In a poignant episode from the third season of "The Bear," Liza Colón-Zayas embodies the role of Tina Marrero, portraying a woman navigating newfound routines and challenges after being laid off from a long-standing office job. Rising at 6 a.m., Tina meticulously adheres to her daily rituals: showering, preparing meals in a slow cooker, and embarking on the daunting task of job hunting.

Set in 2018, several years before the show’s initial season, the episode titled “Napkins” (Season 3, Episode 6) delves deeply into Tina’s journey of resilience, chronicling her unwavering pursuit of purpose amidst numerous setbacks. It also introduces viewers to Tina’s personal life, including her supportive husband, portrayed by her real-life spouse David Zayas.

In an interview with NBC News, Colón-Zayas candidly drew parallels between her character’s early morning routines and her own experiences working in the dining hall dish line at the State University of New York at Albany during her student days. While Tina thrives in the fast-paced kitchen environment of "The Bear" with precision and pride, Colón-Zayas humorously recalls her brief stint as a waitress, admitting to occasional mishaps like inadvertently spilling drinks on patrons.

Reflecting on a past job where frustration led her to abruptly quit, Colón-Zayas echoed Tina’s resilient spirit in navigating career transitions by immersing herself in temporary gigs sourced from local agencies. This multifaceted approach eventually propelled Colón-Zayas from the mailroom to receptionist roles, each contributing to her evolution as an actor.

Leveraging her rich life experiences, Colón-Zayas underscored the significance of authenticity in her craft. Across a distinguished career spanning over three decades, she has inhabited a spectrum of strong-willed characters, from her semi-autobiographical stage role in "Sistah Supreme" to her memorable portrayal as Rita in HBO’s "In Treatment," alongside Uzo Aduba.

Colón-Zayas recounted her initial audition for "The Bear," conducted amidst the pandemic via a self-tape submission. Despite initial uncertainties about the role, she trusted her instincts—a decision that she credits for leading to transformative outcomes. Her dedication and artistry garnered accolades, including an Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actress-Comedy and recognition from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) for outstanding ensemble performance in a comedy series.

Delving into the making of the pivotal “Napkins” episode, Colón-Zayas commended co-star Ayo Edebiri, who not only portrays the talented chef Sydney but also made her directorial debut with the installment. The episode provided an intimate exploration of Tina’s backstory, crafted through collaborative discussions about character nuances and environmental details.

Beyond the screen, Colón-Zayas illuminated the camaraderie within "The Bear’s" cast and crew, mirroring the supportive community dynamics depicted in the show. She emphasized the resilience and communal support essential in navigating the highs and lows of a creative career, highlighting the therapeutic role of processing rejection and creative challenges.

Offering counsel to aspiring artists, Colón-Zayas emphasized the importance of preparedness, punctuality, and authenticity. She encouraged individuals to embrace their uniqueness, recognizing that genuine self-expression resonates deeply in the audition room and beyond.

As she continues to captivate audiences with her portrayal of Tina Marrero, Colón-Zayas serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and authenticity in the pursuit of artistic excellence and personal fulfillment.