In the Apple TV+ educational adventure series Jane, Tamara Almeida plays regular character Maria across all three series, who is the mother of Jane Garcia (played by Ava Louise Murchison) and is inspired by the work of Dr. Jane Goodall. Alongside Ava Louise, Tamara attended the Los Angeles premiere event in 2023, and they opened the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards the same year when they presented several awards. Earlier this year, Tamara played Charlotte Wells in the Lifetime thriller film The Last Woman Who Lived Here, and last year, she played Gracie Moreau in the Lifetime Christmas film Holiday in Happy Hollow opposite Cody Ray Thompson as Jack Carrington. Further Christmas projects for Tamara include last year’s Hallmark films Christmas on Call as Julia and The Christmas Charade as Keira, and amongst her other screen work, she starred as Daniela in My Husband Hired a Hitman for Tubi, played the co-lead of Sophie Martinez in What We Do For Love with Jake Epstein as Jason Sharpe, played twins Natalie and Celia Flores in the Lifetime thriller Secrets at the Inn, and in the 2020 revival of the 1990s series Ghostwriter, she played Young Grandma / Tess on Apple TV+. Also a voice actor, Tamara voices Axel in Total Drama Island: Reboot (which aired on CBBC in the UK), and she voices Maria Mariposa in Let’s Go Luna! and the TV movie Let’s Go Luna!: Luna’s Christmas Around the World. Tamara talked to us about her regular role of Maria in the educational adventure series Jane, playing Charlotte Wells in this year’s thriller film The Last Woman Who Lived Here, working on Christmas films, starring as Daniela in My Husband Hired a Hitman and her voiceover roles.
Across all three series of the educational adventure series Jane on Apple TV+, you have played the regular character Maria – the mother of Jane Garcia, played by Ava Louise Murchison, what was Maria like to play and how was it returning to film each new series?
Getting the opportunity to play Maria across Jane’s three season run was such a rare gift. The cast and crew were some of the kindest, endlessly creative, loveliest people I’ve met in any capacity.
My hope was to give Maria a gentle grounding presence: tender yet pragmatic while being a mirror for Jane’s boundless curiosity. We shot the entire series in one go, and with that, I felt it quite easy to stay focused on Maria’s journey and how to best support Jane as she navigated wins, losses, and every adventure in between.
How was it filming opposite Ava Louise and what did you enjoy most about working on the show?
Working with Ava Louise was special. There’s no other word for it. Ava Louise is bright, intelligent, and deeply rooted so it brought every scene we shot together feel very alive and connected. As Maria, watching her embody that open‑hearted wonder and youthful idealism was a joy. I’m not a parent myself but it did create a desire for it. But truly, what I think I enjoyed most about working on the show was the learning about the endangered species, Jane Goodall’s mission more in-depthly, and developing long-lasting relationships with the incredible team I worked with.
With the series inspired by the work of Dr. Jane Goodall, was there anything that drew you to the project and who do you think the series will appeal to?
Jane is woven from the spirit of Dr. Jane Goodall which is infused with endless curiosity, empathy, and care. J.J. (Johnson), Christin (Simms), and the rest of the team really captured that essence throughout. That ethos resonated deeply.
The series invites viewers, young and old alike, into adventures across endangered ecosystems, dramatised through the lens of a child’s imagination but anchored in environmental responsibility. It’s a show that speaks to the dreamer in every viewer: the young activist, the empath, and those who wish to leave a better Earth behind. In these times, I’d say everyone could use and would enjoy our show.
What do you think you will miss most about being part of Jane and what are some of your favourite highlights from filming as Maria over the years?
Saying goodbye is not my strong suit. So maybe I’ll never let Maria or Jane go entirely? This show was very special and it was such a unique experience. I think my favourite highlight would have to be when we went as a team to Kenya. It’ll be etched into my memories for all time. Being immersed with beautiful wildlife, having dinners together with the team, and getting to work out there fills me with that ‘pinch me’ feeling.
How was it attending the show’s Los Angeles premiere event and the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023?
Attending the L.A. premiere and later the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in December 2023 was a dream. Ava Louise and I got to open the show by presenting several different awards, which felt surreal. Seeing Jane honoured for its visual effects, which tied in beautifully with imagination, felt like witnessing the show’s heart shine on a wider stage. For someone like myself who came from such humble beginnings, this all felt like a fairytale.
In this year’s release of the Lifetime thriller film The Last Woman Who Lived Here, you starred as Charlotte, can you tell us about the film and your character?
In The Last Woman Who Lived Here, I play Charlotte Wells, who has moved into a home hoping for a fresh start, but quickly becomes entangled in the mystery of the woman who lived there before her. Her husband isn’t entirely forthcoming with what he knows which adds to the layer of mystery, betrayal, fear, and disconnect. The more she discovers, the more she unravels. Playing her required tapping into that slow unraveling of control, which was both challenging and rewarding. She’s a character who pushes the envelope, is tenacious, driven, and complex. It made her fascinating to explore.
How was it reading the script for the first time and telling the story?
Receiving the script and giving it a read was an immense pleasure. The first readthrough is generally my favourite moment with each project as it’s where I get to take in the story without any preconceived notions. This script was filled with shadowy emotions and unanswered questions. Telling this story meant walking through uncertainty with empathy while witnessing Charlotte’s journey from fragility to resolve with every line.
How did you find the experience starring as Gracie Moreau in the Lifetime Christmas film Holiday in Happy Hollow alongside Cody Ray Thompson as Jack Carrington?
As Gracie Moreau in Holiday in Happy Hollow, opposite Cody as Jack Carrington, I embraced the cozy rhythms of a classic Christmas romance. Gracie’s warmth and optimism balance Jack’s more reserved demeanour, giving their story a tender ebullience under the holiday lights. This movie is one that is dear to my heart because I was a bit heartbroken in my real life, but there was such joy on set daily that it was impossible to not get swept up by the energy of love, storytelling, and play.
What was Holiday in Happy Hollow like to film and did you have any favourite scenes to work on?
It was one of my favourite shooting experiences and that was primarily due to Cody and Graeme Campbell, our director. One cherished moment was our spice throwing scene. We got to throw spices around, while in the story Gracie and Jack start finding romance in moments, and it all felt like a big party that we were leading. It was so much fun! That day felt like pure joy.
Over Christmas last year, you were also seen in the Hallmark Christmas films Christmas on Call as Julia and The Christmas Charade as Keira, can you tell us about your time filming for both projects?
Filming Christmas on Call and The Christmas Charade back‑to‑back for the last holiday season offered two different flavours of self-discovery for my characters. Keira and Julia both trying to achieve their professional goals while supporting our central storylines. As Keira, there was a fierce drive and determination to live up to my family’s expectations as an EMT. Whereas, as Julia, I felt more established in my role as a detective, with the challenge being around not being complacent and doing my part to take down the bad guys, so to speak. Both projects were wonderful to work on and I hope to work with those teams again!
What was it like getting into character as the starring role of Daniela in My Husband Hired a Hitman for Tubi?
Portraying Daniela was heaven. Working with Lisa Soper was a dream. Getting to play a character who lives in the grey, with such tenacity and tangled emotional terrain is what we all hope to have land in our laps as actors. Stepping into her shoes meant embracing both vulnerability and grit, especially in the final scenes when addressing trust, betrayal, and making decisions that were best for her future. It was complicated and allowed me to touch on parts that often go unexplored in my work.
You played co-lead character Sophie Martinez in What We Do For Love with Jake Epstein as Jason Sharpe, do you have any stand-out memories from being on set that you can share?
As Sophie Martinez, co-leading What We Do For Love with Jake Epstein, was possibly where I learned the most. Jake is a star. He’s excellent at what he does. I have nothing but memories of laughter, camaraderie, and ease. A stand-out moment while shooting was the scene where we were on a trail hike and I injure myself after tripping. He impromptu picked me up and I was trying so hard not to break into laughter and continue the scene, but it was very difficult. He’s so playful and present that it had me working overtime. There were a few days where we shot on this beautiful location in Ancaster that was stunning and felt more like summer camp than work.
How was it taking on the twin roles of Natalie and Celia Flores in the Lifetime thriller Secrets at the Inn and how did you prepare for filming?
Playing the twins Natalie and Celia in Secrets at the Inn demanded duality: two distinct voices, two emotional arcs, two worldviews – though we only see Celia in the opening. I prepared by writing each character’s journal, mapping their dreams and fears, focusing on the relationship they had with each other as well their teenage daughter/niece Sabrina. This was my first leading role so I prepared very extensively and it set the tone for how I did every movie following. This team was wonderful and Leo Scherman directed us with such precision, focus, and warmth.
How familiar were you with the original 1990s series Ghostwriter before booking the 2020 revival for Apple TV+ as Young Grandma / Tess, and what were your episodes like to be involved with?
I couldn’t believe I got to be a part of the Ghostwriter revival! I knew the original series from my childhood and I literally screamed when I found out I was working on it at one of our fittings. Stepping into the role of Tess (Young Grandma) was amazing. Whenever I came to set for an episode, I felt like I could burst with excitement. I also got to work with Kristin Kreuk, who I was a huge fan of since Smallville. This was one of the first projects I worked on by J.J. Johnson, who would later cast me as Maria in Jane. To say I’m thankful would be an understatement.
Also a voiceover actor, you voiced Axel in Total Drama Island: Reboot, which was released in the UK on CBBC, can you say about this and how was it seeing the completed animations?
Voicing Axel was playful and menacing. I relished the energy and improvisation. Seeing the final animation made me smile: the character’s expressions, timing, and comedic beats were richer than I’d imagined once completed.
What was Maria Mariposa like to voice in Let’s Go Luna! and the TV movie Let’s Go Luna!: Luna’s Christmas Around the World?
Maria Mariposa on Let’s Go Luna! and in Luna’s Christmas Around the World was a delight – her softer, nurturing nature contrasted beautifully with the chaos around her. It’s voice work that taught me how silence and tone can speak volumes.
How different do you find voiceover to on-screen acting and what do you enjoy about both?
Voiceover lets me explore character purely through vocal expression finding intimacy built from nuance and tone. On‑screen acting invites the full body: eyes, gestures, relationships. Both forms teach me different ways to inhabit humanity. On-screen acting also allows for the rare gift of connecting with a scene partner, which is invaluable. Working off of them, and having their choices inform what I might do next, is all part of what makes acting feel collaborative and exciting. It can be very spontaneous.
Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get started in the industry?
My love of acting came from a deep desire to tell stories. We’ve been telling them since the beginning of time and I have always been drawn to them. Growing up, I was very religious, so I believe that the bible stories that were being read and told to me activated imagination, cohesion, and a desire to create in environments that seemed unreal. I started going to acting classes, and getting an agent, and auditioning, and just put one foot in front of the other. It’s been a lot of work, but rewarding and I hope to do it for as long as the industry will have me.
What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your free time?
I’ve always been drawn to stories that feel bold, unconventional, and deeply human. Shows like Fleabag, Barry, and I May Destroy You all share this electric honesty, and are unafraid to be both raw and razor-sharp. I admire anything Brit Marling touches as her work blends philosophy with mystery in a way that feels almost spiritual. I’m currently watching Arrested Development for the first time, which has been the perfect antidote: witty, strange, and brilliantly absurd. One show that stayed with me is LIFE on BBC as it was quiet, beautifully acted, and full of aching moments that felt lifted from real life. I haven’t watched as much TV lately but I feel ready to dive back in. There’s something thrilling about rediscovering the rhythm of a well-told story.
Oh! I loved Nobody Wants This. I’m a hopeless romantic at heart.
Do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about, and what are you hoping the rest of the year brings for you?
This year, I’m focusing on my writing and getting back to producing. I hope to continue exploring complex women’s stories, and to bridge worlds between screen, voice, and activism. In my free time, I tend to reach for stillness. Long walks, bike riding, journaling, and any other slow practices that help me reconnect.
Thank you for having me!
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