‘Wizards’ actress says life prepared her for role

SAN ANTONIO — Maria Canals Barrera says her home life has been the best preparation for her latest role.

“I can relate to her wanting to be a responsible parent. She loves her kids and always wants what’s best for them,” Barrera says of her character, Theresa Russo, on “Wizards of Waverly Place.”

The 42-year-old Cuban-American actress is the mother of two daughters, ages 4 and 6, and married to another actor, David Barrera (“Generation Kill”).

Balancing family and a career isn’t always easy, says Canals Barrera, who’s been acting professionally since 1998 and has had voiceover roles in the animated series “Justice League” and “Danny Phantom.”

Besides her Disney work, audiences will likely recognize Canals Barrera from her role in “American Family” and as the young bride Irene in Gregory Nava’s “My Family.” (An older version of the character was played by Lupe Ontiveros.)

“A family has to be a family, and that means being together,” she says of taking her family with her on location.

Canals Barrera’s husband and daughters joined her in Puerto Rico for the filming of the “Wizards” movie earlier this year. The girls were tutored in the hotel room, and the family took in the local sights when Canals Barrera wasn’t on the set.

The family bond Canals Barrera shares with her real-life family is one she also shares with her fictional clan.

“The show wouldn’t work without it,” Barrera says of the cast’s closeness.

“I love my TV kids. They are sweet and smart and just really great kids,” she says.