When I audition for roles in Los Angeles or in New York, people don't understand that I am Mexican. A white girl with a french name?
Because I am fair skinned, people say that "I don't look Mexican". In reality, Mexicans, (just like Americans) come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. I am latina, whether I look it or not.
I decided to change my name from Mariel Chantal to Mariel Molino to make sure people know I am latina and to ultimately break stereotypes abroad. The Spanish last name will hopefully facilitate the idea that there are latinos that are black, white, asian, or brown.
I'm proud of my roots, and I want to be recognized as a Mexican-American actress, because that is what I am. I'm not one or the other.
I chose Mariel Molino because El Molino is the bakery that has been in my family forever. My mother has given her life to El Molino, it is thanks to that bakery and my mother's hard work that I have been able to pursue my career, my dream.
Of course, my name, given to me by my parents is Mariel Chantal and will always be. But my career is another path, my own choice, with my own name.
Thank you so much for the support & understanding.