotypes and opening doors for Latinas in film.
Paulina Chávez Breaks Barriers in Hollywood: “We Want to Open Doors and Keep Them Open”
At 18, Paulina Chávez took a family trip to Mexico that would change her life. What began as a birthday getaway turned into a sensory experience of flavors, colors, and energy that made her fall in love with the country. She left knowing she would return.
Now at 22, the Mexican-American actress is back with a new purpose. Walking through those same streets alongside her mother, she relives a special memory—but this time as a rising Hollywood star promoting Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip, where she stars alongside one of her idols, Eva Longoria.
Eva Longoria, who also served as executive producer, played a key role in shaping the film’s vision and supporting emerging talents like Chávez. Paulina’s breakout performance in Landman—alongside Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore—has proven she’s one to watch.
And she’s just getting started. With Landman confirmed for a second season and new projects on the horizon, Chávez is building a purpose-driven career. Inspired by generations of powerful Latinas, she’s paving her own way—leading with talent, pride, and a strong sense of identity.
In an exclusive shoot with ¡HOLA! in Mexico City, Paulina reflected on her journey through Hollywood, her goals, and the importance of representing young Latinas on- and off-screen.
Landing her role in Alexander… felt like destiny. She admires director Marvin Lemus (Gentefied), and the experience filming—with breathwork sessions and improvisations—felt like being with family. “We created something beautiful and laughed so much,” she said.
Though born in Los Angeles, Paulina grew up between Mexico and the U.S., with roots in Zacatecas and Durango. “Texas is so big… everything’s a road trip,” she joked, recounting countless family drives from El Paso to Dallas to Los Angeles.
Her spirituality and Mexican traditions also ground her. From evil eye charms to crystal rituals, she embraces practices passed down by her mother and ancestors. “I always wear my evil eye charm. I’m representing.”
She’s proud to portray strong, smart Latina characters—like her role in Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love, playing a 15-year-old robotics prodigy. “These are roles that break the mold,” she said.
For Paulina, representation isn’t just about showing up—it’s about staying visible. “We want more of our faces on screen and behind the camera. We want to open doors and keep them open for those coming behind us.”
She dreams of telling authentic stories and even hopes to direct one day, taking inspiration from Eva Longoria. She’d love to portray someone like Joan Baez—“She’s done so much for the community.”
