Getting to know ... Roselyn Sanchez

Her nose is fodder for Internet gossip, but this rising star's career really has legs.

By Jeffrey Ressner

Watch out, Salma and J. Lo: Roselyn Sanchez, 34, hopes to become the next fiery Latina actress to score big in Hollywood. Not only does the Puerto Rican beauty co-star on TV's "Without a Trace," but she's also making headway in movies, from "Rush Hour 2" to this weekend's "The Game Plan," opposite Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In the Disney comedy, he's a football star who discovers he has a 7-year-old daughter; she's the girl's ballet teacher.

Sanchez is a former dancer, pageant contestant and TV hostess who knew little English when she arrived in New York at age 21. Dios mio, things have changed. At Cheebo, the L.A. eatery where we met, the Hispanic waiters went gaga. Truth be told, so did we.

Are you more famous back home or stateside?
I don't want to sound arrogant and say, "I'm a big star in Puerto Rico." But I'm [one of] the only [Hollywood actresses] who truly grew up there, so they do love me. Every Latino here knows who I am. Still, I can go out and not get bombarded with paparazzi.

Does your accent have an effect on your career?
When I was younger, I had a big inferiority complex about my accent, but now I embrace it.

You've done some heavy R-rated roles and family comedies, such as "The Game Plan." Which do you prefer?
I love to mix it up. I really feel passionate about doing dramas, but studios won't offer them to me until I have three hits back to back. Once that happens, people will start paying attention.

I searched your name on YouTube and a raunchy scene from the movie "Boat Trip" came up, featuring you and Cuba Gooding Jr. Does it bother you that this stuff is out there?
I think it's laughable and it's fun. I don't care.

Speaking of the Internet, you seem to havedeveloped a rabid online following.
Ninety-nine percent is positive, but sometimes I'll take a beating, too -- especially from "Without a Trace" fans who were resistant to a Latina girl being added during the fourth season. People have written some brutal things, saying that I've had plastic surgery and my nose looks weird.

You've won several beauty pageants. Did anything embarrassing ever happen to you?
Well, I trained with a coach to answer every possible question in English. Then I was asked about my leadership qualities, and I freaked out. I started crying and asked for a translator. I apologized to the audience, and they thought it was so sweet. Ultimately, I won.

Let me ask you that same question now: Do you feel you're a leader today?
For sure! [Laughs.] Listen, to leave home for New York with a dream at the age of 21 and not knowing anyone there? If I didn't think I had the guts and the quality to be a leader, then forget about it! I'd have never left Puerto Rico.

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