Chrissie Fit is a star on the horizon of change. Chrissie is known for her work in the Pitch Perfect franchise as “Flo” and she has returned to the big screen in All My Life with Harry Shum Jr. and Jessica Rothe which premiered in theatres on December 4th, When we asked if she was involved in any humanitarian work, Chrissie responded: “I feel like I have my hands in everything!”. After speaking with the Cuban actress, it was easy to see that Chrissie brings a critical and inspirational lens to her work behind the camera and in her everyday life to promote a better and more diverse future. In our interview with Chrissie, she dives deep into what it means to have representation for Latinx communities in Hollywood and beyond. Chrissie talks about the intersectional nature of representation in film and television as well as representation at the polls for Latinx voters in the 2020 election. For more on Chrissie Fit, please read our interview below.

Where are you based?
I'm originally from Miami but I live in LA now.

How did you get started with singing and acting? Is there a catalyst moment that you remember that solidified your love for singing or acting?
I remember singing and dancing at family parties as young as like, four or five. I have a big Cuban family, full of very talented and lively humans. My mom and her sisters can sing and my great aunt was a dancer at the Tropicana in Cuba. My grandfather was an accomplished guitarist on the island too. I guess it's just always been a part of my life. I don't know if there's anything else I could have done besides be a performer. My dad has the best sense of humor ever and is such a people person. He was the one who introduced me to comedy and is still to this day my biggest cheerleader. So I guess you can say that I associate performing, singing and acting, with family. That's kind of what we create every time we do a project so it's why I love it so much.

Much of your work in film has been in fun comedies, like Pitch Perfect 2 and Pitch Perfect 3 and in Disney Channel original movies, Teen Beach Movie and Teen Beach 2. However, you were also a series regular on the television drama, General Hospital. Do you have a preferred genre to take roles in?
I wasn't a series regular; I recurred on General Hospital for a few years. Just popped in and out of that set while still waiting tables. It was funny cause people would come into the restaurant I worked at who watched the show and would be so confused. Twice I had two ladies ask me, "Are you the nanny on General Hospital?" And I would be like, "Yep. And I'm your waitress here. What are ya drinking?" Paying them dues. People don't talk about it enough. The work that it takes to go from that to being in the Pitch Perfects. I don't really have a preferred genre. If the role, story, and people involved are good... that's what I'm really looking for. Not if it's comedy or drama.

You’re in a new movie that just premiered December 4th, All My Life with Harry Shum Jr. and Jessica Rothe. Can you tell us about the film and your role?
It's a beautiful true love story. The story of Jenn Carter and Solomon Chau. I play Jenn's best friend, Amanda. She's loyal and fun... hopefully the kind of friend I am in real life.

How do you feel about movie premiers during Covid-19?
It's strange for sure. We had such a wonderful time making this movie and I was so looking forward to getting the band back together for press and/or the premiere. But it's okay. I just want people to be safe and responsible. If you can't safely go see it at the theaters now that it's out, wait for it to come on PVOD later this month. You can cry on the couch in your very own home.

You’re also working on Hulu’s Animaniacs reboot. What character are you playing? How did you prepare to work on a show with a history and reputation like Animaniacs?
I play a new character that'll pop up in season two, I believe. I can't really say anything more on it cause I actually don't really know. I've just recorded a couple of episodes. Animation takes a long time to make. But with Animaniacs, it's so worth it. The show was one of my favorites (and especially my brother's favorite) growing up.

Animaniacs is known for its witty satire and providing commentary on society in both fun and pointed ways - and in 2020 there’s so much to satirize! What do you think of this show’s reemergence in our current time? What do you hope audiences are able to take away from the writing?
Oh gosh, I know! It's actually hard to do satire right now but Animaniacs is just as clever and smart as the original. The honesty and humor are next level.

What has your experience been being a voice actor and being an actor? Can you tell us about transitioning from a recording booth to being in front of a camera?
The recording both takes a lot less getting ready time, that's for sure. I can usually go in without my hair and makeup done and wearing sweatpants. It's the best! But I don't just love voiceover because of that. I love it because I get to be so many different characters. Less physical limitations.

Latinx representation in entertainment is a major matter concerning diversity in storytelling and media. What has your experience been in navigating the industry?
Eventually, I got tired of waiting around for the industry to change and decided to start writing and being more proactive. We are going to make more progress if we get behind the camera more. We need to have more Latinx people in decision making roles, in positions of power. We need to have the ability to greenlight our own stories and tell them in meaningful and authentic ways. Easier said than done, I know. Most of the gatekeepers are white men. I think we need to start asking them what they are doing to be more inclusive. Hold them more accountable. I shouldn't have to navigate the industry, they should be helping us expand it.

A major challenge in achieving more meaningful diversity is avoiding stereotypes in the depiction of diverse characters. What are your thoughts on this issue and how stereotypes of Latinx affect viewers’ perceptions of race and diversity?
Most definitely. Look, we've seen the maid story a million times and the cartel crime story as well. We don't need to see it anymore. However, if there's a new in, a new perspective, I'm game. It's all about storytelling in the end and how we can humanize ourselves after so many years of false and dangerous rhetoric. My grandfather was a janitor who worked the graveyard shift at a hospital up until he passed. You can say, "Oh, Latino janitor. Stereotypical," right? But that's not all he was. If we're going to tell these stories, we have to go deeper. That's the only way I'm buying in. I know too many doctors, lawyers, scientists, professors, etc. that are Latinx. Those stories need to be told! Not only to represent the reality and shift the balance of what is portrayed on screen but to inspire young Latinx kids. If you see it, then it's possible.

What progress do you want to see made for Latinx representation?
I just want it to reflect reality. I don't want Latinx characters to be one dimensional or relegated to a job, a stereotypical profession like we just talked about. I don't want to be the sidekick who comes in with a punchline or a latte. Latinx makes up about 18% of the US population, but for years we have stayed at about 5% representation in the big and small screen. Like, why can't we just get to 18%? That doesn't seem like a big ask when it's rooted in reality. I also want to see more nuanced storytelling. As the election proved, Latinos in the US are not a monolith. We have to share and celebrate our stories so that we better understand each other. I also want to see less criticism within our own community. There are a lot of things that make us different but we should be focusing on what makes us similar, not different. If the Latinx community really bands together, we can achieve so much more.

Jejune loves that you are working on gaining more Latinx representation at the polls. Why do you think this is so significant? How could this change our country?
Again, it's similar to the power dynamic in Hollywood. If there aren't people in positions of power that look and sound like us, or at least have our interest at heart, we are going to be overlooked time and time again. Voting is a powerful thing and yet, so many Latinos don't vote. Especially women. Latinas haven't had high numbers in the past -- something that changed this year and I hope will continue to climb. I want to encourage Latinas to use their voice and their power, it will translate into different areas of their lives. At least it did for me! It's an awesome feeling and it could be a game-changer if we have more Latinas calling the shots. I mean, we already do at home so why not at the White House?

What are your thoughts on how the election turned out in general and the representation of Latinx voters?
Overall I was happy. We increased turnout and that's great. But now we have to make sure that we are represented in Washington. The work isn't over. Of course, I was a little upset about Miami and the Cuban-American vote there. It's such a complicated issue though. One that wasn't addressed by the Biden campaign and completely exploited by the Trump campaign. We need to understand that some Cubans have a lot of trauma, which is now deeply rooted in American soil thanks to fear-mongering and disinformation. The way some Cuban-Americans vote has more to do with identity and loyalty than with their own morals or beliefs. This doesn't make them bad or wrong because it's not entirely their fault. It's years of lies and manipulation. Republicans falsely use words like "socialism" to trigger those who fled communist Cuba, but then undermine our institutions and call the press "the enemy of the people," things that Fidel Castro did. Like I said, it's a complicated issue. But one that I hope we address in the future with empathy and patience.

You are currently working with LA Family Housing in their work to end homelessness. Can you tell us a little bit about this current push and why it is important?
The homeless population in Los Angeles has always been a big issue but now with Covid, it's has got even worse. Add the holidays to the mix and it's just devastating. We are lucky to be able to shelter in place but not everyone has that option. It's so important to be able to do what we can to help. We are making welcome home baskets, hygiene kits, and holiday kits as well. Just trying to improve their situation. And if you want to help, go to www.lafh.org.

LA has always had a huge homelessness problem. Has there been an increase since COVID? Do you know how the homeless people in LA are coping with COVID?
They need people like you and me to help. It's just that simple. Shelters are either not open or having to take in fewer people because of Covid. They need more PPE, more testing, and above all shelter cause it's wintertime now too, you know? I also think that we need to find preventative measures too. Stop dealing with it when it's downstream. I'm excited that Nithya Raman was elected. She seems to have a plan to help at an official level. All goes back to having people in power than want to find solutions and change the current systems that are not working.

In your own words, you have your hands in a bit of everything, Path Partners, Young Storytellers, Days for Girls, This Is About Humanity. Why is it important for you to give back in so many ways?
I don't know. I'm just... there are so many people that need help. I'm so lucky to have the ability to do so and have a platform to amplify the message. It's not about me being selfless because hey, I get so much joy out of doing it. There's actually more in it for me. I feel great after volunteering or donating, so I suggest that everyone try it!

How are you staying positive during shelter-in-place?
I got and decorated my Christmas tree super early this year. It makes everything seem more merry and bright for sure.

What is your life motto?
It was my motto when I was a kid and then I kind of lost it as I got older and more self-conscious/scared. I rediscovered it this year when the importance of time was highlighted, you know? We've been stuck, literally, and I don't want to do that with my life or career anymore. I don't want to wait for the perfect time or for everything to be aligned just right. I just wanna do the damn thing. I have totally embraced this again: Just go for it!

To learn more about Chrissie Fit, please follow her via the below platforms:
Instagram: chrissiefit
Twitter: chrissiefit

Photographer Credit: Ryan West Photo

We Need Deep Latinx Storytelling - Chrissie Fit