The Walking Dead series has always done a fantastic job bringing characters from the comics to life on screen. It had to be challenging to find an actor with the specific look and style to portray the characters already established in print. One character that many comic book fans were excited to see was Princess.
Juanita Sanchez, aka Princess, was introduced to the series in the season 10 episode “Look at the Flowers.” She only uttered four words in her first appearance, but she looked like she had walked off the comic book page.
While Eugene, Ezekiel and Yumiko are on their way to meet with Stephanie, the woman Eugene talked to on his radio, they see a woman in from of them who exclaims, “Oh, my God, Hi!” And this is how viewers of the series are introduced to Princess.
The Walking Dead Princess
Princess is portrayed by Paola Lázaro, a Puerto Rican actress, writer, and playwright. When it was announced that she would play this character, fans were excited to see her bring Princess to life.
During the season 10C episode, “Splinter,” viewers got an intimate look at Princess, her past, and saw the talent that Lázaro brings to The Walking Dead universe. This was a heavy episode, shedding light on trauma, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety and mental health. It was an amazing episode revealing much about a new character.
Since her first introduction, Princess has proven to be a very observant individual who is someone who is loyal and protective of the people she cares for. She is someone you want on your side because she will always have your back.
In the most recent episode, “Trust,” we finally see that Mercer (Michael James Shaw) and Princess are a thing. They have been flirting, and fans have been waiting for them to be a couple. It was a tender moment when Mercer told her, “I love listening to you talk.” This statement had to mean so much to her because she has always been neglected and cast aside.
When Mercer brought her to the masquerade ball, you could see the look of pride on her face that he chose her despite the looks of the Commonwealth’s upper crust.
It is refreshing to have moments like this in an apocalyptic series.
Lázaro is also known for her roles in Black Bear, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, SMILF, Lethal Weapon (series), and Scenes from the Underground. Next, she will star in a new series, Patty’s Auto, a comedy set in an auto repair shop where all the mechanics are women.
She served as a playwright-in-residence at the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York City during the 2016-2017 season. This residency focused on her play Tell Hector I Miss Him.
Variety had this to say about the play:
"Paola Lazaro’s animated ensemble piece unearths the volatile residents of a close-knit community living underground in Old San Juan, and a vibrant acting company, breathes life into every quirky character."
Nine episodes remain in The Walking Dead series; it will be interesting to see what role Princess has to play before the end.
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