Why Tess Romero Is the Role Model We All Need Right Now

Meeting Tess Romero was like stepping into a conversation with a longtime friend. I spoke with the vibrant and down-to-earth actress known for her lead role in Diary of a Future President. Tess's path to stardom began in an unexpected place: a childhood love for a musical kids’ show.

“I remember watching The Fresh Beat Band and wanting to be part of it,” Tess recalled with a laugh. “My mom had to break it to me—‘No, they’re actors.’ So, I thought, ‘Okay, cool. I’ll just become an actor.’” And with that, her journey began.

Early Steps and a Breakthrough Moment

Tess got her start in community theater, performing in children’s plays. It didn’t take long for her talent to catch the attention of directors, who encouraged her to take things further. “They helped me connect with casting calls. I did monologues in front of agents, and by the end of elementary school, I had one.”

She went on hundreds of auditions—198, to be exact, according to her dad’s meticulous count. “It was crazy when I landed Diary of a Future President because it was my 198th audition,” Tess said.

Embracing the Spotlight

For many young actors, auditions can be nerve-wracking, but Tess’s early start worked in her favor. “I was one of those kids who loved being the center of attention,” she admitted with a smile. “I think if I’d started later when I was more self-conscious, I might’ve felt stage fright. But back then, it just felt natural.”

Tess shared that her love for performance came from a place of pure joy and curiosity. “I loved making people laugh and being able to captivate an audience—whether it was adults or other kids, I just loved the energy of performing.” Her ease in front of the camera also gave her an advantage as she moved into the audition process. “Since I started so young, I was comfortable with the idea of being watched and evaluated. It didn’t feel intimidating to me. I didn’t have the same nerves a lot of other kids might have, and that helped me be more focused on the craft rather than worrying about how I was perceived.”

Preparing for Auditions

When asked about her preparation process for auditions, Tess reveals a thoughtful approach. "I just read the script, run it through with myself in the mirror, and try to think about the character. If they send me the script, I’ll think about how I would play this character, the vibe of the project, and how my character fits into the larger story," she explains. Tess emphasizes the importance of understanding how her character relates to others and her role in the broader narrative. "How do I fit in? What purpose am I serving?" she adds, reflecting on the deeper layers of character work.

Tess also revealed her unique way of getting into character. "If it's an in-person audition, though most are self-tapes now, I’ll listen to music I think my character would like on the way to the audition. It helps me get into their mindset."

Her mindset going into auditions is simple but effective: "Whatever happens, happens." Tess shared. After auditions, Tess makes sure to disconnect, saying, "I just try to forget about it and move on. If I hear back, I hear back," she adds. “Usually, it's a 'no,' so I just focus on the next thing."

This pragmatic approach helps her stay grounded and focused.

Leading by Example: Creating a Positive Set Environment

Tess’s rise to prominence as a young lead actor came with a huge sense of responsibility, not just in front of the camera but behind it as well. Reflecting on her time leading Diary of a Future President, she shared, “Season one was the summer after seventh grade, and suddenly, I was leading a show. It felt overwhelming—like I had to prove myself, not only through my performance but also in creating a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone on set.” Tess made it a priority to be more than just an actor; she wanted to be a leader who brought people together.

To make sure the atmosphere was positive, Tess would often spend extra hours at the studio. She worked closely with acting coaches, took the time to get to know her co-stars, and put effort into fostering a sense of community. “It was important to me that everyone felt like they were part of something special,” she said.

Her dedication paid off, and the results spoke for themselves. “We got so much positive feedback about how welcoming and inclusive the set was,” Tess shared, her pride evident in her voice. “That was everything to me. It wasn’t just about the work; it was about the people we were working with.”

Challenges and Balancing Life

Tess acknowledges that balancing acting with her education and personal time can be challenging, particularly when filming during the school year. "When you're filming, you have to devote three hours of your day to school, but that can be tough when the camera needs you more than you're legally allowed to be on set," she explains. Tess often spent Saturdays catching up on schoolwork to keep up with her education while filming. "Time management isn’t my strength, I’ll admit," she confesses, laughing. "I tend to procrastinate and do things right before the deadline."

Still, Tess manages to maintain her social life by spending time with her friends and family. "A lot of my good friends are on set with me, so I get to see them while working. It's fun," she says. Tess emphasizes the importance of keeping connections strong outside of work, ensuring her social life remains balanced.

On Representation and Breaking Stereotypes

Tess’s breakout role was portraying Elena Cañero-Reed, a Cuban-American teen, on a Disney show. She reflects on the importance of representation in media. "It was an honor to play a Cuban character, especially one who grows up to become president," Tess shares. "I knew the role would be important for young girls who looked like me, and that was a beautiful part of the experience," Tess emphasizes the depth of her character, who is much more than just a Latina face. “She’s nerdy, awkward, sometimes overbearing—and that’s beautiful. It shows different sides of Latinx people. I didn’t want her to just be a Hispanic face; she’s a person with depth and relationships.”

Dream Collaborations

When asked about who she’d love to work with in the future, Tess couldn’t narrow it down to just a few names—there are so many creatives she admires. One of her top choices is director Greta Gerwig, whose work Tess has long been a fan of. “Greta Gerwig is always my go-to,” she says, smiling. “I watched Lady Bird every week during sophomore year. I just love everything about her style.”

Tess also mentioned her admiration for writer Diablo Cody, whose recent film Lisa Frankenstein left a lasting impression on her. “I’m obsessed with her writing,” Tess admits, clearly excited about the potential of collaborating with such talented figures in the future.

People She’d Love to Work With Again

When Tess was asked about actors or directors she’d love to work with again, she couldn’t help but gush about the amazing people she’s already had the chance to collaborate with. “I’ve been so, so lucky,” Tess says, reflecting on the incredible people she’s worked with. “Everybody I’ve worked with has been so amazing and kind to me.”

One person Tess would love to work with again is Gina Rodriguez, who has been a major inspiration for her both personally and professionally. “She’s been so kind to me and continuously reaches out,” Tess shares, clearly grateful for their connection. “Getting the chance to work with her again would be amazing.”

Tess also spoke highly of Ilana Peña, the creator and writer of Diary of a Future President. “We are still very close—I text her all the time and update her on my life,” Tess says with warmth in her voice. “I just love her with all my heart. She’s such an incredible writer and an even more amazing person.”

Tess admires Ilana’s unique writing style and her ability to infuse her voice into everything she creates. “Anything she writes, I can hear her voice in it,” Tess explains. “Sometimes I watch other shows and think, ‘That’s an Ilana Peña line!’” For Tess, working with Ilana again would be an absolute dream, as she has nothing but admiration for her talent and the person she is.

Creative Passions and Future Aspirations

If she weren’t an actor, Tess could see herself pursuing a career in art or art history. "I took an art history class in high school, and it was one of my favorite things ever," she says. "Being a museum curator could be cool." Tess also expressed a passion for fashion analysis, joking that she could easily get lost watching fashion-related YouTube videos. "I think costume design is a fascinating job," she adds.

Hobbies and Interests Beyond Acting:

Outside of acting, Tess is passionate about dancing, drawing, and other creative outlets. "I’ve been dancing for years, and it’s always been a big part of my life. I also love painting and drawing," she shares. These creative hobbies allow her to express herself outside of her acting career.

Tess also notes how her dance background impacts her acting. "Dance has affected how I move and hold myself. It’s helped me embody characters in subtle ways—like how they sit or how they move through the world," she explains. This blend of dance, art, and acting gives Tess a unique perspective on her work and makes her a well-rounded performer.

Words of Wisdom

When asked what advice she’d give to aspiring young actors, Tess shared some valuable insight. “It’s cliché, but keep going. Determination is everything,” she said. “You’re going to face a lot of rejection before something clicks. But it’s all worth it when it does.”

Closing Thought

Although we had just met, chatting with Tess felt like reconnecting with an old friend. She has such a chill, down-to-earth vibe, and her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of pursuing your passions, even when the road gets tough. Hearing her talk about her other passions, like art and dance, only made me admire her more. Tess Romero is a true inspiration, showing us all how far hard work, staying grounded, and being yourself can take you.

Listening to her speak with such positivity, leadership, and motivation reminds me that no dream is too big—no matter how far out of reach it may seem. It all starts with believing in YOU. And it makes me think of this quote from the poem One Art by Elizabeth Bishop that Tess mentioned: "The Art of Losing is Never a Disaster." It’s a reminder that losing and letting go can be an art and that every step, even the tough ones, is part of the journey.