In 'Imperfect Women,' Ana Ortiz steps into the role of Detective Bethany Ganz, a character who doesn’t need to raise her voice to command a room. Instead, she listens, observes, and lets others unravel.
But for Ortiz, what made the project truly stand out wasn’t just the role. It was the women behind it. In an exclusive interview with ¡HOLA!, Ortiz highlighted the series’ predominantly female-led cast and crew as one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience.
© APPLE TV“It was women directors, women writers, women behind the camera. I had never experienced that before,” she says. “The energy was efficient, kind, and collaborative. It was just a completely wonderful experience.”
That environment, she explains, shaped not only the set but the storytelling itself, a layered psychological drama told through complex female perspectives.
“Women should feel empowered to be directors, writers, camera operators, all of it. These are creative roles, and we’re all capable of doing the work.”
© Kristina BumphreyWithin that world, Ortiz built a character defined by restraint. “I’m not used to playing characters that are so calm and reserved,” she explains. “So for me, I tried to keep her always observing, always watching, always listening, as opposed to being confrontational. When everyone else is going crazy, she’s just listening… and I think that can really unsettle a person.”
That quiet intensity becomes a defining trait of Detective Ganz, especially in a story built around shifting truths and unreliable perspectives. As the investigation unfolds, so do layers of deception, something Ortiz intentionally leaned into.
© APPLE TV“Kerry is very playful and curious, always asking questions. Elisabeth is incredibly focused and intense. Working with both of them, especially in scenes together, was amazing.”
Part of that complexity came naturally. Ortiz admits she shares one key trait with her character, a skepticism toward wealth and privilege. “My character has a mistrust of very wealthy people,” she says. “And for better or worse, that’s probably true in my life too. When someone’s been rich their whole life, I’m like… I don’t know if I trust you. If you didn’t struggle a little, your moral compass might be a little off my radar.”
© APPLE TVThroughout her career, from 'Ugly Betty' to 'Devious Maids,' Ortiz has often portrayed bold, outspoken women, which made this more restrained role especially appealing.
“Usually the characters I play are more in-your-face,” she says. “So I felt really lucky to play someone who is strong, but not outwardly so. She’s powerful, but in a very controlled way.”
The role also brought new technical challenges, from taking notes during interviews to performing interrogation scenes. “I’m not used to writing things down while someone’s talking,” she says with a laugh. “And the interrogation scenes, I’d never done that before. It was a little scary, but really fun.”
"I felt really lucky to play someone who is strong, but not outwardly so. She’s powerful, but in a very controlled way.”
© Taylor HillFor inspiration, Ortiz looked to Olivia Benson, portrayed by Mariska Hargitay. “I wanted her to have that energy, like I’m in charge, I’m not taking any mess. But I don’t have to yell to prove it.”
She also praised her co-stars, including Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss, for bringing distinct and dynamic approaches to their roles. “Kerry is very playful and curious, always asking questions,” she says. “Elisabeth is incredibly focused and intense. Working with both of them, especially in scenes together, was amazing.”
For Ortiz, however, the significance of 'Imperfect Women' goes beyond performance. “I think it’s important to highlight it because I want more of that,” she says of the female-driven set. “Women should feel empowered to be directors, writers, camera operators, all of it. These are creative roles, and we’re all capable of doing the work.”
