10 Quick Questions for Roselyn Sánchez

In her latest role, actress-singer-dancer Roselyn Sánchez reinvents the iconic character of Mr. Roarke in the reboot of the Fantasy Island TV series, now in its second season on FOX. Sánchez, 49, whose previous TV series include Lifetime’s Devious Maids and CBS’ Without a Trace, is grateful to have the opportunity to reinvent Fantasy Island for a new generation of fans, as well as return to her native Puerto Rico for the show’s tropical location.

Did you watch the original Fantasy Island?

I have very vivid, specific images of me growing up in Puerto Rico and the Tattoo character [yelling] — “El avión! El avión!” [“The plane! The plane!”] —  and looking forward to seeing who is the next big guest star. Of course, when I booked Fantasy Island to play [Elena] Roarke, I went on YouTube and I started devouring it. I started looking at everything because I wanted to study. 

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Did you ever dream of one day being a guest on the show?

No. I’m lying if I tell you that was one of my dreams. It would have been fantastic. But no, I never had a dream to be a guest star on Fantasy Island, but maybe because I grew up in “fantasy island.” To me, Puerto Rico is like a fantasy island. I lived where people vacation. It’s a fantasy every single day.

If you had an opportunity to go to an actual island where wishes are granted, would you go? And what would you ask for?

One hundred percent I would go. I think it would be magical. I would not like to go by myself. I would like to go with my husband and two kids so I have company and the people that I love the most. What would be my fantasy? Maybe once we get there, I can read their thoughts so I know exactly what they’re thinking and what they are feeling.

Who is your dream guest star?

In the "Fantasy Island" reboot, Sanchez plays Elena Roarke, the grandniece of the original show's Mr. Roarke.

Laura Magruder/FOX

I often mention Ricky Martin because I would like to do a musical episode of Fantasy Island. I think it would be so clever and so beautiful to be able to do a musical. Gloria Estefan would be another [guest] so absolutely awesome to have.

What do you miss most about Puerto Rico when you're not there?

My family. My mom and dad. I left Puerto Rico when I was 21. It’s been almost 30 years since I left. They’re getting older. Everytime I get to see them, they age more and more. When I go back I [think], I have missed so much. The same thing with my nieces and nephews. I love them to death. … So to be able to do Fantasy in Puerto Rico, those four months, even though I’m working like crazy … I’m 25 minutes away. That’s why Fantasy has been such an incredible blessing, and an opportunity for me to be back on TV on a show that I enjoy. And to be able to do it back home and be close to my friends and family. I feel very lucky.

What do you consider your true passion: acting, dancing or singing?

To be honest, I love the three disciplines beyond belief. ... I grew up dancing since I was 4 years old, so what comes organic to me is dancing. It’s like an extension of who I am. Singing is something that, if I would have been privileged like a Celine Dion or one of those amazing unique one-of-a-kind voices, I would definitely be touring the world and singing. I think there is something so incredible about being able to touch people’s feelings through music. But acting is what I studied the most. It’s my vocation. It has enabled me an incredible lifestyle, and I truly, truly enjoy it.