MARIA CONCHITA ALONSO
The Eden Magazine is thrilled to feature Maria Conchita Alonso, actress, singer/songwriter, humanitarian, political and animal activist, one of the biggest names in the Hispanic market, and an international star.
Alonso was honored with the Hispanic Woman of the Year Award, Nosotros Golden Eagle Award for Outstanding Performer of the year, Alma Award for Best Actress and nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, among many other nominations and winnings around the world. She has acted in over 75 films, 12 Telenovelas, 15 Movies of the Week and Miniseries, and over 100 episodes of television on NBC, HBO, ABC, Showtime and Lifetime.
In 2016 she filmed five movies including, Kill’em All, for Sony Pictures, and the independent films, Galileo and ¡ He matado a mi marido! and two songs already recorded, one in English and one in Spanish, that will be launched this year.
Upon meeting Alonso, it’s very clear to see why she has achieved so much. She is a force of energy, a feisty, passionate, compassionate, stunningly beautiful, intelligent, and humble woman, with an infectious laugh and smile. She is the real deal and the whole package.
Alonso was born in Cuba, raised in Venezuela, and immigrated to the United States where she had her feature film debut in 1984’s Moscow on the Hudson alongside Robin Williams. But, Alonso had been working as a performer long before she was introduced to American audience’s on the big screen. She was a beauty contest winner; Miss Teen Venezuela winning the Miss Teen-Ager of the World; she was Miss World Venezuela and sixth runner up in the Miss World pageant, and she was a very established pop star singer with multiple #1 hits; a three-time Grammy nominee with platinum and multiple gold albums. She worked with legendary music producer,
Giorgio Moroder, for whom she wrote the lyrics and sang in Spanish, Vamos a Bailar, which was part of the sound track for the movie Scarface with Al Pacino.
Her impressive body of work and vast career accomplishments reflect only a part of how Alonso has spent her time. She dedicated eighteen years or her life campaigning for human rights in her native countries and is still very vocal about her views today. She has spoken in support of LGBT rights, and she is a passionate animal rights advocate who believes in the respect for the lives of all animals.
Alonso doesn’t just talk the talk … her love for animals has been a life long passion and commitment. Despite her very busy work schedule, she always makes time for animals and her beloved pets. Over the years she has enjoyed pets that ranged from dogs, cats, hamsters, monkeys, a horse, a parrot, and even an alligator. She currently has one dog and two cats, Tequila, Chiqui, and Bella,
the black cat in the photos. Alonso is proud to point out that they are all rescues. She has been involved in helping the Humane Society and PETA, Beagle Freedom Foundation, and different ones from Venezuela, and has been active donating her time at Animal Fairs to aid in the adoption of pets from shelters and rescue organizations. One such organization she has worked with is NKLA (No Kill Los Angeles), which is a best friends animal society initiative that strives to eliminate the euthanasia of healthy and treatable companion animals at LA’s shelters.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you chose to become an actress?
I was born an actress, no, an artist, and it wasn’t a choice… it’s just me! My first acting part was in Cuba at the age of four. I was a little mouse in The Nutcracker play. Since that age, I was told that I liked to be alone, to create. I would “escape” from home for blocks. The neighbors would call my mom, “Conchita, Maria Conchita is driving away in her tricycle again.” Hahaha… I also loved to play with dolls doing all the voices of the family.
2. Besides acting, you are also an incredible singer. Tell us about your passion for music?
The energy between artist/audience that one gets while on stage is indescribable, magical, powerful. I can stay there for hours. I give my all from my heart, feeling every single word that comes out of my mouth. I always did, since I was a kid. For me there is no life without music. It’s a great “natural” drug that can take you wherever you want to be whether you are happy, sad, dreaming, in love, or in pain. It relaxes you and it also makes you wild…
I am currently writing country music songs. My love for the United States, its people, and country music, was born when I lived in Deer Park Washington State, as a kid.
3. With your busy life as an actress and singer, you are also involved so many humanitarian causes and in animal rescues. How are you able to do so much?
I don’t have any idea, really, it just happens. I go on Twitter and Instagram and I can’t leave. I am addicted! But Social Media does help save lives though, and it also educates and informs (accurate or not). We need to teach people how to save lives and be their “animal” voice. It’s impressive how important these tools are. It does help.
4. You are a passionate animal rights advocate. What is your message to our readers about animal rights?
My message is, be kind to all creatures just like you would like for people to be kind to you. Not only us humans feel, animals do too. They love, cry, feel pain, get sick, and they need attention and companionship. It breaks my heart and I can’t keep quiet when I see the injustice towards animals around the world. It makes me so super angry when I see celebrities wearing fur… as if they don’t know what goes on… so they can show off wearing someone else’s skin? The fur is taken off while the animal is still alive. Do we need to have animals suffer for us just so we can look “beautiful”? I don’t think so. Armani is not using fur anymore. More designers and celebrities should learn from him.
There are so many issues we need to fight for and educate people on. I don’t eat meat (but do eat fish). The animals suffer so much when they are on their way to be killed and as they are being killed.
I don’t drink cows milk. People should Google to find out more and educate themselves about everything that I am talking about here. They should watch the horrible videos, because after that, believe me, they will realize that it’s not worth the pain these poor animals go through just “for the heck” of it. In some cultures/countries they boil dogs and cats to eat while they are still alive. It is sad to say that now in Venezuela, some people eat dogs and doves for lack of food. That has to stop and we are working on it.
Adopt don’t shop. Be a foster parent. Go to a shelter and give them love, attention, and/or save a life. Bring food, old newspapers, towels, sheets, plastic grocery bags you might squirrel away, so they can be used during dog walks or cleaning cages.
Become an activist on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. It really works to Retweet. It helps to sign those petitions because it does save lives, passes laws, puts people in jail, and it works not only with animal causes but with all of them. I am part of that world and I know it works.
If you are away from home most of the day because you are working, have two pets instead of one so they can keep each other ompany. They feel loneliness too!
Venezuela has been going through a horrific situation for the past 17 years, and as time goes by it worsens. Pets are thrown into the streets and abandoned. Children, babies, people of all ages are dying for lack of food and medicine. I know that that it doesn’t only happen in my country. Cuba, the island where I was born, has been suffering for the past 58 years.
Through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, we have been able to save lives and bring awareness of what is happening all over the world. Follow me @MariaConchita_A, and be a part of it.
5. As a humanitarian who has been very active, what is your message and why?
Again, as I mentioned above, we should be kind to all living creatures. We should be more concerned about what is going on in the world and start doing something about it because together we can make a difference. I believe it because I have been a part of changes that have been made on various issues and in different parts of the world. I have lived it. And you’ll realize that by giving and helping, you will feel happier, and be a better human being for having done so. We are here to learn, to teach, and to be happy. This life is too short.
Don’t forget to smile, it really is a magical thing we can use anytime we want, and it’s free! People don’t know the power of a smile. Try it. It opens doors. It heals. And you will feel at peace…There shouldn’t be even one person in the world that goes hungry, that sleeps on the streets, or dies for lack of medicine. We can all do something about that. United.
6. Who has been your roll model all these years?
My mom, Maria Conchita Bustillo. She is courageous, strong, honest, funny, a hard worker, and beautiful.
7. What do you do when you are not acting or singing?
If I’m not at the beach, or writing songs or watching movies, I spend my time on Twitter and Instagram being the voice for those who have none, fighting for human rights and educating. And once in a while “insulting” people… hahaha….
8. Is there anything you would like to change in yourself now, or from your past?
Change? Nah. Even though at times I fight with myself, I like who I am. But I can tell you one thing, I should have listened to my father a bit more and invested in real state… but I was very stubborn… still am…
9. Who can you rely on in your life and why?
Proud to say that I have a bunch of cousins that I know would be there if needed, just as I am here for them, and a bit more than a handful of friends. Lucky, ah?
10. What do you think it is that can change our world so that it can be a better place?
Respect. Humbleness.
Special Thanks to
Photo: by Brenda (Busaba St. Hilaire)
Hair and Makeup: by Edward Hakopian
Location: East Valley Animal Shelter, Beverly Hills, CA, Sherman Oaks, CA
Gaurdian of Boots (German Shepherd)
Kelle & Manos Phoundoulakis
Gaurdian of Scarlet (Beagle) Brigitte Pascual
Gaurdian of Gracie (PitBull) Shannon Keith
Read Our Magazine…
Receive The Eden Magazine Print Version with…
Maria Conchita Alonso
The Eden Magazine is thrilled to feature Maria Conchita Alonso, actress, singer/songwriter, humanitarian, political and animal activist, one of the biggest names in the Hispanic market, and an international star.
Alonso was honored with the Hispanic Woman of the Year Award, Nosotros Golden Eagle Award for Outstanding Performer of the year, Alma Award for Best Actress and nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, among many other nominations and winnings around the world. She has acted in over 75 films, 12 Telenovelas, 15 Movies of the Week and Miniseries, and over 100 episodes of television on NBC, HBO, ABC, Showtime and Lifetime.
In 2016 she filmed five movies including, Kill’em All, for Sony Pictures, and the independent films, Galileo and ¡ He matado a mi marido! and two songs already recorded, one in English and one in Spanish, that will be launched this year.
Upon meeting Alonso, it’s very clear to see why she has achieved so much. She is a force of energy, a feisty, passionate, compassionate, stunningly beautiful, intelligent, and humble woman, with an infectious laugh and smile. She is the real deal and the whole package.
Alonso was born in Cuba, raised in Venezuela, and immigrated to the United States where she had her feature film debut in 1984’s Moscow on the Hudson alongside Robin Williams. But, Alonso had been working as a performer long before she was introduced to American audience’s on the big screen. She was a beauty contest winner; Miss Teen Venezuela winning the Miss Teen-Ager of the World; she was Miss World Venezuela and sixth runner up in the Miss World pageant, and she was a very established pop star singer with multiple #1 hits; a three-time Grammy nominee with platinum and multiple gold albums. She worked with legendary music producer,
Giorgio Moroder, for whom she wrote the lyrics and sang in Spanish, Vamos a Bailar, which was part of the sound track for the movie Scarface with Al Pacino.
Her impressive body of work and vast career accomplishments reflect only a part of how Alonso has spent her time. She dedicated eighteen years or her life campaigning for human rights in her native countries and is still very vocal about her views today. She has spoken in support of LGBT rights, and she is a passionate animal rights advocate who believes in the respect for the lives of all animals.
Alonso doesn’t just talk the talk … her love for animals has been a life long passion and commitment. Despite her very busy work schedule, she always makes time for animals and her beloved pets. Over the years she has enjoyed pets that ranged from dogs, cats, hamsters, monkeys, a horse, a parrot, and even an alligator. She currently has one dog and two cats, Tequila, Chiqui, and Bella,
the black cat in the photos. Alonso is proud to point out that they are all rescues. She has been involved in helping the Humane Society and PETA, Beagle Freedom Foundation, and different ones from Venezuela, and has been active donating her time at Animal Fairs to aid in the adoption of pets from shelters and rescue organizations. One such organization she has worked with is NKLA (No Kill Los Angeles), which is a best friends animal society initiative that strives to eliminate the euthanasia of healthy and treatable companion animals at LA’s shelters.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you chose to become an actress?
I was born an actress, no, an artist, and it wasn’t a choice… it’s just me! My first acting part was in Cuba at the age of four. I was a little mouse in The Nutcracker play. Since that age, I was told that I liked to be alone, to create. I would “escape” from home for blocks. The neighbors would call my mom, “Conchita, Maria Conchita is driving away in her tricycle again.” Hahaha… I also loved to play with dolls doing all the voices of the family.
2. Besides acting, you are also an incredible singer. Tell us about your passion for music?
The energy between artist/audience that one gets while on stage is indescribable, magical, powerful. I can stay there for hours. I give my all from my heart, feeling every single word that comes out of my mouth. I always did, since I was a kid. For me there is no life without music. It’s a great “natural” drug that can take you wherever you want to be whether you are happy, sad, dreaming, in love, or in pain. It relaxes you and it also makes you wild…
I am currently writing country music songs. My love for the United States, its people, and country music, was born when I lived in Deer Park Washington State, as a kid.
3. With your busy life as an actress and singer, you are also involved so many humanitarian causes and in animal rescues. How are you able to do so much?
I don’t have any idea, really, it just happens. I go on Twitter and Instagram and I can’t leave. I am addicted! But Social Media does help save lives though, and it also educates and informs (accurate or not). We need to teach people how to save lives and be their “animal” voice. It’s impressive how important these tools are. It does help.
4. You are a passionate animal rights advocate. What is your message to our readers about animal rights?
My message is, be kind to all creatures just like you would like for people to be kind to you. Not only us humans feel, animals do too. They love, cry, feel pain, get sick, and they need attention and companionship. It breaks my heart and I can’t keep quiet when I see the injustice towards animals around the world. It makes me so super angry when I see celebrities wearing fur… as if they don’t know what goes on… so they can show off wearing someone else’s skin? The fur is taken off while the animal is still alive. Do we need to have animals suffer for us just so we can look “beautiful”? I don’t think so. Armani is not using fur anymore. More designers and celebrities should learn from him.
There are so many issues we need to fight for and educate people on. I don’t eat meat (but do eat fish). The animals suffer so much when they are on their way to be killed and as they are being killed.
I don’t drink cows milk. People should Google to find out more and educate themselves about everything that I am talking about here. They should watch the horrible videos, because after that, believe me, they will realize that it’s not worth the pain these poor animals go through just “for the heck” of it. In some cultures/countries they boil dogs and cats to eat while they are still alive. It is sad to say that now in Venezuela, some people eat dogs and doves for lack of food. That has to stop and we are working on it.
Adopt don’t shop. Be a foster parent. Go to a shelter and give them love, attention, and/or save a life. Bring food, old newspapers, towels, sheets, plastic grocery bags you might squirrel away, so they can be used during dog walks or cleaning cages.
Become an activist on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. It really works to Retweet. It helps to sign those petitions because it does save lives, passes laws, puts people in jail, and it works not only with animal causes but with all of them. I am part of that world and I know it works.
If you are away from home most of the day because you are working, have two pets instead of one so they can keep each other ompany. They feel loneliness too!
Venezuela has been going through a horrific situation for the past 17 years, and as time goes by it worsens. Pets are thrown into the streets and abandoned. Children, babies, people of all ages are dying for lack of food and medicine. I know that that it doesn’t only happen in my country. Cuba, the island where I was born, has been suffering for the past 58 years.
Through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, we have been able to save lives and bring awareness of what is happening all over the world. Follow me @MariaConchita_A, and be a part of it.
5. As a humanitarian who has been very active, what is your message and why?
Again, as I mentioned above, we should be kind to all living creatures. We should be more concerned about what is going on in the world and start doing something about it because together we can make a difference. I believe it because I have been a part of changes that have been made on various issues and in different parts of the world. I have lived it. And you’ll realize that by giving and helping, you will feel happier, and be a better human being for having done so. We are here to learn, to teach, and to be happy. This life is too short.
Don’t forget to smile, it really is a magical thing we can use anytime we want, and it’s free! People don’t know the power of a smile. Try it. It opens doors. It heals. And you will feel at peace…There shouldn’t be even one person in the world that goes hungry, that sleeps on the streets, or dies for lack of medicine. We can all do something about that. United.
6. Who has been your roll model all these years?
My mom, Maria Conchita Bustillo. She is courageous, strong, honest, funny, a hard worker, and beautiful.
7. What do you do when you are not acting or singing?
If I’m not at the beach, or writing songs or watching movies, I spend my time on Twitter and Instagram being the voice for those who have none, fighting for human rights and educating. And once in a while “insulting” people… hahaha….
8. Is there anything you would like to change in yourself now, or from your past?
Change? Nah. Even though at times I fight with myself, I like who I am. But I can tell you one thing, I should have listened to my father a bit more and invested in real state… but I was very stubborn… still am…
9. Who can you rely on in your life and why?
Proud to say that I have a bunch of cousins that I know would be there if needed, just as I am here for them, and a bit more than a handful of friends. Lucky, ah?
10. What do you think it is that can change our world so that it can be a better place?
Respect. Humbleness.
Special Thanks to
Photo: by Brenda (Busaba St. Hilaire)
Hair and Makeup: by Edward Hakopian
Location: East Valley Animal Shelter, Beverly Hills, CA, Sherman Oaks, CA
Gaurdian of Boots (German Shepherd)
Kelle & Manos Phoundoulakis
Gaurdian of Scarlet (Beagle) Brigitte Pascual
Gaurdian of Gracie (PitBull) Shannon Keith
Read Our Magazine…
Receive The Eden Magazine Print Version with…
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