Dominican-American celebrities
Celebrities with Dominican ancestry.
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- Producer
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Carlos Roberto PenaVega was born Carlos Roberto Pena Jr. on August 15, 1989 in Columbia, Missouri and raised in Weston, Florida to Margarita Pena (née Serano) & Carlos Roberto Pena. He attended Sagemont Upper School. Carlos moved to Hollywood in August 2009.
Carlos studied musical theater at the Boston Conservatory.
He was a member of the band, Big Time Rush and played piano & sings.
He is best knowing for playing the role of Carlos Garcia in the television show, Big Time Rush (2009) on Nickelodeon.
His first major role was a guest shot, at age 15, on ER (1994) and had guest starring roles in: Judging Amy (1999), Summerland (2004), Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (2004).- Actress
- Producer
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Judy Reyes was born on 5 November 1967 in Bronx, New York City, New York, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for Scrubs (2001), Smile (2022) and Devious Maids (2013). She was previously married to Edwin M. Figueroa.- Actress
- Producer
- Writer
Zoe Saldana was born on June 19, 1978 in Passaic, New Jersey, to Asalia Nazario and Aridio Saldaña. Her father was Dominican and her mother is Puerto Rican. She was raised in Queens, New York. When she was 10 years old, she and her family moved to the Dominican Republic, where they would live for the next seven years. While living there, Zoe discovered a keen interest in performance dance and began her training at the prestigious ECOS Espacio de Danza Dance Academy where she learned ballet as well as other dance forms. Not only did her training provide an excellent outlet for the enthusiastic and energetic youngster, it would also prove to be a fortunate precursor for the start of her professional acting career. At age 17, Zoe and her family moved back to the United States where her love for dance followed and an interest in theater performance became stronger.
She began performing with the Faces theater troupe which put on plays geared to provide positive messages for teens with themes dealing with issues such as substance abuse and sex. These performances not only gave her valuable experience but also a source of great pride knowing that she was making a difference in the lives of young people like herself. While performing with the Faces troupe and also the New York Youth Theater, Zoe was recruited for a talent agency and her dance training years before coupled with her acting experience greatly helped her land her first big screen role as Eva Rodriguez, the talented and headstrong ballet dancer in the film Center Stage (2000). Since her professional career began several years ago, Zoe's talent and determination have allowed her to be involved in blockbuster films and act with major actors, actresses and industry insiders at a pace that very few young professionals have experienced.
Zoe has not only held her own in major motion picture productions but gained the respect and praise from industry insiders such as Jerry Bruckheimer and Steven Spielberg and actors/actresses such as Tom Hanks, Bernie Mac, Keira Knightley, Ashton Kutcher, Kirsten Dunst and Orlando Bloom. According to many of her co-stars, producers and directors, the sky is no limit for this young star who has incredible range, intense concentration, and a steely determination to be involved with projects that challenge her professionally with wide-ranging subject matters and characters. Just to ask practically anyone who she has worked for or with about her, glowing comments abound and earned friendships and respect are readily revealed. A star has been born, and growing every day.- Rose Abdoo is currently playing Selma in "Reboot" on Hulu and Josefina in "Hacks" on HBO/Max. Rose is known for her television role as Gypsy in "Gilmore Girls" and Gypsy & Berta in the Netflix movies "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life." She was the recipient of the TVLine Best Comedy Revelation of 2016 for her dual role. Rose has over 110 television & movie credits, Other notable TV appearances: "Parenthood," "Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy," "Grace & Frankie," "The Comeback," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." She is known to young fans as Señorita Rodriguez from "That's So Raven." Rose's film appearances include "The Guilt Trip" with Barbra Streisand, "My Best Friend's Wedding" and George Clooney's Oscar nominated "Good Night & Good Luck." She is the voice of several characters in "Hotel Transylvania 1&2" and is currently voicing several characters on the new series "Madagascar: A Little Wild." Rose plays Bev in "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar" the critically acclaimed comedy film from Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumalo. Rose is also a recipient of L.A. Weekly's Female Solo Performer of the Year award.
- Tina Aumont was born on 14 February 1946 in Hollywood, California, USA. She was an actress, known for Texas Across the River (1966), Man, Pride & Vengeance (1967) and Satyricon (1969). She was married to Jean-François Ferriol and Christian Marquand. She died on 28 October 2006 in Port-Vendres, Pyrénées-Orientales, France.
- Actress
- Producer
Jackie Cruz has been singing and acting her whole life, and has entertained thousands with her unique sound, and artistic skills on screen with her roles on Netflix's #1 series, Orange Is the New Black (2013) as Flaca.
At a young age, Jackie has made amazing strides in her career with being named one of the "Top Latino Powerhouses in Hollywood Under 40" by The Hollywood Reporter in November 2013. She joined the list with star-studded names that include Eva Longoria, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and many more.
In addition, Jackie continues to evolve her career as a singer by working on new material for her English and Spanish EP. Recently, Jackie was a Fashion Correspondent during 2014's New York Fashion Week for OK! Magazine, and was named by Latina Magazine as their "Celebrity Style Crush" and "Best Dress Latina."- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Wilson J Heredia was always surrounded by music. His mother was a seamstress and his father was a super. But they were both very musical. He studied medicine, and thought about advertising, but he realized he had to express himself, so he got into acting. He worked at a railway station in NY before he auditioned for the musical, RENT. He said he needed the $300 a week. Unbeknownst to him, his stint with the hit-musical would bring him popularity as a singer, dancer and actor, fans from all over the world and both the 1996 Tony award and Drama Desk award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.- Actor
- Soundtrack
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Rhenzy Feliz was born on 26 October 1997 in New York City, New York, USA. He is an actor, known for Encanto (2021), Runaways (2017) and The Tender Bar (2021).- Actress
- Producer
Judy Marte was born on 12 April 1983 in New York City, New York, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for Raising Victor Vargas (2002), NYC 22 (2012) and On the Outs (2004).- Actress
- Producer
Patrícia Mota is known for G.I. Jesus (2006), State Property: Blood on the Streets (2005) and Jasmim: O Sonho do Cinema (1996).- Actress
- Soundtrack
In a world weary of war and dispirited by the ravages of the Great Depression, Hollywood at the turn of the 1940s concocted a wildly popular, effective lot of escapist fare (though often cheaply made) to regale the sick at heart worldwide. Universal Pictures, more often than not, led in producing such films. We know about the monster movies: wolf men, invisible men -- and invisible women too, for that matter. We know about Sherlock Holmes chasing not killer hounds in 1890 but chasing killer Nazis a half- century later. Such were among typical Universal "B" productions. Enter Maria de Santo Silas -- Maria Montez. This daughter of a Spanish diplomat traveled extensively after being educated in the Canary Islands and attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to establish herself as a stage actress in Europe. In 1940 she found herself in New York City, a model. Her screen career began in 1941, with Universal casting her in bit parts. On account of her strikingly exotic looks and her exotic accent, the studio soon paired her with other "exotics" (Sabu and Turhan Bey), and usually with a more "home-style" hero (Jon Hall), in a series of low-budget adventures, filmed in Technicolor and situated in fantasy lands, with Montez herself often situated in revealing dress. With Montez threatened by all manner of nastiness -- from evil caliphs to man-eating sharks to her own cobra-worshipping twin sister (!) -- her pictures soon became immensely popular, even though she could not really act, could not dance and could not sing. Audiences flocked to see her films, just to witness the trials and endurance of an alluring beauty in distress (as well, perhaps, as to glimpse some scantily clad, beauteous flesh). The Depression having long since passed, the end of World War II meant also the end of flying carpets and sand dunes and deadly reptiles as potential subjects for attracting moviegoers. That bit of history, plus a bit of girth added to Montez's frame, led her and her husband, the actor Jean-Pierre Aumont, to abandon Hollywood for Europe, where she would appear in a handful of French and Italian adventure films. On 7 September 1951 Maria Montez was discovered drowned in her bath, possibly having first suffered a heart attack.- The recipient of a Best Actor Emmy Award (NY Area); Alex Paez was born in Manhattan and raised in Queens New York, USA. He is an actor who has had the privilege and honor of not only acquiring his Broadway credit (under the Direction of the great Hal Prince), but his West End credit as well. He is known for Meteor (2009), CSI: Miami (2002) Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013) & various others.
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Dascha Polanco is a Dominican American actress known for playing the character Dayanara "Daya" Diaz on Orange Is the New Black (2013). As of January 2018, she has a recurring role on The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2016) as Detective Lori Weider. Polanco was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and moved to the United States at a young age. She was raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York and Miami by her father, a mechanic, and mother, a cosmetologist. Polanco is the oldest of three children; she has a brother and sister.- Actress
- Producer
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Dania is a Latin American actress born in the Dominican Republic. She grew up, living with her grandmother, in a poor household. Her parents left for the United States, when she was 6-months old, and she finally joined them in New York when she was age 10.
She knew from a young age that she wanted to act. She was discovered by a model scout and cast in a soda commercial. She attended the Actor's workshop in New York City and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career.
Her first job was Jay-Z's girlfriend in his music video, Streets Is Watching (1998). She went on to appear in high profile TV shows The Sopranos (1999), Entourage (2004) and Heroes (2006). She has also appeared in films and, in 2012, she was cast in American Reunion (2012). She is currently starring on Lifetime's Devious Maids (2013) as 'Rosie Falta'.- Actor
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- Cinematographer
Silvestre Rasuk was born on 5 September 1987 in New York City, New York, USA. He is an actor and director, known for Law & Order (1990), Blue Bloods (2010) and Tommy (2020).- Actor
- Editorial Department
- Camera and Electrical Department
Julian Scott Urena is known for Falling Down (1993), Return of the Living Dead III (1993) and The Pest (1997).- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Jessy Terrero is a Dominican-American filmmaker and non-writing executive producer who first gained recognition for his work in the music video industry, creating iconic videos for artists such as Jennifer Lopez, 50 Cent, Enrique Iglesias, Daddy Yankee, Maluma and Bad Bunny, amassing over 21 billion views collectively. Terrero, who is considered one of the most influential music video directors in urban culture, transitioned into Film and TV with his first move being the cult classic SOUL PLANE, a film that marked the debut of comedian Kevin Hart and Sofia Vergara. His long standing relationship with 50 Cent led him to direct a series of features in which the rap icon starred in including, FREELANCERS with Robert De Niro and Forrest Whitaker; and GUN with Val Kilmer.
Wanting to honor his heritage, Terrero started to focus his directing and producing efforts in the Latinx market bringing with him the experience garnered in his previous projects. He created and directed the Netflix Original NICKY JAM: EL GANADOR. The success of the show led him to a blind deal with YouTube Originals where he developed BRAVAS, an all-female cast series set in Puerto Rico. Under his production company Cinema Giants, Jessy continues to develop stories for the international market as well as partnering with domestic buyers such as Showtime or Apple, where he currently has series in development and is attached to direct.- Visual Effects
- Additional Crew
- Animation Department
Jorge Heredia was born on 7 August 1982 in Oakland, California, USA. He is known for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014), Megamind (2010) and Rings (2017).- Carolina Pozo, also known as Caro, is a Miami, Fl native. First generation Cuban - American, daughter to parents Justo and Sylvia Pozo. She attended Florida International University where she received her 'Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre' and spent her summers in New York City training at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts for Musical theatre CAP 21 and New York Film Academy.
Fun Facts: Her late paternal grandfather, Luis Pozo, was the former senator of Havana, Cuba and great grandfather, Justo Luis Pozo, was the mayor of Havana,Cuba (pre- communist government). - Producer
- Actress
- Writer
Aida Rodriguez is a writer/performer, comedian and actor. Lauded by Esquire Magazine as "raucously funny," she has become a favorite with fans and critics alike. With her first hour stand-up special set to premiere and her own TV series in development, both at HBOMax, Aida is bound for the comedy stratosphere.
In November 2021, Aida's first hour stand-up special Fighting Words premiered on HBOMax. In the special, the comedian takes to the stage to address today's audiences about the social issues of the day, not just because they're ripped from the headlines, but because they are in the pages torn out of her personal life. Additionally, Rodriguez is developing her own half hour comedy series with HBOMax based on her own incredible life story, which. Co-written and Executive Produced by Rodriguez, Chris Case (Showtime's Flatbush Misdemeanors) and Nastaran Dibai (Netflix's Dear White People), the project examines the struggle of a comedian (Rodriguez) who is trying to kick start a career while raising two very different teenagers on her own over multiple time zones. It is an uplifting story of survival and triumph in the face of a darkly funny Miami inner-city upbringing, where she learned skills that allowed her to thrive and endure.- Casting Director
- Casting Department
- Executive
Brandon Henry Rodriguez is an advocate for actors - he takes extreme care to create a safe, creative, and collaborative environment. Ultimately, there's no one out there like him when it comes to reading and hiring talent. Having been in the entertainment industry for over 15 years, his passion for actors and their craft is evidenced by both his approach in the room and the material with which he chooses to align himself.
He got his start in casting as an assistant for FX's "Wilfred" then quickly moved his way up to an associate working on various network television shows and award-winning independent films. In 2017, Brandon created his company - BHR Casting - which has cast numerous films starring such talent as Vince Vaughn, Alexis Bledel, Liam Hemsworth, and Kurt Russell to name just a few. Brandon has quickly become one of Hollywood's most watched up-and-coming casting directors.- Actress
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- Producer
This Dominican New York native began her career at the age of seven performing on Off-Broadway plays with the Harlem Children's Theatre. She continued her musical theater training and was accepted to the New York City High School of the Performing Arts. Vergi has appeared in music videos and on tours with such artists as Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Shaggy, and Prince. She was cast in Disney's The Hot Chick (2002) and on MTV's "Scratch & Burn" (2002). Vergi was assistant choreographer on Universal's Honey (2003) hired for Movement Research for Jessica Alba. and received her first feature film choreography credit in MGM's release Soul Plane (2004). Vergi continued acting and took sketch writing classes with a focus on fine-tuning her improvisational skills while training at the national improv-sketch comedy theatre Upright Citizens Brigade. In January 2018, Vergi appeared in Tru Tv's "Laff Tracks." In June 2019, she appeared in Jim Carrey's Showtime show "I'm Dying Up Here" in the role of Adella opposite Ari Graynor. Ms. Rodriguez wrote, directed, and performed as the lead character "Lily Cruz" in her short film "Dreamer" about the plight of DACA recipients in the United States. It has since been an official selection on over 70 film festivals. Including the Boston Latino Film Festival where it won the Audience Award, New York Latino Film Festival, Geena Davis' Bentonville Film Festival and the Diversity in Cannes showcase that took place during the Festival De Cannes.- Ulysses Lopez is an American actor born in New York City, NY. He is the son to parents born in the Dominican Republic and first generation born in the United States. Ulysses has been entertaining since the age of two when his family would video record him as a child. His family realized he showed an interest in acting after he saw the movie "Big" starring Tom Hanks. He later went on to graduate from Manheim Township High School located in Lancaster,Pennsylvania. After high school, he played football at Shippensburg University but left after his freshman year due to 9/11 and felt compelled to join the United States Army. While in the Army, he was on the Army Boxing Team in Dexheim, Germany and was later stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He became a Sergeant and served two tours in Iraq under the command of the 4th Infantry Division. Lopez earned a B.A.in Communication: Media Arts & Broadcast Journalism at St. Edward's University located in Austin, Texas. While in Austin, he was finally able to pursue his dream of acting.
- Rick Gonzalez was born on June 30th 1979 in New York City and raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn. He attended the "Fame" High School of performing arts where he studied Acting. Graduating in 1997 to pursue a career, Rick briefly worked in New York and later moved to Los Angeles to continue work. After two years of being in LA, Rick landed a role in the Disney film The Rookie (2002) opposite Dennis Quaid. Rick is now currently working on other projects set to be due out in the near future.
- A Brooklyn native, Vasi signed to Ford Models at the age of 12. She went on to grace the pages of international campaigns for ELLE, Marie Claire, GQ Italy and more. She appeared in numerous on-camera and print campaigns for leading cosmetic, hair care and fashion brands including Olay, Bobbi Brown, Dove, Urban Decay, M·A·C, L'Oreal, Target, Doll House, American Eagle, Republic and more. Her breakout role was in ABC's longstanding daytime soap opera "All My Children". Vasi starred as Randi Morgan, former prostitute and wife of series veteran Frankie Hubbard from 2008-2011. Vasi relocated with production from New York to Los Angeles. She was seen as Ruby in the critically acclaimed Steven Soderbergh-directed feature film Magic Mike, opposite Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey, and in Charles Murray's debut indie drama Things Never Said. Vasi starred as smart, savvy, businesswoman, and leading lady Raquel Lancaster in VH1's hit, one-hour scripted series, "Single Ladies." Which was produced for three seasons by Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment, "Single Ladies" chronicles three friends and their take on love, dating and female friendship. Vasi's additional credits include feature films "The Good Guy" opposite Alexis Bledel, and "What's Your Number?" opposite Anna Faris and Chris Evans, and roles on television shows "White Collar," "Law and Order: Criminal Intent," "The Protector," and "How To Make It In America." Vasi's other interests include dance, fitness and philanthropy. She helped raise over $800,000 for addiction recovery as co-chairman of Caron Renaissance's "Save A Life Event." Vasi resides in Los Angeles.
- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Alisa Reyes is a born and raised New Yorker who is Irish, Italian and Dominican and now resides in California. She is known for her role on Nickelodeon's "All That" as a series regular seasons (1-3) & season 11 where she played herself and multiple roles. Alisa is also a series regular on the Emmy & NAACP Award Winning Disney Plus cartoon "The Proud Family: Louder & Prouder" with new episodes airing now. Alisa plays the bossy, but oh so lovable "La Cienega Boulevardez". She has also starred in NBC's "One World" as the Cuban-born entrepreneur of the group. Peter Engel created the show. Alisa received the coveted Hollywood Young Star Award for her role of Marci Blake in "One World". Thinking you may recognize her from some other show? Well check out her credits on "Without A Trace" (CBS), "Strong Medicine" (LIFETIME), "NYPD Blue" (ABC), "ER" (NBC), as well as the controversial Trina on "Boston Public" (FOX) and "Six Feet Under" (HBO) and on the Emmy nominated PBS series "The American Family", portraying the younger Vangie. The list is endless, with lots more to come. Alisa was also on NBCs "Passions", where she joined the cast as the beautiful and exotic singer Sydney Valentine causing nothing but heartache for the lovelorn super couple Chad and Whitney, but also making her mark as a strong recording artist. She also was a recurring on CBS's "The Bold & the Beautiful" as the sassy Ginger. Check out Alisa's latest film "Sisters" written and directed by Jahmar Hill. She plays the role of Elise in this crime/thriller action film set to release in 2023 on BET. You can also see Alisa star in "Break Even" which is out now. The film is written by CJ Walley and directed by Shane Stanley. This will be Alisa's 4th project with Shane Stanley. Alisa plays Rosie in the film. "Break Even" is an action, adventure, love story you will not want to miss.
Alisa also starred in films such as "Daze", "The Biz" and "FreezerBurn" to name a few. Along with other films such as "A Trip to the Dark Side" and "My Trip Back to the Dark Side" directed by Shane Stanely. Alisa is also in a film called "Heavenly Deposit" which is supported by The Dove Foundation as the role of Jenny. You can also make it a movie night and watch her movie "Players" she stars in with Freddie Rodriguez. Along with her latest documentary that she is producing a long side Scott Barber and Bill Parks starring as herself called "The Orange Years" about 80s & 90s Nickelodeon nostalgia which is out on most platforms. You can also see Alisa in a documentary called "Butterfly in the Sky" which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2022 and which will be out soon on most platforms this coming 2023. Alisa's latest single " Back & Forth" featuring and produced by Linnie King Twigg and mixed & mastered by DJ EVIL DEE, along with her single "Sexy Hot" are now available on all media platforms through TuneCore, iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify and more. Alisa prior to her solo music career was in a girls group called "3G's" signed with HollyWood Records. The group had a song on "The Princess Diaries Soundtrack" called "Second Chance". As if all this was not enough Alisa dedicates some of her off time to charities such as: The American Cancer Society, Kids with a Cause, Green Means Go, Ronald McDonald House, Make a Wish, Hope for Firefighters, United Nations, Children's Hospital, National Wildlife Federation as well as The Hollywood Knights celebrity charity basketball league. Alisa is also a board member for the non profit dance company called CDI - California Dance Institute. Alisa is always giving back to the community anyway she can. Alisa had her own racing team with SuperBoat International based out of Key-west, Florida. Alisa drove a 29 footer Fountain Mercury where she was sponsored by Dollhouse Footwear. Alisa was also a voice jockey for Sirius 198 channel and also had her very own podcast called "The Alisa Reyes Show" which was on blogtalkradio.com Does she ever get tired? When Alisa is not on set she is teaching children and adult acting classes and coaches all ages privately. Alisa also is a motivational speaker as well as writes and produces and is currently working on a multitude of new projects this 2023. Alisa was born on February 3. She started modeling at 8 and attended The Professional Performing Arts School in NYC, where she focused on musical theater. Alisa is a new mom and is loving every minute of it. She also loves to return to her east coast roots every chance she gets! For more on Alisa contact @eristalentagency- Actor
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Jencarlos Canela was born on 21 April 1988 in Miami, Florida, USA. He is an actor and writer, known for The Man from Toronto (2022), A Chance to Love (2007) and Telenovela (2015).- Jerú Sánchez (@jeru_sanchez) is a child actor from the Dominican Republic, born on November 1st, 2010 in South Miami, FL (USA) to Dominican parents.
At a very young age, he developed interest in music and artistic performances. He started acting for films at the age of 8. At 12, he has been in a total of 3 feature films, 1 short film, 4 musical theatre performances and multiple printed and audiovisual Ads in the Dominican Republic.
In his free time, Jerú enjoys reading, playing football (soccer) and basketball, and watching documentary and historical Internet TV shows. His favorite food are burgers.
Jerú lives in Santo Domingo with his mother, his little sister and his Maltese doggie, Cariñosa. He is an advanced student at Theamus Musical Theater Academy of Santo Domingo, and also takes weekly online acting classes with The Young Actors Studio, based in North Hollywood, California. - Actor
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Thomas Ochoa (he/they) is a Gender Fluid + Latinx performer, known for their ability to portray characters across the the spectrum of gender and sexual orientation.
Classically, being able to flow through the "comedy/drama" binary has been the mark of a great actor. While adept at this himself, Thomas is also pushing the boundaries of another classic binary - male/female. But rather than merely playing both sides of the binary, Thomas excels at and strives to operate outside of it entirely. They look forward to playing roles that will challenge the idea of the "traditionally male" or "always female" part.
His notable credits include iCarly (Paramount+), The Neighborhood (CBS), Twenties (BET) Home Economics (ABC), Reasonable Doubt (Hulu), 9-1-1 (Fox), and Me Time (Netflix). In addition, their versatile drag persona Pocket Turlington is specifically calibrated for scripted on-camera work and is featured in the feature God Save The Queens, which premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.
Prior to escaping to the coast they earned their B.A. in Architectural History from Arizona State University.- Actor
- Additional Crew
Victor Rasuk was born on 15 January 1984 in New York City, New York, USA. He is an actor, known for Lords of Dogtown (2005), Godzilla (2014) and Fifty Shades of Grey (2015).- Actress
- Producer
The Brooklyn born and raised native New Yorker is a Latina of mixed heritage. Her parents were immigrants from the Dominican Republic. Jessica is best known as an actress in her role as Maria Ruiz on the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black, and won 3 Screen Actors Guild Award wins and one nomination. She is a graduate of the High School for the Performing Arts (a.k.a. "Fame") in New York City and the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, also in New York City, where she holds a degree in Theater Arts where she was awarded the Cleavon Little scholarship and was a member of the professional acting company.
Music Career- Jessica began playing music at a very young age and has traveled around the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Japan as both a classical violinist and Hardcore/ Heavy Metal musician and has played at various notable venues such as CBGB, Landmark's Mayan Theatre and Carnegie Hall. Jessica is the lead vocalist and recording guitarist for the Brooklyn, NY based heavy metal band Alekhine's Gun and featured vocalist, La Bruja Encabronada, in the iconic heavy music band Brujeria. She is a featured vocalist in projects by 'Black Heart Sutra', 'Brick by Brick' and 'Origin' and her violin playing was featured on the track "Ormen's Offer" by Swedish Electrogoth and Valhall and "Love Letter" by Butterbrain. Previously she was the Bassist for NY heavy metal/ Hardcore band Desolate. She is a featured and endorsed artist for Spector basses, Gibson guitars and Darkglass Amps.
Other Interests- Jessica is a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, logic, debate and meditation in the Gelugpa Tradition of the Dalai Lama and was trained and studied closely under the former abbot of Sera Mey Monastery, H.E. Sermey Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tharchin beginning formal study in 1994.
She is a lover of mathematics and science (cosmology, astronomy, physics and chemistry) having taken classes/lectures with Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Michio Kaku.
She is also a student of many styles of dance and martial arts.
Theatre Credits- Some of her theater credits include the American Stage production of the Pulitzer prize winning play 'Anna in the Tropics' and the Shakespeare Theater's production of a 'A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings' adapted by Nilo Cruz. She was also seen in the leading role of Mathilde in the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater's production of 'The Clean House' by Sarah Ruhl and the Seattle Repertory Theater's production of Eduardo Machado's 'The Cook' . In 2008 she played the role of Juliet in an abridged, contemporary version of 'Romeo and Juliet' in a Theatreworks USA production national tour and originated the role of Lupita in the off Broadway show 'Aliens with Extraordinary Skills' by Romanian playwright Saviana Stanescu. She was also featured as Yessenia in the Clubbed Thumb production of 'Enfrascada' by Tanya Saracho and took on the one woman show 'Surfer Girl' by Leslye Headland. Her most recent Role was in Yonder Window theater company's production of 'Jasper' by Grant MacDermot
She considers both New York City and Stockholm, Sweden home.- Actor
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Hemky was born Hemky Louis Madera on January 26, 1977 in Queens, New York, to Dominican parents Luis and Gisela Madera. Moved to Santiago, Dominican Republic at the age of two months. Graduated from Santiago Christian School and after a series of different jobs, Hemky decided to give his long standing desire to act a go. His first move forward came to much acclaim on the widely known television production of "Grandes Series Dominicanas". He then garnered the lead for the mini-series "En La Olla", followed by "Trio en Alta Mar" *; both directed by renowned Dominican director and producer Alfonso Rodriguez. After a short stay in New York City, where he worked on the film production of "Bookies Lament", Hemky returned to the Dominican Republic to star in the mini-series "Asalto en la Lincoln". Immediately after, became a part of the Primetime television series production and cast member of both hit sitcoms "Los Electrolocos"(lead) and "Ciudad Nueva". His first theatrical performance was in "Pantallas", produced and staged at Santo Domingo's Great National Theatre. Then back to New York to be in the Inverse Theatre's production of "Icarus and Aria". After workshops and internships at The Actor's Studio and Gene Frankel Theatre, he was cast in "Life is a Dream", "The Mistress of the Inn" (reviewed by The New York Times), "Chronicles of a Death Foretold", "Blood Weddings", "Midnight Brainwash Revival", Feast of the Goat", ( a New York Spanish Repertoire's production), "Burning the Bridges", and "Belisa's Capriciousness". Television credits in renowned Primetime shows like "The Shield" and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent". His recurring role as Ignacio on SHOWTIME's "Weeds" and HBO's "Luck", with Dustin Hoffman. Movie roles include performances with actors such as Harvey Kietel, Gael Garcia Bernal and Diana Bracho in the film "Dreaming of Julia", where he portrayed a young human rights crusader in 1950s Cuba. "The Lost City" with Andy Garcia, Dustin Hoffman and Bill Murray. The Gore Verbinski film "Rango" with Johnny Depp and Ray Winstone.