Melissa Navia
Melissa Navia is a Colombian-American, known for her lead role as Erica Ortegas in the Sci-Fi television series “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” This series is a prequel to the original Star Trek series and follows the crew of the USS Enterprise on their adventures under Captain Christopher Pike. Melissa co-stars alongside Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, and others. Melissa is also known for her roles in “Bull,” “Dietland,” and “Billions.”
Left:
Leather Vest: Wear Natural @FLYING SOLO
Earrings by Dolce & Gabbana
Necklace by Model’s own
Pants by Dolce & Gabbana
Sneakers by Dolce & Gabbana
Right:
Full Look by Versace
Necklace by Model’s own
How did you get your start in acting?
My parents' influence and love for the arts. I grew up watching operas with my dad, along with Laurel and Hardy, Gilbert and Sullivan, and Hollywood classics. I loved going to plays and seeing my older sisters on stage, and eventually also our baby sister. My favorite movies as a kid were “Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” and “Amadeus.” But I didn't just love them, I wanted to star in them. I played the piano once in a duet with my dad at a school recital wearing a Mozart-style wig and I was the happiest. My first acting roles were in church productions during the holidays. One of my favorite costumes to this day was a pillowcase that my mom cut armholes out of and that transformed me into a pint-sized shepherd. My big break was in the 5th grade when I got cast as Jesus in my school's Easter presentation of the Passion Play. Then came Peter Pan, Clara in The Nutcracker, and a lot of solid singing and not-so-solid dancing through high school. Only took about two more decades to find my way to Star Trek.
Left:
Dress by HERVÉ LÉGER
Pants by HERVÉ LÉGER
Platforms by Versace
Necklace by Model’s Own
Right:
Top by Isabel Marant
Shoes + Pants + Necklace by Dolce & Gabbana
What was your favorite aspect of filming “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?”
Every bit of it. It's a dream role with a fantastic cast and stellar writing in an iconic franchise. We successfully filmed Season 1 during a pandemic without ever having to shut down. Season 2 was announced before anyone had even seen our pilot. So maybe that's it: the anticipation for the show from fans around the world. As a working actor, I'm used to not celebrating a project until my family calls me to tell me they saw me from the comfort of their living room. Because you never know when something is gonna change, fall through, or get cut, or if it'll just live in limbo without you even having a say in it. But that wasn't the case for “Strange New Worlds.” There was a demand for it and an incredibly high bar set by new and lifelong Trekkies alike. That I am part of such a story remains, and I trust will be forever, a truly awesome, indescribable feeling.
Left:
Top by Isabel Marant
Pants + Necklace by Dolce & Gabbana
Right:
Leather Vest: Wear Natural @FLYING SOLO
Earrings by Dolce & Gabbana
Necklace by Model’s own
Pants by Dolce & Gabbana
Sneakers by Dolce & Gabbana
Tell us a little bit more about Erica Ortegas.
Erica is the highly capable helmsman of the USS Enterprise; so, the pilot of the original starship. Captain Pike fully trusts her, as do her crewmates on the bridge, and she in turn is loyal to them and in love with her job. She is also a soldier who has been in battle, witnessed death, and experienced grief, and that has shaped who she has become (which we will see more of in Season 2) and how she doesn't take a day or an adventure for granted. Her attributes, charm, and level of skill come through in every episode, regardless of how much screen time, which is thanks to our excellent writing staff who have managed to create a show that celebrates the ensemble while still giving the audience fully formed beings that they root for, want to hang out with, and can look up to, which is not an easy task.
How do you help to connect to the characters you play in films and series?
I want to tell stories that need telling, so when I book a role and get a script, I look at what that story is, why I want to help tell it, and how I can do that in a way that best utilizes my talents and experiences to fully realize the character's arc. You can always find the extension of yourself, the piece of your own story that relates, so I just follow that thread.
What are your goals for the next few years?
To thrive and live fearlessly. I lost my partner of seven years to acute, aggressive leukemia right before we started filming Season 2 of “Strange New Worlds.” Brian was my other half. Without him, I would not be part of “Star Trek.” He lived life to its fullest and that's how he wants to be remembered, and I know it's what he has always wanted for me, too. But when tragedy strikes, your priorities change. Your goals change because your future has changed. You are changed. So, as I'm figuring all that out and heading into this new chapter of my life as essentially a new person, I am doing my best to use the myriad of emotions I go through most days as fuel for better, brighter, things. And I'm making a point to talk openly about grief. Not enough people do, which is strange to me. Death and grief are facts of life and shared experiences unlike any other, so to tell my story and hopefully encourage others to do the same makes the most sense to me.
What/who inspires you within your industry?
Working actors and filmmakers. Artists of every description who have chosen to tell stories for a living. It's a mad pursuit, and far from an easy one, and I am in awe of anyone who attempts it and sacrifices the life they are told they should have, with safety nets and appropriate milestones, for the life their soul is telling them they must have.
Left:
Jumpsuit by ALIÉTTE
Necklace by Model’s Own
Right:
Dress by HERVÉ LÉGER
Pants by HERVÉ LÉGER
Platforms by Versace
Necklace by Model’s Own
What are things you enjoy doing in your downtime?
I'm a writer, so I'm writing all the time. I play tennis and the banjo. I love reading, learning new things, going down rabbit holes, and getting out in nature. I'd rather be scrambling up rocks in the desert or hiking up a mountain than, say, going to a party. I also like picking up new hobbies that will be useful for roles down the road. Like right now I'm honing my pool-playing skills. So, when that saloon scene comes along where I have to best someone at billiards, I'll be ready. I also like running, swimming, and cycling, so there's a triathlon waiting for me in Canada if we go back to film Season 3.
Social Media.
I'm pretty active on social media. I think Twitter and Instagram, in the right hands, are really effective ways of communicating and, like in life, are much better experiences when you surround yourself and spend time with people who are inspiring, thought-provoking, and genuinely kind. They're out there. And yes, even on Twitter.
Instagram - @mcnavia
Twitter - @melissaCnavia
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Henry Lou @ ABTP Agency
Talent: Melissa Navia
Fashion Stylist: Paulina Castro
Hair: Jason Linkow @ ABTP Agency using SEVEN Haircare: Sculpt Gel, Working Hairspray and Fibre/Dyson — Supersonic Hair Dryer
Makeup: Naoko Kitano
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Lola Jarzemsky, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
