Puerto Rican-American actress Adlih Cristal Torres Alvarado is making a powerful mark in television and film, bringing vibrant characters to life while proudly representing her heritage on screen. Born in Puerto Rico and connected to both Orlando, Florida and Madrid, Spain, Alvarado’s career spans student films, short features, and standout television roles. She is best known for her appearance on ‘This Is Us’, where she portrayed young Beatriz Rivas — a performance that highlighted her Puerto Rican roots and commitment to authentic storytelling. Now, Alvarado celebrates a major career moment with the just-released Ryan Murphy series ‘All’s Fair’ on Hulu. In the star-studded legal drama, she takes on the role of Esperanza Torres, appearing opposite Hollywood icons Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, and Glenn Close. The series follows a powerhouse all-female divorce law firm led by Paulson’s character, and marks another ambitious entry in Murphy’s acclaimed television universe. In this interview, Alvarado reflects on what makes this project so special, the unforgettable experience of sharing scenes with such celebrated actors, and what’s next on her horizon.
Adlih, how did it feel to be part of All’s Fair? Can you tell us what made this project special for you?
“Being part of All’s Fair has been such a dream come true. To have this opportunity to share the screen with legends and icons? Inspirational! What made this project special is just the fact I got to work with amazing women who have been admiring since the beginning, and to be in the Ryan Murphy world? a huge pinch me moment. Having binged watched every show, and getting this job after watching Grotesquerie and Monsters (Menendez), every single Keeping up with The Kardashians, it was like a manifestation come true. This project is so special, not only because I get to live my dreams, but because I got to work with women! The energy in the room when filming, during zoom rehearsals and seeing the passion everyone was bringing into the story and the characters was beautiful. When I saw that they gave my character a last name, and to see that it was my last name Torres, I cried. It was so special that I got to represent my family’s name through my work.”
Who did you share most of your scenes with, and how was the on-set chemistry?
“I got the honor to work with everyone, to be face to face with Sarah, Naomi, Glenn?! My first day on set was with Sarah Paulson and Naomi Watts and boy was I nervous, but as soon as we got to run it and rehearse, it was so much fun. To see them in action was such a rich experience. I shared the most scenes with Sarah, Naomi and Glenn so I felt like I was able to develop a safe environment, where I feel comfortable to bounce off and play during takes. They are so funny and talented. There’s a scene where I’m in the room with EVERYONE and it’s a bit of an emotional heavy scene but during every take Sarah would make me laugh and would say the funniest things and I appreciated it so much because I love laughing and there was a moment where she said “I’m sorry, you’re getting into character” and I respond with “NO PLEASE! make me laugh!”. It was such a playful environment and at the same time I got to learn so much from watching everyone work.”
The series has an incredible cast — what was it like working alongside such talented actors, and what did you take away from the experience?
“To say that I got to work with Glenn Close, Kim Kardashian, Niecy Nash-Betts, Naomi Watts, and Sarah Paulson — nothing can take that away. I wasn’t able to work with Teyana Taylor; our characters never crossed paths, but boy, the day I get to work with her will be a HUGE pinch-me moment. She is so incredible and inspiring. I remember the first time I met Niecy on set — she shook my hand and said, ‘Welcome to the jungle.’ A whole orchestra was playing in my soul. I learned so much from them, laughed like crazy, and cried. I felt like I belonged. It was very welcoming.”
Looking back, which projects in your career so far are you most proud of, and why?
“Looking back on past projects, I can definitely say with confidence, each one has prepared me for this moment. from every student film, short film, even my first movie ‘Milk and Serial’ I got to do with friends, I don’t regret a single thing. I am the proudest of being on ‘This Is Us’ because I got to showcase my culture. Representing Puertoricans, with fellow Puertorican actors and having a Puertorican director, Zetna Fuentes, was such a milestone and I carry that with me forever.”
Can you share any upcoming projects or roles you’re particularly excited about?
“I do have a few upcoming project that I’m excited about, I have a rom-com short film in post production called ‘Espresso’, that’s inspired by Andrew Garfield’s iconic interview where he describesEmma Stone as “a shot of espresso”, and I’m currently in the filming phase of a thriller indie film that I’m writing, directing and starring in called ‘Blu Milk’.”
Adlih Alvarado’s trajectory — from representing her heritage on national television to stepping into scenes with some of the most respected actors in the industry — is a vivid demonstration of persistence, pride and creative ambition. With ‘All’s Fair’ offering a major stepping stone and fresh projects on the horizon, she is clearly an actor to watch.
Featured photo credit: Coke Riera
