Selenis Leyva Biography
Selenis Leyva is a Cuban-American actress who was born in Baracoa, Cuba and brought up in The Bronx, New York City, United States of America. She is widely known for her roles in Taina as Titi Rose, Orange Is the New Black as Gloria Mendoza, Diary of a Future President as Gabi Cañero-Reed, Spider-Man: Homecoming as Monica Warren, Maria Full of Grace as Customs Inspector, and in Law & Order as Detective Mariluz Rivera.
10 Quick Facts About Selenis Leyva
- Name: Selenis Leyva
- Age: 51 Years (As of 2023)
- Birthday: 26 May
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m)
- Nationality: Cuban-American
- Occupation: Actress
- Marital Status: Single
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $2.5 Million
Selenis Leyva Age
Leyva is 51 years old as of 2023, she was born on 26 May 1972, in Baracoa, Cuba. She celebrates her birthday on 26 May every year and her birth sign is Gemini.
Selenis Leyva Height
Leyva stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m). Her body measurements are 32-26-32 inches.
Selenis Leyva Weight
Leyva Weighs 61 kg (134.5 lbs). She has dark brown eyes and dark brown hair.
Early Life and Education
Leyva was born on May 26, 1972, in Baracoa, Cuba. Her family moved to the United States when she was just a baby, and she was raised in the Bronx, New York City.
Leyva attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, where she discovered her love for acting. After high school, she continued to pursue acting and attended Lehman College in the Bronx, where she studied theater.
In addition to her studies, Leyva also worked as a freelance makeup artist, which helped her to support herself while pursuing her acting career. She later attended the Herbert Berghof Studio in New York City, where she further honed her acting skills.
Rise to Fame
Leyva’s rise to fame began in the 1990s when she started acting in various stage productions and TV shows. She appeared in minor roles in popular TV shows such as “Law & Order,” “The Sopranos,” and “Third Watch.”
In 2004, Leyva gained critical acclaim for her role in the independent film “Maria Full of Grace,” in which she played the character of Nurse Lucy. The film won several awards and received international recognition, which helped to elevate Leyva’s career.
Leyva continued to work steadily in the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous TV shows and films over the years. However, it was her portrayal of Gloria Mendoza in the hit Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black” that truly launched her into the mainstream. The show premiered in 2013 and ran for seven seasons, earning Leyva widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
Since then, Leyva has continued to act in both TV and film, and she has also become an advocate for social justice causes, particularly those related to the LGBTQ+ community. She is now regarded as one of the most prominent and accomplished Latina actresses in Hollywood.
Selenis Leyva Family, Parents
Leyva was born to her parents in Cuba and raised in the United States . Our efforts to find out more about her family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Selenis’ parents is still unclear. We will update this section once this information is available.
Selenis Leyva Siblings
Leyva spent her childhood with her five younger siblings, two brothers named Tony Leyva and Arnol Leyva and three sisters named Amber Leyva, Isa Leyva, and Marisol Leyva. Her sister Marizol, is a transgender woman who is a model, cook, author, and activist.
Selenis Leyva Sister
Leyva has a sister who is a transgender woman named Marizol Leyva. They co-authored the book ‘My Sister: How One Sibling’s Transition Changed Us Both‘. The book was published by Bold Type Books in March 2020.
Selenis Leyva Husband, Partner
Leyva has not gone public with her relationship, it is not publicly known whether she is married or in a relationship. Her partner’s information will be updated as soon as the information is available.
Selenis Leyva Daughter
Leyva has one child, a daughter named Alina. There have been speculations that she adopted Alina. However, Selenis has not confirmed or denied it.
Selenis Leyva Salary
There are no details showing her annual or monthly earnings, her salary figures will be updated as soon as they are available.
Selenis Leyva Net Worth
Leyva has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money and income. Her primary source of income is her career as an actress. Through her various sources of income, Selenis has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Selenis Leyva Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Selenis.
Selenis Leyva Wiki
- Full Names: Selenis Leyva
- Popular As: Selenis
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Actress
- Nationality: Cuban-American
- Race / Ethnicity: Multiracial (Cuban and Dominican descent)
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Selenis Leyva Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 51 years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Date of Birth: 26 May 1972
- Place of Birth: Baracoa, Cuba
- Birthday: 26 May
Selenis Leyva Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: 32-26-32 inches
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m)
- Weight: 61 kg (134.5 lbs)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Shoe Size: 8 (US)
- Dress Size: 8 (US)
- Breast Size: 32 inches
- Waist Size: 26 inches
- Hip Size: 32 inches
Selenis Leyva Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Not Known
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Arnol Leyva, Isa Leyva, Tony Leyva, Amber Leyva, and Marizol Leyva
- Marital Status: Single
- Husband/Spouse: Not Applicable
- Dating / Boyfriend: Single
- Children: Daughter(s) (Alina) Sons (None)
Selenis Leyva Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $2.5 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Actress
Selenis Leyva Career
She began her vocation with theater and performed in various creations at Off-Broadway. Likewise, it has been dynamic in media outlets since 1999 and has done the lead role in TV programs such as Law & Order, Third Watch, The Good Wife, The Sopranos, Elementry, Girls. She made her first debut of a motion picture in the movie Debutante.
She began acting in the famous series “Orange Is the New Black” in 2013. In addition, it has finished three periods of a similar up until now. Leyva, the multi-talented Cuban-American superstar, is the bride of many fans, and you may be wondering how she became such a superstar in an environment with many talents.
Selenis Leyva Orange Is The New Black
Gloria Mendoza is the main character and an inmate at the federal Maximum Security prison since Season 6, portrayed by Selenis Leyva. She ends up taking over the kitchen after Red is ousted, but then quit running it in Season Three so she could have more time for visitors. Leyva was also the leader of the Spanish Harlem until Season Four when Maria Ruiz took over.
She serves as an anti-villain towards the last few episodes in Season 5 due to her plan of selling out the riot in order to see her son. In Season 6 she was taken to Max with the other Litchfield inmates because of the riot. By the end of Season 6, she is in SHU because she found out about Fantasy Inmate.
Selenis Leyva Law And Order
Leyva is an actress who played eight different characters in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. She is probably best known for playing Detective Mariluz Rivera in several episodes from Law & Order.
Selenis Rivera Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- 2000 – Debutante as Daisy Dominguez
- 2002 – Apartment #5C as Luisa
- 2004 – Maria Full of Grace as Customs Inspector
- 2007 – Illegal Tender as Wanda
- 2007 – Ben’s Plan as Maria
- 2009 – Don’t Let Me Drown as Sonia
- 2009 – Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs as Additional Voices
- 2010 – Sex and the City 2 as Teacher
- 2010 – Trouble Child as Trouble Child
- 2011 – Man in the Mirror as Sonia
- 2012 – Ice Age: Continental Drift as Additional Voices
- 2013 – Epic as Additional Voices
- 2014 – Living with the Dead as Dr. Quenda
- 2015 – Chapter & Verse as Yolanda
- 2016 – Custody as Jackie
- 2016 – I Can I Will I Did as Maria
- 2017 – Spider-Man: Homecoming as Monica Warren
- 2020 – Shadows as Pamela
- 2022 – Breaking as Rosa Diaz
- 2023 – Creed III as Laura Chavez
TV Shows
- 1999 – Law & Order as Louisa
- 1999 – Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as Lorinda Gutierrez
- 2001 – The $treet as Kate
- 2001 – Law & Order as DeeDee Salazar
- 2001 – Taina as Titi Rose
- 2001 – 100 Centre Street as Delfina Romero
- 2002 – Law & Order: Criminal Intent as Isabella Costas
- 2003 – Third Watch as Phyllis
- 2004 – Third Watch as Gonzalez
- 2004 – Law & Order as Nita Cabrera
- 2005 – Law & Order: Criminal Intent as Warden’s Secretary
- 2004–2006 – Law & Order as Detective Mariluz Rivera
- 2006 – The Sopranos as Jill Dibiaso
- 2007 – Dirty Sexy Money as Detective Angelina Adams
- 2008 – New Amsterdam as Susan Boyle
- 2010 – Law & Order as Rona Henderson
- 2010 – The Good Wife as Marisol
- 2010 – The Whole Truth as Claudia
- 2011 – Law & Order: Criminal Intent as Detective Mariluz Rivera
- 2011 – Person of Interest as Hosking
- 2011–2012 – Blue Bloods as Assistant M.E. Craig
- 2012 – Girls as Chastity
- 2012 – Elementary as Sara Castillo
- 2013 – The Following as Detective Morales
- 2013–2019 – Orange Is the New Black as Gloria Mendoza
- 2015 – Madam Secretary as Bolivian Ambassador Mariana Dominguez
- 2015 – Veep as Governor Ramos
- 2018–2021 – DuckTales as Detective Cabrera Voice
- 2018 – Dietland as Belle
- 2018 – Maniac as Patricia Lugo
- 2018 – Murphy Brown asMaria Gonzales
- 2019 – Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as Samantha Morgan
- 2020–2021 – Diary of a Future President as Gabi Cañero-Reed
- 2020–2021 – Saved by the Bell as Ms. Jimenez
- 2022 – Our Flag Means Death as Nana
- 2022–present – Lopez vs Lopez as Rosie
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
As an actress and advocate, Selenis Leyva has had many notable travel, events, and experiences throughout her career. Here are a few examples:
- Selenis has attended many red carpet events and award shows throughout her career, including the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Emmy Awards, and the GLAAD Media Awards.
- Selenis has also been a guest at several high-profile events, including the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where she represented the cast of “Orange Is the New Black” in 2015.
- As an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Selenis has participated in numerous Pride events and rallies, including the New York City Pride March.
- Selenis has also traveled to various parts of the world for her work, including Colombia, where she filmed the movie “Maria Full of Grace,” and the Dominican Republic, where she filmed the movie “Isolation.”
- In addition, Selenis has participated in charity events and fundraisers, such as the Race to Deliver, which benefits the God’s Love We Deliver organization in New York City.
Future Aspirations and Goals
As an actress and advocate, Selenis Leyva has already accomplished a great deal in her career, but she continues to have aspirations and goals for the future. Here are some of the things she has expressed an interest in pursuing:
- Selenis has expressed a desire to take on more roles that challenge her as an actress and allow her to showcase her range.
- Selenis has also spoken about wanting to continue her advocacy work for the LGBTQ+ community and other social justice causes.
- Selenis has expressed an interest in expanding her work into other areas of the entertainment industry, such as producing or directing.
- Selenis has also expressed a desire to write a book about her experiences as a Latina actress in Hollywood.
- In addition, Selenis has said that she wants to continue to use her platform to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and make a positive impact in the world.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Selenis Leyva has been active in various philanthropic, charitable, and community involvement initiatives throughout her career. Here are some examples of her social impact:
- Selenis has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and she has worked with organizations such as GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Hetrick-Martin Institute to promote LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
- Selenis has also been involved with organizations that focus on social justice causes, such as the ACLU, the Anti-Defamation League, and the National Immigration Law Center.
- In 2018, Selenis teamed up with The Body Shop to support the End Bullying Now campaign, which aims to raise awareness of bullying and promote kindness and acceptance.
- Selenis has also been involved in various charity events, including the Race to Deliver, which benefits the God’s Love We Deliver organization in New York City.
- Selenis has been an advocate for mental health awareness, and she has spoken publicly about her own struggles with depression and anxiety. She has worked with organizations such as Mental Health America to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues.
- In addition to her advocacy work, Selenis has also been involved in community outreach programs, such as mentoring young women in the arts and speaking to students about the importance of education and pursuing their passions.
Selenis Leyva Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Selenis Leyva has had a successful career as an actress, and she has received several awards and nominations for her work. Here are some of her notable accomplishments and achievements:
- In 2005, Selenis was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female for her role in the film “Maria Full of Grace.”
- Selenis received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for her work in “Orange Is the New Black” in 2015.
- In 2016, Selenis received the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Award for her advocacy work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Selenis was honored with the Visionary Award at the 2019 Latino Media Fest for her contributions to the entertainment industry and her advocacy for social justice causes.
- In 2021, Selenis was named one of the “50 Most Beautiful” by People en Español.
Legacy
Selenis’ legacy is one of talent, dedication, and advocacy. As an actress, she has left her mark on the entertainment industry with her powerful performances and her ability to bring complex and nuanced characters to life on screen. Her work on “Orange Is the New Black” in particular has been praised for its impact on the representation of diverse and underrepresented communities in media.
In addition to her acting career, Selenis has also been a dedicated advocate for social justice causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and immigration reform. She has used her platform to raise awareness of important issues and promote positive change in the world.
Selenis’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and advocates, who will look to her as a role model for how to use their talent and influence to make a difference in the world.
Hobbies and Interests
- Selenis is an avid reader and has shared her love of books on social media. She often posts about what she is currently reading and recommends books to her followers.
- Selenis is also a fan of music and enjoys attending concerts and festivals. She has spoken about how music inspires her and helps her to relax and unwind.
- Selenis is a supporter of the arts and enjoys visiting museums and art galleries. She has also expressed an interest in exploring her own artistic side through painting and other forms of creative expression.
- Selenis is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys working out and staying active. She has shared her workout routines on social media and has spoken about the importance of taking care of her physical and mental health.
- Selenis is a foodie and enjoys trying new restaurants and cuisines. She has shared her love of food on social media and has even participated in cooking competitions.
Personal Beliefs
- Selenis is a strong advocate for social justice causes and believes in using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change in the world.
- Selenis is a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and believes in promoting equality and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Selenis has spoken publicly about her own struggles with depression and anxiety, and she believes in reducing stigma around mental health issues and promoting access to mental health resources.
- Selenis is a believer in the power of education and has spoken about how her own education has helped her to succeed in her career. She has advocated for increased access to education and mentorship opportunities for underprivileged and underserved communities.
- Selenis is a proponent of self-care and believes in taking care of one’s physical, emotional, and mental health. She has spoken about the importance of prioritizing self-care and has shared her own self-care routines with her followers on social media.
Quotes
Final Thoughts
Selenis is a talented actress and passionate advocate who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry and beyond. Her work on shows like “Orange Is the New Black” has helped to increase representation and visibility for diverse and underrepresented communities, and her advocacy work has raised awareness of important social justice causes.
Selenis’ personal beliefs and values reflect her commitment to using her platform for good and promoting equality, acceptance, and self-care. She is a strong role model for aspiring actors and advocates, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selenis Leyva
Selenis is a renowned actress who gained extensive recognition for her roles in the films Taina (2001) and Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019).
Selenis is a Cuban-American national born on 26th May 1972, in Baracoa, Cuba.
Selenis stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters).
Details about Selenis’ love life are still under review. We will let you know when she gets in a relationship or when we discover helpful information about her love life.
Selenis has an approximate net worth of $2.5 million. This amount has been accrued from her leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Details about Selenis’ salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much she makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Selenis is a resident of New York City, New York, USA, we shall upload pictures of her house as soon as we have them.
Selenis is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of her being sick or having any health-related issues.
Selenis is still an active participant in the creative entertainment industry, she is a cast member of Lopez vs Lopez.
Selenis Leyva Contacts
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