If you're into wrestling, then you for sure have heard of Karlee Perez.
I used to watch wrestling all the time when I was a kid. I'm talking back in the days of Tito Santana, Cyndi Lauper, Lou Albano, Roddy Piper...
Let's fast forward to this beauty named Karlee Perez and her re-entrance into the show Lucha Underground.
Produced by MGM, Lucha Underground is a professional wrestling show that focuses on Latin wrestlers known as Luchadores. On the show, Karlee's character 'Catrina' is main boss and central focus of all the storylines.
How did you feel about your role on Season 3? Describe how much your character has changed throughout the three seasons.
Season 3 so far has been great for me as Catrina. She has changed so much from Season 1. You see the different layers of Catrina and learn even more about her and her background in season 3.
What motivates you as you bring your character? What motivates you in real life?
Not sure how to explain my motivation. I just love bringing characters to life. I enjoy the process of reading the scripts and playing with ideas in my head and with the writers. The process of getting to the end point I guess is what motivates me.
You went to school for criminology but your real passion, at the time, was wrestling. How did you fall into this line of career?
Well I wanted to be an Private Investigator ...then all of a sudden WWE fell in my lap. I was so young and I believe in taking risks. If I do something I give it my all. I made the career change and thanks to my mentor, Dusty Rhodes, I saw the passion and talent I had in the entertainment business.
When did you join WWE as 'Diva Maxine.'? How did you like it? Why did you leave? Who gave you the name 'Maxine'? Did you have to wrestle someone to audition? Were you accepted on the spot or they got back to you?
Well I was working for years in WWE developmental program FCW before I went on the road as Maxine. I enjoyed the experience and I met a lot of great people. I left because I was no longer happy or satisfied with my work there. I knew there was more for me; I just didn't know what yet. I was not accepted on the spot. I had to go through a training and tryout process first.
Your full name is Karlee Leilani Perez. Were you named after anyone?
I was not named after anyone.
Do you have any siblings?
No, I am the only child. I wanted a brother or sister when I was younger.
What's the best and worst thing of your career?
Best thing of my career is that I'm always evolving and I'm able to show diverse sides of that. The worst part is that I'm never fully satisfied. I always want to do more.
What advice can you give to inspiring actors?
Don't stop...be different, think outside the box. I'm not sure if there is a wrong or right way. You just have to find your own way.
Do you have a significant other?
I don't kiss and tell.
Are there showers on the set of Lucha Underground?
Yes they are. They are very small and I do not use them. I know some of the boys on set do.
What's your daily routine?
I try to keep up my social media and stay involved . I eat egg whites ever morning and I love hot sauce (; I get my hair and nails done. I'm trying to find a new hair person as we speak. I don't read the news often. There are pros and cons to that - sometimes it's just too negative for me to start my day.
In the WWE, was that scripted or was it really 'real'?
It was scripted but there were for sure some real segments with a lot of tension.