Interview: Maria Russell on her Work as Lt Liz Salazar on Tacoma FD

Actress-comedianne Maria Russell is playing Lieutenant Salazar, a recurring role in the first 10 episodes of truTV’s new series Tacoma FD. The comedy follows the breakout theatrical release of Super Troopers 2 by show co-creators and stars Kevin Heffernan & Steve Lemme.

indieactivity: How’d you connect to the project? Audition? If you did, would still have got the part?
Maria Russell (MR): I got connected to the project by auditioning for the role of Lt. Liz Salazar. The amazing Wendy O’Brien brought me in for the role, knew my work and knew that I would be perfect for this role!

As one of the main cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Maria Russell (MR): The ‘choice’ was really a no brainer. My character was right up my alley, as if the role was written for me. And to be able to work with these comedic legends…Broken Lizard, was a dream job!!!

What part of the story challenged you? What drove you to get on the project?
Maria Russell (MR): Honestly, there were no challenges.  This particular role of Lt. Liz Salazar, is such a fun character to play! To be able to play such a fun bully was a dream lol!   

You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Maria Russell (MR): Any job where I have the freedom to play, create, and collaborate is a win! Especially playing these fun, crazy roles! I love comedy!

Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Maria Russell (MR): One day on set, I had an idea for my character, I couldn’t believe how open Kevin Heffernan, my director and star of Tacoma F.D. was and said “Yeah, let’s do it, let’s try it!” One of my ideas of having my character cuss out Pikachu lol (Eugene Cordero) in Spanish, made the cut! That was very gratifying as an actor. 

How did you create your character from ground up?
Maria Russell (MR): I love to play bad asses! In my real life lol, I am very bubbly, I talk a lot, and I’m sweet. Most of the characters I play, are complete opposites of who I am! It’s so much fun! So to be able to delve into the character of Liz Salazar was not far fetched. 

Describe the responsibility you shouldered? Did it fire you up? What scenes where difficult to shoot?
Maria Russell (MR): When I work on a new project, and everything and everyone is new, my fear of everything “new” fires me up. Even though inside I’m freaking out because I am working with such amazing talent!! Sometimes there would be a cut, because someone (me) would crack up.  I couldn’t help it! It was soooooooooooooo funny!!

Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
Maria Russell (MR): The choice to cuss out Andy/Pikachu in Spanish was a creative choice of mine.  I always say, when in doubt, say it in Spanish. 

What did you take away from the film production?
Maria Russell (MR): I learned to trust myself and speak up when something creatively and instinctually came up.  That was very scary at first, especially on a show where the stars of the show, are also the creators and writers. 

What do you like most about the director, and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
Maria Russell (MR): I love love love Kevin Heffernan and the team! It was truly the most fun and most gratifying job I have had working on a show! A true collaboration! We are the the #1 new comedy on cable!

What is next for you?
Maria Russell (MR): There are a series of exciting upcoming projects I will be participating in but cannot reveal just yet. I am pinching myself. So excited!

What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
Maria Russell (MR): Trust your gut and speak up! Shows and movies are a collaborative process, if something creatively comes up, share it, trust me the director will appreciate it.  Thank you!!!

About TACOMA FD
Tacoma FD, is a half-hour comedy set in a firehouse in one of America’s rainiest cities. Light on blazes that need extinguishing, this crew keeps themselves entertained with creative competitions, friendly first responder rivalries, and bizarre emergency calls. Leading firehouse shenanigans in the 10-episode first season are Chief Terry McConky (Heffernan) and Captain Eddie Penisi (Lemme), alongside an eclectic crew played by series regulars Hassie Harrison(Southbound), Eugene Cordero (Black Monday, The Good Place), Marcus Henderson (Get Out, Homecoming), and Gabriel Hogan (Heartland).

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