NYWIFT Blog

By Sofiya Saykovska

Welcome to NYWIFT Johanna Tolentino! Tolentino, whose acting journey began at just 16 with a role in the iconic film Lean On Me alongside Morgan Freeman, has made her mark in both television and film, appearing in acclaimed shows like Orange is the New Black, Law & Order SVU, and the Creed films. With a rich background in theater, she has honed her craft at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in New York, bringing authenticity and depth to every character she portrays.

Johanna’s latest project, the web series Whatever It Takes, reflects her personal journey as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, showcasing her resilience and commitment to sharing powerful stories. As she joins the NYWIFT community, Johanna expresses her excitement about connecting with fellow women creatives who inspire and uplift one another.

Let’s dive into her remarkable journey, her approach to acting, and the impactful stories she aims to tell.

Picture courtesy of Johanna Tolentino.

Welcome to NYWIFT! Give our readers a short intro to yourself!

Johanna Tolentino got her first big break at the age of 16 on the feature film Lean On Me with Morgan Freeman. 

She’s booked television co-starring and guest star roles on the Comedy Central pilot Alternatino, hit tv shows as Orange is the New Black on Netflix, Do No Harm on NBC, Law and Order SVU, and The Blacklist. Supporting roles in the short films, Taking East New York directed by Exile Ramirez and El Pasaje directed by Noel Nunez, as well as features Keep in Touch directed by Sam Kretchmar, and Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky sequels, Creed directed by Ryan Coogler and Creed 2. She trained at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in New York in audition technique, voice, and acting before booking roles in regional theaters, regional commercials and industrial films in Atlanta, Philadelphia and New York City. 

What brings you to join NYWIFT?

I feel honored to become a member of the NYWIFT. To be part of a community of women creatives and leaders that support and guide one another in the entertainment industry is a wonderful feeling.

Picture courtesy of Johanna Tolentino.

How did landing your first role in Lean On Me at such a young age influence your career path in acting?

Landing my first acting role of Francesca in Lean On Me with Morgan Freeman at 16 years old was a dream come true. I remember the late Robert Guillaume giving me advice on the showbiz industry and explaining to me that there was no 9-to-5 schedule when you work in films. That’s a beautiful memory I will never forget. I mean, a kid from Paterson NJ working alongside Morgan Freeman and Robert Guillaume. I was bitten by the acting bug working in Lean On Me and I’ve never wanted to do anything else since.

You’ve played a variety of characters across different genres. How do you approach character development for each role you take on?

My character development comes from a mixture of method work. Lee Strasberg psychological and Sanford Meisner – the behavioral aspect. Connecting the character to one’s own experience allows the actor to just be and tell the story genuinely. I’m also an acting coach and this is what I share with my students. However, I feel every actor should find their own method that they feel comfortable with.

Picture courtesy of Johanna Tolentino.

How does your experience in off-Broadway productions compare to working in television and film? What do you enjoy most about each medium?

The adrenaline rush of performing to a live audience keeps you on your toes and I feel it’s the best training for any actor. Acting on camera on TV and film, for me it’s a more relaxing process you get to do several takes until you get the best shot and you get to fall into the character at a slower pace.

Is there a particular performance from your career that stands out as a favorite, either for personal reasons or audience reception?

I have to say that working on Law & Order: SVU was one of the best acting experiences as an actor I’ve had in television thus far. The character I portrayed, Ximena, was being accused of possibly murdering a whole family that she worked for as a nanny. There’s a scene that I’m walking in the street and I see one of the kids I nannied. As he turns around he is covered in blood. I could not stop crying and shaking after the director called cut. That’s where that connecting comes in. As a mother I felt I was holding my own child. People thought my character did it as they watched the episode, but you have to watch the episode to see. It’s on the 20th season, episode 7.

Picture courtesy of Johanna Tolentino.

What inspired you to create Whatever It Takes, and what message do you hope to convey through this web series?

I was inspired to create my own web series Whatever It Takes to be able to tell my story. I’m a survivor of narcissistic abuse. I want to share what a person goes through when you’re in that toxic environment/ marriage while still pushing through to pursue your own dreams, aspirations and raising a family. In WIT you’ll laugh, cry, and hopefully gain hope that you can achieve anything you want to no matter what.

I play Rosaly Rojo, the lead. Rosaly is a successful actor that goes through a divorce from her abusive husband who happens to be her manager. She starts her life and career over with the love and support from her dysfunctional Boricua familia. I like to say “Getwitit” WHATEVER IT TAKES!

Picture courtesy of Johanna Tolentino.

What are your goals for the future, both as an actress and as a creator? Are there specific stories you want to tell next?

My goals for the future as a content creator is to be able to share stories when it comes to other amazing women. Women from our communities that have left positives marks in people’s lives but no one knows of them or their stories.

Connect with Johanna Tolentino on her website www.queentproductions.com, on IMDb, and by following her on Instagram at @queen_t_productions.