You know Mishel Prada best from her performances in Fear the Walking Dead: Passage, Riverdale and the critically acclaimed Starz drama Vida. She can currently be seen as KD, a New York City cop, in The Continental — a limited series prequel to the John Wick films — streaming on Peacock. In honor of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, TelevisionAcademy.com rounded up five things you might not know about the versatile and dynamic actress, who continues to make a name for herself in the industry.
Three emojis that represent her journey as an actor
Prada has portrayed a variety of characters during her television career. In her interview with TelevisionAcademy.com, she shared the following emojis to represent a few of her most meaningful projects.
Food is her love language
One of Prada's favorite things is to bring people together for great conversation — and great food. "I love to cook and to build a table of friends and strangers. Before acting full-time, I was cheffing a pop-up restaurant in downtown Los Angeles called Amuse My Bouche."
Her favorite hometown diner and Alice Walker's journals inspired her career
The Miami native cites a variety of inspirations on her creative journey. Among them is Jimmy's Eastside Diner, a local spot from her hometown that's perfect for a good solo meal. "Living in Miami, Jimmy's was the place you went to grab extra crispy hash browns and sit with your thoughts and the world around you. Seeing it in the movie Moonlight ignited something special inside me. A part of my upbringing was being celebrated on screen with so much love. It made me feel that maybe this part of my story was beautiful and worthy."
Another key source of inspiration: the journals of Alice Walker, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color Purple and many other books. "So often we see great women and only see their highlights, their great triumphs. It's refreshing to see someone even as incredible as Alice Walker expressing pain, joy and disaffection and how it all is part of her greatness. It all fed the beauty she brought into the world."
Her most memorable travels: from Budapest's healing charm to Shuzenji's spiritual retreat
Prada shared five of her most memorable trips and destinations, each with a unique allure and personal significance.
Budapest — A Healing Journey
Prada's connection to Budapest goes beyond a film set. "I shot my last project there and lived there for nine months. I found the city quite enchanting, with its castles perched off the Danube River and its art nouveau architecture. I had also lost my mom right before I arrived, so I spent many days and nights just aimlessly wandering the ancient streets, healing my broken heart and mourning."
Venice Biennale, Italy — A Personal Milestone
Last summer, Prada traveled to Italy for the first time to attend the Venice Biennale art exhibition. "I didn't grow up being able to travel abroad, and this was the first trip like this I had ever paid for myself. I'll never forget it."
New Delhi, India — Maid of Honor at an Indian Wedding
Another unforgettable trip was when she was the maid of honor at one of her closest friends' "big fat Indian wedding." "You can't buy tickets to an Indian wedding, and it was one of my most treasured experiences."
Long Island, Bahamas — A Caribbean Retreat
"It's a special hideaway. I went there to write, be joyous... and eat lots of cracked conch."
Shuzenji — A Spiritual Oasis at the Base of Mount Fuji
"Legend says that its hot spring was created when Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi struck a rock in the river with his walking stick. It's also the hometown of Wasabi. It's the most stunning place to rest your spirit."
Most treasured keepsakes
Prada has amassed a collection of unique items from her life and career, each holding a special place in her heart.
Framed script — A Director's Gift
One of prized possessions is a framed script from a recent project. "After shooting a scene, our director, Albert Hughes, gave me the pages of that scene with his script notes. He had also let me shadow him while we were shooting to learn from his directing."
Gold Necklace — A Connection Beyond Life
Prada carries her beloved mother close with a gold necklace containing some of her ashes. "She was such an incredible matriarch, and it allows me to take her with me through this life journey."
Gold Heart Charm — A Symbol of Sisterhood
Another precious item is a gold heart charm that can be divided in two, symbolizing Prada's special friendship with her former Vida co-star. "It says hermanas, and my sister from another mister, Melissa Barrera, has the other half."
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
