April Hernandez-Castillo
Actress Turned Activist
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Bronx beauty on a mission bigger than fame Hernandez was living in LA, shooting Freedom Writers opposite Oscar-winner Hilary Swank when God pulled her out of fame’s grip.“I always say God literally plucked me out of the most important moment of my life of becoming a super star,” explains Hernandez.“He knew how bad I wanted to be a super star. Here I am five years later preaching the Gospel.” The jarring contrast between her Hollywood life and her new-found faith was difficult to handle at first.“I didn’t understand how to be a Christian in the Hollywood world,” says Hernandez -- who admits it’s something she still struggles with at times.“I just know I’m a daughter of God who happens to be an actor.” She’s held major television roles on the Emmy-award winning series ER, Law & Order, and 30 Rock. Most recently she received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for her roll on Showtime’s drama Dexter. But despite her lengthy, impressive resume Hernandez says there are many, many roles she’s turned down because they don’t fit her faith.“There’s so much pressure in this world we call Hollywood to be a certain way,” shares Hernandez. “It’s so easy to get caught up in it.” But she credits her incredible team for helping her select meaningful roles that don’t force her to compromise her values. Finding Her Voice While working on Freedom Writers Hernandez discovered another talent: public speaking. Often listed as the number one fear among people, Hernandez says she’s tapped into her ability to communicate to a live audience. She’s using this gift to speak about her encounter with domestic violence, and encourage women who have been through, or who are currently dealing with, similar struggles.
Photography by Kenneth Gabrielsen
By Alison Storm
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Dexter Star uses difficult past to help other victims of domestic violence
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t’s not just her acting ability, affinity for public speaking, or good looks April Hernandez-Castillo is thanking God for—it’s also her petite stature.“I feel like God made me short for a reason,” jokes the Bronx-based actress who will turn 32 in late January.“I really think it’s because I’m short that the kids think I’m very young.” The “kids” Hernandez is referring to are the un-churched Hope For Women Magazine | Winter 2012
and incarcerated teens she and her husband of nearly five years minister to regularly as certified youth cha plains. A Christian in Hollywood She’s been a Christian only slightly longer than she’s been a wife. As a 27-yearold on the brink of becoming a household name,
Hernandez says she grew up in a loving home where violence was not accepted. But a boyfriend she dated while in her late-teens became emotionally and physically abusive.“There were severe beatings,” Hernandez says.“He was emotionally draining me all the time and I no longer loved myself at that moment of my life.” Eventually she made the choice to leave -- and now she sees the experience as an opportunity to reach other hurting women.“Domestic violence is not racist. It doesn’t care about your financial situation. It can happen to anybody,” she says.“I believe it had to happen [to me] because now I’m making my mess into my message.”
Domestic Violence Awareness She took her message to the streets of her Bronx neighborhood in October 2011 for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She organized “The Love Walk,” after, she says, God gave her the vision for it.“I felt an impression on my heart,” explains Hernandez.“I saw hundreds of people in purple just walking. I felt it was God telling me ‘all it takes is the first step.’ Walking in love is so much more powerful than walking in hate.” And organizing the event required Hernandez to walk in faith. When she first got the idea she had $50 in her bank account and no experience organizing charity events.“All I knew was God spoke and I took the biggest leap of faith ever in my life,” she says.“Someone once told me you have everything you need right in your hands. I did not understand the phrase at first. Then I realized what they were talking about. I had heart, faith, and determination like never before.” Around 140 people turned out including Rita Smith, the executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.“As we marched I just felt so free and full of joy because we were walking for so many women, children, and men who are unable to leave their relationship, or never made it out alive,” says Hernandez. “We concluded with releasing purple balloons into the sky -- it was absolutely magical.” She and her husband also produced a documentary on domestic violence, which is expected to release in 2012. The film features victims’ stories: women from all walks of life Hernandez has encountered over the years -including business women, entertainers, and achievers, who open up in front of the camera.“There’s so much freedom in being able to speak,” Hernandez says.“You’re letting go of this bondage.” And she hopes hearing their stories will help other victims let go of fear. The Next Act While Hernandez knows God will continue using her struggles and stardom to reach the hurting and lost, she’s waiting for Him to reveal His full plan for her life. Inspired by Laurie Beth Jones’ bestselling book Jesus CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership, Hernandez says she was challenged to develop a personal mission statement. “I’m still working on it,” she admits.“But I definitely know it is to be a light.” And she definitely is a bright one— even if she is “a little short.” Hope For Women Magazine | Winter 2012
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