Jane the Virgin’s Yael Grobglas on fame, friendship and most of all, fun
As you come around the last bend in the narrow road that leads to a funky A-frame on a ridgetop in the Hollywood Hills, it sounds like a weekday house party is going on. Tucked onto the hillside like a crow’s nest, the house remains calmly perched despite a swarm of hustling crew members. Yards of cable, lighting and a colorful array of props are splayed all around the structure, from which music and laughter burst forth.
In front of the living room window that offers a view of the sprawling San Fernando Valley, Yael Grobglas—the doe-eyed, lissome star of The CW’s hit Jane the Virgin—is doing a subdued but energetic boogie of sorts as Dexys Midnight Runners’ 1982 hit “Come on Eileen” pours out of a boom box and a crew member on a ladder showers her with confetti.
There’s a very good reason for this celebratory setup. Now in the midst of her third season as Jane’s anti-heroine Petra, Grobglas, along with the show, has become a CW network stalwart and a bona fide star. She’s won the hearts of viewers and critics alike with her roles as not only the elegant and scheming Petra, but also her goofy sister, Anezka. On top of that, she’s played a row of episodes as Anezka impersonating Petra (still with us?)—a rich but daunting assignment for any actor.
The mood of today’s shoot has been ebullient, but it’s also been a lot of work, and this last shot of the day has everyone a little giddy. As the photo gear and a giant rubber duckie are being packed away, Grobglas eases into an interview with Watch! now dressed down—think T-shirt and jeans ripped at the knee—and sitting cheerfully on a small poolside chair to speak about the joys and rigors of a life lived in episodes.
This story is from the April 2017 edition of CBS Watch! Magazine.
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This story is from the April 2017 edition of CBS Watch! Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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