When the opportunity to interview Melonie Diaz arrived I jumped at it faster than anything in all of my career. Diaz has been a longtime favorite of mine ever since her breakthrough role in 2002's Raising Victor Vargas, and she's been great in numerous projects since. She gives the kind of grounded, lived-in performances that elevate every project she's a part of, including 2013's Fruitvale Station which she received an Indie Spirit nomination for.
I had a chance to speak with Diaz about her role opposite Adam Sandler in The Cobbler, Thomas McCarthy's dramedy about a shoe cobbler who has the magical power to live the life of his customers, to literally walk in their shoes. Diaz plays an activist trying to maintain the neighborhood's cultural integrity and fight against gentrification. Not only does Diaz talk about working alongside Sandler, but she talks about the problems faced by minority actresses in Hollywood and how that affects her plans for the future.
You can listen to my interview with Diaz below, and keep an eye out for our review of The Cobbler which will be up soon!
