Connection Above All: Nuria Vega on the Art That Moves Us

By Kyra Greene

Nuria Vega enters Season 3 of Billy the Kid not just as an actress leveling up, but as a storyteller expanding the emotional universe of a legend. As Dulcinea Del Tobosco—a character born from fiction and infused with fire—Vega brings a rare duality: the tenderness of a new mother and the storm of a woman seeking justice. Her evolution from sheltered gentry to outlaw partner brings new dimension to Billy’s mythology, and her craft this season reveals an artist unafraid to take risks, embrace vulnerability, and trust collaboration. Speaking with GREAY Magazine, Vega opens up about the power of being taught, the freedom of switching genres, the cultural warmth she carries with her, and the growing ambition that points her toward mythic roles, darker worlds, and deeper human connection.

Dulcinea’s journey in Billy the Kid transitions from gentry-life to outlaw, from passive witness to agent of change. What about that radical arc first spoke to you when the role was offered?What excited me the most was realizing where her story was going. I love the duality she carries this season – she wants her revenge, but now she also has to think for two. Watching her become an outlaw while trying to accept that there are things she simply can’t do anymore, spoke to me immediately.

 When you discovered that Dulcinea didn’t exist historically—unlike so many characters in the series—how did that freedom affect the way you built her voice, her motivations, and her emotional interior?  Learning that she didn’t technically exist in real history was really interesting. I knew some people might be confused about what Dulcinea represents, but I feel her character allows the audience to see another side of Billy – the family-oriented, caring side. I believe she plays a big part in his emotional world, and without her, that angle wouldn’t be as visible.

As you’ve said, one of your favourite things about the show was the people you worked with. How did the cast & crew environment influence your performance, and did any particular collaboration or moment on set stay with you?

I felt really safe on set to try new things and to know that everyone would be so open to helping me. That warmth allowed me to be more creative because I had the space to ask questions or suggest ideas. A collaboration that stayed with me was getting the chance to shadow our director Adam. I learned a lot from him – not just from his directorial point of view but also as an actor. It taught me so much about how directors look at us and what they’re searching for, and it really changed the way I understand performance.

You were already established in Mexico with projects such as Señorita 89 and No fue mi culpa: México before your international debut. How did stepping into your first major U.S.-market role shift your mindset as an actor? 

At first, it was very intimidating. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be a good fit or if I was qualified enough. But when I arrived, everyone was so open and willing to teach me, so I decided to stay open too – to learn as much as I could and treat it as an opportunity to grow.

You’ve spoken about how you’re drawn to imperfect, layered characters. What are some of the new emotional or psychological territories you discovered while playing Dulcinea—especially in Season 3 where she’s juggling outlaw status and motherhood?

 With Dulcinea in Season 3, I discovered the feeling of wanting something deeply but having to prioritize another human being. Becoming a mother changes everything – someone’s life depends completely on you, and now you have to show up no matter what. Exploring that shift was new and very powerful for me.

Your upcoming feature, El Arte es Oscuro y Está Lleno de Hor­rores, is described as a bold comedy set in the art world. How do you approach switching genres—from the historical western drama of Billy to a contemporary comedy—and what excites you most about this shift? 

Switching genres was honestly very fun. It felt like such a refreshing break after playing Dulcinea. In the comedy, the character was very free – no strict lines. A lot of it was improvised, and I loved playing  someone determined to get what she wants. It was a very different kind of joy.

Your Mexican cultural background informs how you tell stories. Could you share a specific tradition, cultural memory, or personal experience from Mexico that you carry into your craft and that helped shape a character you’ve played? 

There are so many cultural things I carry with me everywhere I go. I didn’t notice them as much while working in Mexico, but the cultural shock in Calgary made me realize what I love about my culture: being welcoming, warm, friendly, making everyone feel included, doing everything with passion and gratitude, and really enjoying the moment because you know it’s temporary. 

 As you build your international career, what’s a dream character or story you haven’t yet tackled—perhaps in a fantasy or futuristic setting, or a real-life figure—and why does it appeal to you now? 

I would love to do a fantasy adaptation. I’m obsessed with Fourth Wing right now, so anything in that “enemies to lovers” world would be amazing. Something magical, dark, or mythological would be a dream too.

 You recently commented that “actions matter more than words” and that loyalty aligns with what you care about. How do you bring that philosophy into the rehearsal room or on-set, particularly when you’re working with someone else’s script and universe? 

Because I studied film and originally trained to be behind the camera, I’m very used to observing. And as actors, I think it’s really important to show, not tell – to come prepared and let your actions speak for you. I also believe vulnerability only works in a space where people genuinely care the work, so I try to be that person for others too.

 You recently commented that “actions matter more than words” and that loyalty aligns with what you care about. How do you bring that philosophy into the rehearsal room or on-set, particularly when you’re working with someone else’s script and universe? 

For me, it’s important not to take anything personally, whether it’s good or bad.  I really appreciate all the edits, fan art, and everything people create because it’s their time and creativity inspired by your work and I’m very grateful for that but  at the same time, I try not to take comments too deeply, especially negative ones. I try to disconnect when I need to, but I also love creating content just for fun, not only because of work or a show that’s airing. 

For emerging actors, you’ve advised, “Be someone nice to work with… appreciate everyone’s job on set.” Could you share a formative experience—perhaps early in your career—where you learned that lesson the hard way, and how it changed you? 

I’ve been in many different shoes during film school – director, photographer, script supervisor, AD, crafty, boom op… So I understand how hard everyone’s job is and I appreciate it. Filmmaking is exhausting, but we all do it because we’re obsessed with it, or at least that’s what I think. Every crew member is important, so appreciating everyone’s time and work is essential. I think being thankful and empathetic towards everyone makes the whole experience better.

Finally, what do you hope people feel—or remember—after watching you in Dulcinea’s shoes, in El Arte …, or whatever you create next? What is the imprint you want your performances to leave?

 Connection. That’s the main thing I hope people feel after watching my work. Whether their reaction is good or uncomfortable, if it reflects something human, something that resonates with them, then I feel like I did my job.

In every role she inhabits—whether an outlaw navigating grief and motherhood or a comedic character built from improvisation—Nuria Vega leads with curiosity, gratitude, and a fierce respect for the craft. Her journey from film-school observer to international performer is marked by empathy, collaboration, and a desire to honor every person on set. But above all, Vega hopes her work creates connection—something real, something human, something that stays with audiences long after the credits fade. As she steps into her next chapter, from fantasy dreams to mythological ambitions, one thing feels certain: Nuria Vega isn’t just rising—she’s shaping the kind of storytelling that resonates far beyond the screen.

Photography DaMarko GianCarlo www.damarkogiancarlophotography.com

Hair / Makeup Myrlen Monge @myrlenmonge

Wardrobe The Giancarlo Group

Produced By Airport Famous Creative Agency