Arienne Mandi
As a kid, Arienne Mandi always questioned why she didn’t have a “more ‘normal’ name, something easy to pronounce” and why her parents were “from different countries, spoke different languages and ate different foods.” But as she grew, Mandi realized that all the traits, quirks, and preferences that set her apart were what she loved most about herself. “Finding my voice and feeling comfortable in my own skin was one of the most beautiful and pivotal points in my life,” says Mandi. “I think we all go through a process of self-discovery that is different for everyone.” During that self-evolution, Mandi found a love for acting through her participation in various elementary and high school small stage productions. She got her first role on-screen in the independent film “Baja” before launching into a number of television roles, including “Hawaii Five-0,” “NCIS,” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.” You probably know her most, though, from Showtime’s “The L Word: Generation Q,” where she plays public relations rep Dani Nuñez. Being on a show that provides crucial representation for the LGBTQ+ community is the most rewarding aspect of Mandi’s work, and she’s honored to have the ability to celebrate and honor their stories. “It makes my heart so full to know that through storytelling and entertainment, I’ve helped others to accept and love themselves through their struggles and differences,” Mandi says. —IL
