Monica Barbaro’s journey from Hollywood to her portrayal of Joan Baez is nothing short of fascinating. Her role in ‘A Complete Unknown’ allowed her to dive deep into the life of a musical icon. These experiences have been a testament to her acting prowess and ability to connect with complex characters.

Beyond the glitz of acting, Barbaro traverses the intricacies of her mixed identity. Her connection to Joan Baez goes beyond mere acting, reflecting shared heritage and personal struggles. The wisdom she’s gained from Tom Cruise has also been instrumental, as she charts her path in an industry that’s as demanding as it is exciting.

Embodying Joan Baez

From soaring in jets in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ to stepping into the shoes of Joan Baez, Monica Barbaro is proving her versatility. Her casting in ‘A Complete Unknown’ wasn’t just another job; it was a profound journey that began amid the global halt in early 2020.

Her dedication resonated through to 2023, when director James Mangold unequivocally offered her the role with an email that read, “Joan is yours.” The journey from audition tapes to securing the role was emotionally intense for Barbaro, who wasn’t initially a Baez superfan but became captivated by Baez’s music while preparing for the film.

Learning about Baez’s unique voice, Barbaro was deeply inspired by its ethereal quality. This revelation marked a turning point in her preparation for the role, as she sought to embody the musical spirit and activism that Baez is celebrated for.

Exploring Mixed Identity

Monica Barbaro shares a unique heritage with Joan Baez, being a quarter Mexican. Her mixed identity has posed its own challenges and has been a focal point of her journey in Hollywood.

Questions regarding her background often accompany her career pursuits, reflecting a broader challenge faced by those of mixed heritage. Barbaro recalls how her grandmother refrained from speaking Spanish at home to avoid judgment from others. This familial experience parallels Baez’s own struggles with identity, as reflected in her memoir.

The theme of belonging and identity is not just professional but personal for Barbaro, who strives to bring these elements into her work. She finds a deep bond with Baez through shared cultural narratives and a mutual understanding of not fully belonging to one identity.

Lessons from Tom Cruise

Starring as Lt. Natasha “Phoenix” Trace in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ catapulted Barbaro into the limelight, but it was Tom Cruise’s mentorship that left an indelible mark.

Cruise’s dedication to his craft inspired Barbaro. His insistence on safety and precision, coupled with his willingness to mentor co-stars, provided Barbaro with insights on professionalism and being generous.

Beyond their work on ‘Top Gun,’ Cruise’s endorsement to director James Mangold was pivotal to Barbaro landing the role of Joan Baez, illustrating the power of supportive mentorship in her career.

Venturing into New Roles

With ‘A Complete Unknown’ finished, Monica Barbaro eyes new horizons and challenges in the film industry.

She’s currently working on ‘Crime 101’ alongside stars like Chris Pine and Mark Ruffalo, exploring her range as an actress.

Barbaro is also eager to combine her dance skills with acting, a nod to her artistic roots. She humorously mentions wanting to do this before age catches up with her, showcasing her lighthearted approach even toward serious ambitions.

Creating Identity-Focused Stories

Barbaro aims to produce stories that resonate with her experiences and the universal feelings of otherness and identity exploration.

Her passion for dance and acting blends in her vision to bring narratives of belonging to the big screen, hoping to inspire and reflect the diverse experiences of her audience.

Looking ahead, she sees her role in ‘A Complete Unknown’ as a bridge to roles that mirror her own life experiences. Barbaro aims to explore stories that delve into the intricacies of identity, much like the narratives that influenced her early career.

Bringing such stories to the forefront is not just an artistic aspiration for Barbaro but also a personal mission to impart meaning and understanding through the medium of film.

Impact of ‘A Complete Unknown’

Barbara hopes her portrayal of Joan Baez in ‘A Complete Unknown’ enlightens a new generation about Baez’s music and activism.

Through the film, she aspires to not only entertain but also educate audiences about the profound impact Baez had on activism and music, something that became a personal journey for Barbaro during her preparation.