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If you're into crime dramas, you've probably tuned into the new FOX TV series, APB —which premiered this February. The police thriller stars Natalie Martinez, who plays Detective Theresa Murphy, touted as one of Chicago's finest and recruited to help a tech billionaire launch a crime-solving app and find his friend's killer. Natalie loves playing strong female characters, so the role of Detective Murphy was a great fit. "Detective Murphy is a family woman. She's one of those people who really wants to do the right thing. At first, she's skeptical about everything, but once she sees things they are doing are actually getting the job done, she opens up a lot more." She was also drawn to the role because of all the technology being used on set like non-lethal guns. "I thought they were good solutions for what is going on at the moment. I was definitely interested to see how it was going to play out." Like her character, the Miami- born actress is very family-oriented. She recalls a lot of fond memories growing up with her family. "My grandmother's house was my favorite restaurant. Outside of going to the beach with my friends and just hanging out, quite a few of my birthdays were spent at this Cutler Ridge hibachi-style type of restaurant because it was one of the only places that would seat 12-13 family members." At 17, the actress moved out to Los Angeles completely solo, and began working at a skate shop, until a friend told her about an audition that would change her life forever. "I went to the audition and ended up booking the job. I was very lucky and I fell in love with being on set, so I kept going." Then, at 24, she was handpicked by Jennifer Lopez to become a spokesmodel for her clothing line, JLO by Jennifer Lopez. Today, Natalie is best recognized for her roles in film and TV, including Fashion House, CSI: NY, Under the Dome, and Self/less opposite Ryan Reynolds. Of all the acting she's done, there are a few roles that have made a significant impact on her. "Kingdom definitely sparked something inside of me. That show was amazing. End of Watch was really great to be a part of too." In addition to APB, she is currently filming a new project in Atlanta. "I love action. I practice Muay Thai and I box and my new role kind of has a little bit of that. She's a badass, which I always have that dream of being." Badass roles usually require badass stunts and as you can probably guess, she has no problem doing her own, when she can. "Sometimes they restrict what you can do, but you have to know what you're capable of. There is a true art and talent to stunt work, so I let the professionals do what they can, but I definitely make the studio nervous," she laughs, "I push my limits." What's one thing about Miami you can't quite live without? "Frankie's Pizza. There's only one and I actually have it shipped over to me in Los Angeles when I get a craving."