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Dania RamirezDominican-American actress
Date of Birth: 08.11.1979
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Childhood Dreams and Influences
- A Serendipitous Opportunity
- Embracing the Craft
- Breaking into Hollywood
- Notable Roles
- Starring in "Heroes"
- Musical Appearances
Childhood Dreams and Influences
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Dania Ramirez displayed an early passion for acting. As a young girl, she captivated her family with her enchanting performances, reenacting scenes from Spanish soap operas.
A Serendipitous Opportunity
At age 15, while working at a New York City convenience store, Ramirez's life took a serendipitous turn. Her vibrant personality caught the eye of a talent scout, who offered her a small role in a commercial. The experience ignited her desire to pursue an acting career.
Embracing the Craft
Driven by her aspirations, Ramirez enrolled in Flo Greenberg's acting workshop in New York City. She honed her skills and continued her education at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
Breaking into Hollywood
In 1997, Ramirez made her on-screen debut in HBO's "Subway Stories." This opportunity led her to connect with renowned filmmaker Spike Lee, who later cast her in his 2004 film "She Hate Me." That same year, she appeared as Laurie in "Fat Albert."
Notable Roles
Ramirez's breakthrough role came as the enigmatic Caridad in the final episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." She also portrayed Callisto in the 2006 comic book adaptation "X-Men: The Last Stand." In "The Sopranos," she captivated viewers as Blanca Selgado, AJ's love interest, a single mother with a three-year-old son named Hector.
Starring in "Heroes"
Ramirez gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Maya Herrera in the blockbuster television series "Heroes." Her performance earned her an Alma Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Series.
Musical Appearances
Beyond her acting career, Ramirez has appeared in several music videos, including Jay-Z's "Streets is Watching," Santana's "Cry Baby Cry," and Wisin & Yandel's "Dime Que Te Paso."