Everybody needs a squad who stands behind them. Singer and actress Mandy Gonzalez calls it a “fearless squad,” and says for those who don’t have one, they can be part of hers.
Launching #Fearless last year, Gonzalez started 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.
“A lot of women helped open the door for me, so I want to keep it kicked open for others, and I think the fearless squad can help do that,” Gonzalez said.
Whether the difficulties are job-related or involve other concerns like moving, a new baby, rejection – whatever – Gonzalez said the squad is there to support – for all women of all ages and ethnicities.
“Everyone has to follow the squad rules – embrace differences, help each other when we fall, look for the good and dream big,” she said.
Gonzalez currently plays Angelica Schuyler Church in the hit musical “Hamilton” on Broadway, previously played Elphaba in the Broadway production of “Wicked,” has appeared on hit TV shows like “The Good Wife” and “Madam Secretary,” and recently released her first solo album, “Fearless.” Whew! She’s got a lot going on.
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 knew from an early age that her path would be musical theater, and though she lived in Southern California, a place where many people move to (not from) to pursue their dreams, she built hers around New York City. Singing since age 5, she performed at family functions and holiday parties, where she received a present for her performances. With idols like Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Eydie Gorme and torch singers in general, her goal to perform as a singer continued to grow.
She stayed close to home to attend The California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, California, and then landed a job as a backup singer on tour for none other than Bette Midler. Gonzalez methodically saved her money from the tour in order to move to the Big Apple.
“The job with Bette was the best gift I could have received at age 19,” Gonzalez said. “She is a killer performer, and it was empowering to see such a powerful woman – who definitely calls the shots – be vulnerable behind the scenes, which made her human. She told me I had a voice, and that my opinion counts.”
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,” she said. “I think of my paternal Grandma, who was a migrant worker and cooked for six kids. She had a hard life, and I want to do right by my family.
And in addition to her own personal challenges, in her line of business there is constant rejection for nearly everyone.
“‘Hamilton’ is a dream. It’s an incredible role. In a time when women weren’t always heard, she made sure she would be,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a role I was ready to play. She’s a fighter.”
As for the show itself, working with the director and fellow actors is something she does not take for granted. And wearing the gowns makes her feel instantly beautiful, enveloped in a world of sophistication.
But Gonzalez still goes on auditions, because you never know when a role will end.
“There’s no real stability, and you have to have something lined up,” she said.
How does she manage Broadway, TV, singing, touring and auditions?
“I have an incredible husband, who is my No. 1 support system,” she said. “He’s an artist, and he understands what it takes to be successful in this industry. So we tag team to take care of our 6-year-old daughter.”
Though she’s not part of the touring cast of “Hamilton” coming to The Fox this month, she will perform a benefit concert for writers and artists on Monday April 16, at the Sheldon Concert Hall, performing songs from “Fearless,” along with Broadway tunes (some from “Hamilton”) and jazz standards.
She also has ties to St. Louis through her maternal Grandma, who lived in the city.
“My grandma used to tell stories about St. Louis, where she moved from Poland with her parents – by way of Ellis Island,” she said.
Gonzalez said if she could convey any words of advice to young women, she would say: “Remember the importance of community, reach out and don’t pass judgment on others. And don’t forget to take pleasure in simple things.”
Tickets for the Sheldon concert can be purchased at decembermag.org. To be part of the fearless squad, visit mandygonzalez.com or fearless.us.
