Margaret Diaz gets bold about her life as a Gen Z sexy star
For VMX actress Margaret Diaz, the label “sexy star” often comes with assumptions, which many of them unfair and negative. But the 20-year-old performer believes there is far more behind the image people see on screen.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, Margaret spoke openly about what it’s really like to work in a field often misunderstood by the public.
She acknowledged that actors in sensual roles are often judged or reduced to stereotypes, even though they approach their craft with the same focus, dedication, and professionalism as any other actor in the entertainment field.
“I feel a bit sad for people who think we exist just to be objects for their sexual fantasies. It’s not just our bodies we can show off, but our talent and our passion for acting,” the young actress said.
Margaret entered the entertainment industry after being discovered by a manager while competing in pageants. What began as a new opportunity quickly became a major shift in her life, especially as she moved from being a student into a profession often scrutinized by the public.
“It’s really a big change. I was still a student and very young. I would say I was quite naive. But my mindset was also shaped by the people around me, who made me understand that there’s nothing wrong with this kind of work. Work is work,” Margaret shared.
The actress said she sees her profession as a form of performance, one that requires the same commitment and discipline expected from any actor.
“For as long as you’re passionate about what you’re doing. And honestly, we’re all just trying to survive and strive everyday,” she continued, echoing the advice she grew up hearing from her parents.
Off camera, Margaret describes herself quite differently from the persona audiences might associate with her roles.
Still, she acknowledges the stereotypes that continue to surround performers in sensual roles—stereotypes she hopes people will begin to question.
“It’s really just basic respect for a person. They’re not doing it to make you an object for their sexual fantasies. When people hear ‘sexy star,’ stereotypes immediately come to mind. But for me as an artist, I haven’t had a single project that I wasn’t passionate about,” the actress shared.
She also believes criticism often says more about the people making it than the artists receiving it.
“I think the judgment and criticism of other people are just a reflection of their own insecurities,” she said.
She also spoke about her own journey with insecurity and how long it took her to embrace them, recalling how she was bullied in the past for not fitting conventional beauty standards.
Over time, she got to learn to change her environment and surround herself with people who encouraged confidence rather than criticism. Today, she sees imperfections not as flaws but as part of being human.
“We all have different flaws and insecurities. And for me, those flaws are what make us beautiful as individuals and as human beings,” she shared.
The actress emphasized that respect on set has been crucial to her development as an actress. By setting clear boundaries with co-actors and the production team, it allows her to work with confidence, even in demanding scenes. Despite the challenges of her roles, Margaret stays focused on her craft and on continuously developing as an artist.
In the future, she hopes to explore roles beyond the sensual image many associate with her today, including romantic comedies. For now, she hopes audiences will see beyond the label.
“I have a lot more to offer than just my body or my beauty. I am more than that,” Margaret stated.
