In 2019, Mandy Gonzalez, Broadway veteran who currently plays Angelica Schuyler in the hit musical, “Hamilton,” received the news that nobody wants to hear. She had breast cancer.
She recently disclosed the fact on Twitter, followed by the statement, “OK. I said it aloud. One less thing to fear.” Sometimes, sharing your fears with others really can help.
The diagnosis was discovered last year, after a mammogram, and later, an ultrasound. She underwent surgery in November, and is still currently in treatment, but continues to perform in “Hamilton.” She is also slated to make her debut at Carnegie Hall on Valentine’s Day, as a guest artist with the New York Pops.
Gonzalez, who is 41, opted to get the mammogram as a precaution (she wasn’t having problems). Most doctors recommend around 40 to 45 as the age for a first-time, baseline mammogram for those who are at average risk for the disease. Early detection is important, and Gonzalez said that she will fight and be able to add one more role to her list: cancer survivor.
In a past interview with Gazelle, she said that everybody needs a squad who stands behind them – a “fearless squad” – and she created a social media movement of empowerment, positivity and fellowship that continues to grow.
“We learn to flinch – we aren’t born that way,” she said. “How do we overcome that? By having people who support us and give us confidence.”
Gonzalez said that whether the difficulties are job-related or involve other concerns like moving, a new baby, rejection – maybe an illness – whatever, the squad is there to support women of all ages and ethnicities. Now is a time when she needs the squad to be there for her.
Gonzalez previously played Elphaba in the Broadway production of “Wicked,” has appeared on hit TV shows like “The Good Wife” and “Madam Secretary,” and in 2018, released her first solo album, “Fearless,” so-named as a nod to her “fearless squad” movement.
But success didn’t always come easy, though she said she’s had her own fearless squad behind her all of her life, and has been fortunate enough to get some breaks that made a difference.
Gonzalez said some of her most difficult challenges in life have revolved around fitting in because she comes from two different cultural backgrounds – Mexican and Jewish. And when it came time to go on auditions, the challenge remained.
“I had to really show what I had to offer because there were many times, I would go for a part and be told my skin was too dark or in other cases, too light, or too this or too that,” she said. “I had a hard time fitting in, so I had to make my own category.”
Her agents wanted her to change her name from the Hispanic Gonzalez to a more nondescript, Carr. But she said, “No. My family worked hard to be a part of this country, and I didn’t want to take that away.”
To be part of the fearless squad, visit mandygonzalez.com or fearless.us.
