................................................................<\/p>\n
Mesa is aiming to change that narrative with his recurring role as James Chee on ABCs long-running series, Greys Anatomy.<\/p>\n
Robert I. Mesa.<\/p>\n
Its definitely a huge deal, Mesa says of the role. Im overwhelmed by it. Im a representative of the first Native American on the series.<\/p>\n
On the series, Chee is a surgical intern who started near the beginning of the pandemic at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial.<\/p>\n
Due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic, Chee and his fellow medical school graduates were sent to their residency programs earlier than the standard start date.<\/p>\n
Mesa (Navajo\/Soboba) began filming in October in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
A fan of Greys Anatomy for years, Mesa describes being on set as crazy\/beautiful.<\/p>\n
Greg Germann, left and Robert I. Mesa in a scene from Greys Anatomy.<\/p>\n
Theres nearly 20 years of history with this series, he says. Being inside the iconic Grey Sloan Memorial was humbling. I also am proud to be playing an indigenous character outside of the stereotypes for Native Americans.<\/p>\n
Mesa is represented by Mitchell Talent in Albuquerque and Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
Carissa Mitchell says when casting for the 17th season of Greys Anatomy began, producers were reaching out to her in hopes of finding Native American actors.<\/p>\n
The cool thing about the New Mexico film market is that the casting directors are so good at representing all people, Mitchell says. The fact that this is a first for this TV series is huge. Robs been working in the market for years. Its great to see this opportunity come to life.<\/p>\n
Mitchell says New Mexico has always been diverse within the film industry.<\/p>\n
The fact that the series wanted to move forward with Native American actors is a good sign, Mitchell says. Thats so forward thinking.<\/p>\n
One could call Mesa a renaissance man, as he is actor, artist and photographer.<\/p>\n
Born on the Navajo Nation, he grew up in foster care, which took him to homes all over the country.<\/p>\n
He moved to Santa Fe when he was 18 and met his family which consists of Maura Dhu Studi.<\/p>\n
I met all of their friends and began my journey as an artist, he says. I left to New York for a bit where I was doing theater.<\/p>\n
Later, photography took him to Shanghai and Japan.<\/p>\n
Then, a TV series took him to New Zealand.<\/p>\n
The past two years, I was focusing on theater, he says. My family is supportive of what I do and I dont feel any pressure from them. We all have our paths.<\/p>\n
The first episode featuring Chee has aired and Mesa wasnt expecting the response hes had.<\/p>\n
He says as people watched the show, theyd reach out to him about it.<\/p>\n
One thing that was really sweet from people was that they are long-time viewers and were waiting to see an indigenous person on it, he says.<\/p>\n
They are looking at me and my character as a point of inspiration. I take a whole lot of pride of being New Mexican and from the Navajo Nation. Its a crazy time right now and I hope that this gives people some excitement.<\/p>\n
Mesa says children will be able to see themselves in Chee.<\/p>\n
It gives you hope that you can possibly do that, he says. They can act or become a doctor. Its wonderful to make that next step.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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\nOutside the stereotype: Local actor the first Native American on Greys Anatomy - Albuquerque Journal<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"