Do Revenge star Camila Mendes got her big break by joining The CW show Riverdale where she played the beloved comic book character Veronica Lodge. While there’s a lot left to be desired with the show’s writing and direction, Mendes successfully brought to life the posh Riverdale character.
Apart from Riverdale and a handful of guest roles in TV shows such as The Simpsons, Mendes has also starred in films like Palm Springs and Dangerous Lies. Because Mendes’ career has just started, there are a lot of things that viewers might not know about the Do Revenge actress.
Mendes Studied Acting At NYU
The NYU Tisch School for the Arts has produced some notable alumni, including pop star Lady Gaga and acclaimed director Chloe Zhao. Mendes is also a product of the esteemed academic institution, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2016.
Just like any other college student, Mendes didn’t take all of her classes at NYU seriously. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Mendes admits that she got sucked up into the New York life. Thankfully, a wake-up call from her professor pushed her to steer her career in the right direction.
Mendes Is Close With Singer Maggie Rogers
Studying at NYU, it wasn't hard for Mendes to meet other talented individuals, which includes the Grammy-nominated artist Maggie Rogers. The pair is very close, and Mendes even starred in the music video for Roger’s song, “Give a Little.”
In an interview with Clash, Rogers explains, “Cam and I actually met our first year of freshman college! We've been best friends since, and it's crazy 'cuz our lives have changed very drastically together. And so our friendship is really tight. It's cool that we've experienced this ride together.”
Mendes Turned Her Internship Into A Job
Mendes is one of those hardworking people who aren’t afraid to ask for what she wants. According to a Ladygunn cover story, Mendes interned at a talent agency during her time as a student at NYU. When her internship was nearing its end, she frankly asked if she could audition to be represented by the talent agency. They agreed, and soon enough, she successfully auditioned and was under the agency’s talent repertoire.
With her grit and directness, Mendes has achieved such high points in her career as debuting in a hit CW television show.
Mendes Had To Look Glossy To Snag A Role On Riverdale
Shows on the CW are known for targeting younger audiences, so most of them have a distinct look that also reflects what’s trendy in the real world. That’s why it’s not surprising that Mendes had to do her makeup a certain way in order to snag the coveted role of Veronica Lodge in Riverdale.
During her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Mendes spills that when she auditioned for Riverdale, the casting director commented that she was too “matte” and that she needed to look glossy to be on The CW. Mendes came back for a producer session a few days after, and thankfully, she had a friend do her makeup, so she looked glowing, glossy, and ready to star in a CW show.
Mendes Lived In Brazil For A Year
Not a lot of fans may be aware of the fact that Mendes is Brazilian. Both of her parents are from Brazil, and she even speaks fluent Portuguese. When she was around 10, she lived in Brazil for a year. In an interview with People Magazine, Mendes says that she stays connected to her Brazilian culture through her family, from speaking Portuguese with her parents to talking to her extended family through a WhatsApp group chat.
In the same interview, Mendes also laments the difficulties Latino actors face in Hollywood. If one thing’s for sure, Mendes is a proud Latina actor who’s not afraid to showcase her culture.
Mendez And Cole Sprouse Attended College At Around The Same Time
On the show Riverdale, former Disney actor Cole Sprouse plays Jughead Jones, the intelligent loner who has uttered some of the most infamous and fan-favorite quotes the show is known for. Just like her co-star Mendes, Sprouse has also received a diploma from NYU.
According to an interview by Office Magazine, Mendes and Sprouse didn’t know each other before the show, even if they went to the same university. “I would see him at parties sometimes and I always kind of randomly talked to his brother, but I never got a chance to talk to him because he was more to himself,” Mendes notes.
Mendes Dated Her Riverdale Co-Star Charles Melton
During the first season of Riverdale, Reggie Mantle was played by Ross Butler. However, the role was recast due to Butler’s tight schedule, and it ultimately went to Charles Melton. That’s where Melton meets his captivating co-star. The pair initially dated for a year before ending things in late 2019. However, the two eventually picked things back up in 2021 (via Seventeen), but there’s no official news if the pair is still together as of writing.
A lot of Riverdale’s fans must have been happy to learn about the pair’s relationship, as Reggie and Veronica were often shipped by viewers.
Mendes Starred In An Ikea Ad
A lot of folks are impressed with Mendes’ career as she managed to debut in a show on The CW. But before her big television break, Mendes has snagged a couple of acting gigs. This includes a paid acting job to star in an IKEA commercial. In the commercial, Mendes gets ready with her friends in a bathroom that’s filled with IKEA items and furniture.
While Mendes was quickly thrown into the spotlight thanks to Riverdale, she’s not an actor who’s spared from taking on low-key projects to gain experience.
Mendes Moved Around Growing Up
Veronica is one of the bravest characters from Riverdale. And just like Veronica, Mendes is also a brave person, as she had to move 12 times before she turned 18 growing up.
Speaking with Women’s Health, Mendes notes that it was a traumatic experience to move frequently during her childhood. She explains, “You’re constantly saying goodbye to people, and you’re constantly being removed from your identity. “ Without a doubt, Mendes mirrors her Riverdale character, who had to brave through difficult hardships such as losing her wealth and her home, as well as being targeted by a serial killer.
Mendes Values Cultural Representation
In recent years, Hollywood has been making huge strides in featuring more culturally diverse stories and characters. However, this movement wouldn’t have been possible without the people who are doing the work in making their voices heard and their cultures known.
Mendes is an excellent example of an actress who makes sure that her culture is also represented in the roles she plays. In an InStyle video, Mendes says that it’s very important that she represents her culture on TV as it also creates opportunities for other Latino actors. Mendes adds that it’s her goal to produce more projects that highlight Latino talent.