By: Ashmar Mandou

Actress Jaina Lee Ortiz is extraordinarily happy in her new role as Detective Villa, a no-nonsense, flawed, passionate woman on FOX’s new TV show Rosewood, which debuted this week. “I love the fact that we are seeing more Latinos on television,” said Ortiz, who was born at Ford Ord army base in California and was raised in The Bronx, New York. “Growing up, I don’t remember seeing someone who resembled me on TV, so now it is amazing to see Latinos playing multi-dimensional characters that showcase our talent.” Early on, Ortiz was drawn to the realm of acting so she quickly became determined to pursue it professionally. When the role of Detective Villa surfaced, Ortiz knew it was the role for her. “I felt very close to the character already. It was not a stretch for me to play someone like Villa because we have so many similarities,” said Ortiz. In order to prepare for the role all Ortiz had to do was seek the advice of her dad, who is a homicide detective in New York. “He was so generous and helpful. I learned a lot from my dad and he is very proud of me in my new role.” Rosewood is about Dr. Beaumont Rosewood Junior, a brilliant pathologist in Miami, who uses his sophisticated autopsy lab to perform for-hire autopsies to uncover clues that the Miami PD can’t see. “This is a great show that I hope people will enjoy,” said Ortiz.

Photos Courtesy of FOX Broadcasting Co.