Note: read our 2006 interview with Iyari Limon
on Buffy, bisexuality, and her new career here.

Iyari Limon plays Willow's new love interest, Kennedy, on the seventh season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She talks to AfterEllen.com about her career, joining the series in the wake of Tara's death, and the challenges of playing a lesbian character.

AfterEllen.com: What is your background (where you grew up, ethnicity, etc.)?
Iyari Limon: I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and moved to California when I was 1. So as far as my “ethnicity” I guess I would say I’m Mexican since I was born in Mexico. I was raised here, so I would also say I’m American. As for my background, well mostly French, Spanish, Indian, and some German. But as I say, what’s in a gene. Although it shouldn’t matter what race or sexual preference anyone is in general.

AE: What are you hobbies, interests, special skills, etc?
IL: I love to travel and meet people from all over the earth, I like to be introduced to different beliefs, customs, languages, environments, and food; I love to eat! I love to explore and I get bored easily so traveling always brings something fresh and new my way. Movies. Love them. People. Love to observe them. Animals. Absolutely adore them! Right along with babies. Music, music, music. Oh, and I love Golden Grahams.

AE: What inspired you to get into acting? Is there a particular actor/actress whom you admire?
IL: Acting got into me. The bug probably got planted in me at the age of 18 months. My mom says she used to find me standing in front of the mirrored closet talking to myself as if it was another person; I’d create my own little scene. I would’ve worried if I was her.

I love, admire and respect Meryl Streep, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, and Robin Williams (I hope to work with him someday!) The two other people closer to my age who I find myself looking up to would be Natalie Portman and Milla Jovovich. I also dig Kirsten Dunst.

AE: Is there anyone in particular in your life who helped you get to where you are today? (e.g. parents, teachers, significant other, friend, agent, etc.)
IL: Well, my parents never really wanted me to pursue acting as my career. And although they’ve grown more supportive through the years, they still try to convince me every once in a while to give the “Doctor” or “Lawyer” thing a try. But I’ve learned that I need to be true to myself and follow my own heart. Thus I made the decision to never give up.

And I was blessed along the way with an agent that believed in me (thanks Larry) and a few years later with a guy named Efren, who always inspired me to keep going. He really made me feel special; our relationship was very symbiotic and a true blessing. Also, as an observer of life, I find that every experience has affected my acting in ways too numerous to describe, and in turn those moments have given me that independent spirit to push on despite all the odds.

AE: What are your long-term goals, both personally and professionally?
IL: I would love to find the person I’m going to spend the rest of my life with and eventually have a family. My other dream. I think I’ve felt ready to be a mom since I was probably 12! Haha! But I believe that will work itself out. And I want to work in big films, and have different homes in different parts of the world. And just live. Experience. Love.

AE: What did you have to do to audition for Kennedy, and what was your reaction when you found out you’d gotten the part?
IL: I had previously auditioned for Joss a couple times for Firefly, but never booked any of the roles. Then came Kennedy, which I loved. Although at this point all I knew was that it was to be a one-time guest star. As soon as I left the audition, I called my agent asking him to get some feedback. The waiting period could be nerve wrecking at times, you know? Needless to say, I was very excited, and soon enough my friend and I found ourselves jumping up and down; literally. I was so excited to finally get to work for Joss, especially in this role!

AE: How did you prepare for the role of Kennedy?
IL: Lots of time at gay bars and watching Ellen live! Just kidding. No, seriously I do love Ellen. How did I prepare? Kennedy is the type of role you just jump into and enjoy the ride; wherever she takes you.

AE: Do you identify at all with Kennedy? What attracted you to this role?
IL: There are a lot of things about Kennedy in which I identify with. She’s strong, independent, courageous, honest and will call you on your shit. Not to mention she takes initiative. But there’s also a really playful side to her and a vulnerability that she only shows to the right people. I can’t say I myself usually take as much initiative, but I most definitely share her strength and independence. As for the honesty part, I might be way too honest; I’ve gotten myself into some messes by being too blunt. That’s one of the reasons why I love Kennedy. She gets to be honest and lay it all out there, and as Kennedy I get to do that!

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