Actress Ana Mercedes brings some Motherly chaos to TNT’s police drama “Major Crimes" in the episode titled 'Internal Affairs' airing on January 5, 2015.

Audiences will recognize the Costa Rican native from her role as Maya Resik on the CW series “Arrow”; and her roles on CBS’s “NCIS: LA,” Showtime’s “Rude Awakening,” NBC’s “The West Wing,” FOX’s “Melrose Place” and three years on soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.” She also appeared in Mike Nichols’ feature film, “What Planet Are You From?” with Octavia Spencer and John Goodman; and in Judd Apatow’s comedy, “Knocked Up.”

When she’s not on screen, Ana spends time giving back to her community. For her efforts, she received the first ‘Centro America Unida: Premio a la Excelencia’ award and the ‘Los Angeles Outstanding Enhancement Award’.

I recently caught up with Ana Mercedes to find out more about “Major Crimes.”

Tell us about your role in “Major Crimes.”

ANA: In the upcoming episode of “Major Crimes” I play the Mother of Detective Julio Sanchez and I get caught up in some serious criminal activities.

How was it to work alongside Mary McDonnell and Raymond Cruz?

ANA: It was good. I had a really nice time working alongside Mary McDonnell; among other things we talked about the community where she now lives and what a great place it is to raise children there. I also had long conversations with Raymond Cruz. He was very supportive throughout the entire shoot. He's also very interesting to listen to.

What would you consider your characters ‘best’ quality? And their ‘worst’?

ANA: I would say that Ramona Sanchez best quality is how spirited she is and her worst is how she lets her thoughts take over.

Any interesting stories from the set you can share with us?

ANA: It was a very well run set; the taping of the show was smooth. While the crew does lighting and set-up you can chat with your fellow actors or go over your lines. Sometimes when you are on set the words pick up a deeper meaning.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned from working on this project?

ANA: At the end of the day it is your family who stands with you.

And, now just for fun:

What’s your favorite food?
ANA: I have lots of favorites but...I can never say ‘no’ to pizza!

Cats or dogs?
ANA: Well, I had two cats: Spooky and Oreo, but none right now, I just keep visiting Bruce my son's cat ,he was with us for two years, so we have some sort of relationship.

Favorite movie from your childhood.
ANA: I loved Romy Schneider, so I would say her two movies: “Sissi” and “Sissi - The Young Empress” have been my favorite movies since I first watch them.

Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.
ANA: I exchanged my Quinceanera for the opportunity to study in Los Angeles, it paid off.

How can fans keep up with you?
ANA: Fans can see me in the next season of “True Detective.”
And they can always visit my website: link