I recently sat down with the amazing actress Justina Adorno, who stars as Yoli on ABC’s upcoming series Grand Hotel, premiering June 17th. Executive produced by Eva Longoria, the show is a modern, English-language adaptation loosely based on the Spanish series Gran Hotel. It follows the extravagant Mendoza family — including patriarch Santiago Mendoza (Demián Bichir), his glamorous second wife Gigi (Roselyn Sánchez), and their adult children — while the hotel’s loyal staff and colorful patrons round out a contemporary upstairs/downstairs story full of secrets, scandals, and intrigue.

Justina brings heart and fire to her role as Yoli, the kindhearted yet spunky daughter of Gigi. Constantly compared to her thinner, more glamorous twin sister Carolina (Feliz Ramirez), Yoli has grown up being called “Gordita” by her family. But she’s no shrinking violet — whether standing up to prominent guests or navigating the drama of the hotel, Yoli holds her own with determination and humor.

Born in the Bronx, NY, Justina discovered storytelling early through her Catholic school education. She later moved with her mother to South Carolina, where she attended Palmetto Center for the Arts, sparking a love for theatre. She continued her studies at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and earned her BFA in Acting from Coastal Carolina University before moving back to NYC to pursue professional work. Her early career included national commercials, the NBC Diversity Showcase, and a recurring role as Jasmine on Netflix’s Seven Seconds, based on the Russian film The Major.

Off-screen, Justina is passionate about veganism, animal rights, and creative living. She volunteers with organizations such as Little Wanderers NYC and Animal Lighthouse Rescue NYC, leads a fully plant-based lifestyle, and shares her culinary creativity on Instagram @justinaveganjourney. Now based in Los Angeles, she enjoys painting, writing music and poetry, interior design, and spending time with her cats, Catsby and Penni.

In our conversation, Justina opens up about stepping into the Mendoza family world, navigating family dynamics and expectations, and bringing authenticity and strength to Yoli. She also reflects on her journey from NYC to LA, the importance of using her platform for animal-rights advocacy, and how creativity fuels every aspect of her life.

Sit back and enjoy this thoughtful, inspiring, and fun conversation with Justina Adorno ✨🎭

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