You'll Want to Learn More About The Duff's Bianca Santos

POPSUGAR: Your parents are Brazilian and Cuban, right?

Bianca Santos: My mom left Havana, Cuba, when she was 9 years old and ended up in Glendale, CA. My dad came to the US from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when he was 30 years old. The two of them met by chance when my dad landed in LA and had a welcoming party. They didn't speak much that night at the party, but they kept running into each other. The rest is history.

PS: What role did that mix of two very different Latin cultures play for you while growing up?

BS: I think growing up the way I did, I learned to have a love for life and enjoy every moment. Both Brazilians and Cubans have this zest for life that's infectious. Dancing, eating, laughing, and enjoying people's company were always the norm. Family is so important. I knew that from a young age. I think my roots were actually very similar; they both taught me how to love life.

PS: You're trilingual. Growing up, how did your parents approach teaching you all three languages?

BS: It was pretty easy I think with being the firstborn. It was a no-brainer for my parents to speak all three to me. I also got to spend a lot of time traveling. Before the age of 10, I had been to Brazil four times, Mexico twice, and Spain. I think those experiences really helped seal the deal!

PS: The real question here is: Brazilian or Cuban food?

BS: I grew up on rice and beans so that's a staple for me. My favorite Brazilian dish would be my dad's feijoada or breaded beef. My favorite Cuban dish would have to be rice, beans, plantains, and ropa vieja. Luckily, I don't have to choose between Cuban and Brazilian food — I get the best of both worlds!

PS: Latina actresses, like Gina Rodriguez and Eva Longoria, always talk about fighting to open doors for other Latinas in Hollywood. Why is it important to you to represent the Latina community in movies and TV?

BS: I hope to follow the path of those amazing ladies, because there are doors that need to be opened. I was writing in my journal the other day in tears because I'm really starting to feel the weight of the situation we are in. It's difficult for me to book lead roles unless they specifically ask for Latinas. But I know eventually I will be a lead because of my charisma and presence and not because of any other factor. I hope we can get to that place sooner than later; we're ready for change, and I'll be ready when it arrives.

PS: You went to college for psychology and sociology and didn't start acting until after. Why did you decide to give acting a chance after graduation?

BS: I always wanted to do acting; I just never thought it could be an actual career. I was very book smart and carved a path toward psychology. But sometimes you have to take a chance. Eventually, I'd love to work in some medium of therapy.

PS: Since The Duff is about high school, let's play superlatives. In the cast of The Duff, who is most likely to become president?

BS: Skyler Samuels.

PS: Most likely to evilly take over the world?

BS: Bella Thorne.

PS: The class clown?

BS: Robbie Amell.

PS: The class flirt?

BS: Ken Jeong!

PS: Most likely to be late even to their own wedding?

BS: Mae Whitman.

PS: Best dancer?

BS: Me?