Salma Hayek did it with the 1995 film “Desperado,” in which she starred opposite Antonio Banderas. Penelope Cruz did it in 2001, with a trifecta of films that included “Blow” (opposite Johnny Depp), “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” (Nicolas Cage) and “Vanilla Sky” (Tom Cruise). Sofia Vergara finally did it last year, thanks to her role on ABC’s hit sitcom “Modern Family.” Now, Mexico’s Ana de la Reguera is on her way to becoming the latest Latina to breakthrough in America.

The Veracruz, Mexico, native began acting in Spanish telenovelas (a.k.a. soap operas) nearly 15 years ago, but it was her appearance as a nun opposite Jack Black in 2006’s “Nacho Libre” that first earned the lovely lady attention in Hollywood. Now, on the heels of her high-profile role opposite Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan in “Cop Out,” the 33-year-old actress has landed a recurring role on the USA Network’s “Royal Pains.”

The CoverGirl spokesperson recently took time out of her busy schedule shooting in Puerto Rico to chat with us about her new show, her fitness and beauty regimen, and what it takes to make it in Hollywood.

JEZEBEL: What was it like making your Hollywood debut opposite Jack Black?

ANA DE LA REGUERA: It was great! It was an amazing experience because we shot in Mexico, so it was local for me. That was the best way to get into Hollywood films, and it was a breakthrough in my career. Jack was fantastic. He’s sweet and very professional…funny, funny, funny!

JEZ: Do you ever get star-struck when working with an icon like Bruce Willis?

ADLR: It’s always exciting. But I feel that there are great actors in Mexico and all over the world. Every time I get to work with someone new that I admire, I’m excited in the same way. For me, it was amazing to be able to work with Bruce and Tracy and Kevin Smith. You admire these people because you’ve seen them your whole life, and then the next day you’re working with them. It’s kind of bizarre. I’ve been very lucky.

JEZ: How do the challenges of being a working actress in the United States compare with those in Mexico?

ADLR: There’s a lot of competition here. The people in New York and L.A. are so prepared, and there are a lot of Latin girls born in the United States, so they don’t have the problem with the language that I do. It’s my second language–I learned it when I was 15–so I have to work much harder. I’ve already experienced the best of Mexico, but then I have to start over and forget that I have all those opportunities in my country. But, at the same time, there are so many opportunities here. You lose one job, and the next day along comes one that’s even better. In Mexico, if you [fail an audition], there might not be another one for two or three months.

JEZ: What sorts of things do you like to do when you’re not working?

ADLR: I love to be at home and invite people over to my house. I like to watch movies with my family and friends, or go out and have a great dinner…nothing really wild or different. I really enjoy my house because I’m never there. I’m really sad every time I have to leave, even just to go to the supermarket. I’ve been living in L.A. for four years, but I’ve been gone half of the time.

JEZ: Does having such a busy career interfere with your ability to have a personal life?

ADLR: Yes, but my family is very close. I try to invite my mom to all my shootings or premieres so I can spend time with her. I also have a boyfriend, but he lives in Miami and I live in L.A., so we travel a lot to see each other.

JEZ: You’re a spokesperson for CoverGirl, and have been named one of People en Espanol’s 50 Most Beautiful People. What is your beauty regimen like?

ADLR: I’ve always worked out a little–I do spin and I play tennis–but I’ve never been very consistent because of my travel schedule. In the last two or three months I’ve decided that I have to work out every day. I’ve reached four times a week, and I don’t give up. Sometimes I’ll go two months in a row really working hard, but then six months later I don’t do anything. So now I’m trying to be more consistent. I walk an hour a day.

JEZ: Do you have to diet to maintain your sexy curves, or do they come naturally?

ADLR: I’m lucky. I love food, but I’m not into big portions or desserts. To gain weight, I really have to be eating a lot and not working out. I’m always around 5 pounds more or less. When I gain a little bit, I just close my mouth! You can’t live always watching what you eat. Right now I’m in Puerto Rico, eating a traditional meal of plantains, seafood, rice and beans. I’m not going to eat that every day, but I want to try it once.

JEZ: You’ve been on the cover of fashion magazines such as GQ and Esquire. How would you define your own sense of style?

ADLR: I mainly try to focus on things that work for me and make me feel good about myself. I love skinny jeans and I’m jealous of the girls who can wear them, but they don’t look good on me. I usually stick with cute little dresses that flatter my figure but also make me feel relaxed and comfortable.

JEZ: Congratulations on your new role on “Royal Pains.” What attracted you to that part?

ADLR: They offered me the part, and I really liked the show a lot. I’m in Puerto Rico about to start shooting tomorrow. I play a Cuban girl who has a brother who’s in danger because he has a blog that talks about a lot of ethical issues with the government. I think it’s very topical, especially with what’s happening in the world right now. I think everything is changing, with the Internet and new technology, and the evolution of what’s been happening in Cuba. I think that’s the most interesting part of the story, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.