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Natalie MoralesAmerican actress
Date of Birth: 15.02.1985
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Natalie Morales: From Kendall to Hollywood
- Hollywood Journey
- Transition to Directing
- Personal Life
- Current Projects
Natalie Morales: From Kendall to Hollywood
Early Life and EducationBorn on February 15, 1985, in Kendall, Florida, Natalie Morales is the daughter of Cuban refugees. Raised in a religious household, she attended St. Agatha's Catholic School. Despite the lack of artistic connections in her family, Morales displayed her talent from a young age, organizing performances and finding support from her loved ones. Inspired by her grandfather's singing abilities, she developed a passion for performing. After being placed in a drama class in high school, Morales realized her love for acting and its potential as a career.
She pursued her education at the University of Miami, initially studying journalism before transferring to the University of Florida's acting program. Following graduation, Morales set her sights on Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the United States.
Hollywood Journey
With unwavering confidence, Morales and her best friend relocated to Los Angeles. Within six months, she secured an agent, Vincent Nastri, who has been her manager ever since. Morales credits Nastri for their close friendship and familial bond.
Morales' acting debut came in an episode of "CSI: Miami" in 2006. In 2008, she landed her first lead role as Wendy in the sci-fi film "The Middleman." Following that, she appeared in numerous popular television shows, including "Parks and Recreation," "90210," and "White Collar." In 2010, she had the opportunity to work alongside Hollywood legend Michael Douglas in Oliver Stone's "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps."
Throughout the 2010s, Morales continued to play supporting roles in various films and television series. Determined to grow in her profession, she decided to write her own screenplay. After discussing it with several directors, she resolved to direct the project herself.
Transition to Directing
To gain experience, Morales began directing music videos for musicians in her friend circle. With her newfound skills, she embarked on her directorial debut, "Language Lessons," which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2021. The film explores the unconventional relationship between a Spanish language teacher (played by Morales herself) and her student.
Later that year, Morales released her second directorial venture, "Plan B," a teen comedy about a high school girl's misadventures with emergency contraception. In 2023, she directed "Somebody I Used to Know" starring Jennifer Lawrence and Alison Brie.
Personal Life
Morales is open about her personal life, including her support for LGBTQ+ rights. She maintains a presence on Instagram, sharing updates about her career and personal experiences.
Current Projects
Morales continues to act, direct, and voice animate characters. In 2023, she starred in the sci-fi comedy "Astronaut," and voiced Penelope Pisaas in the animated film "Unicorn Thelma." She also joined the cast of "Grey's Anatomy," playing pediatric surgeon Monica Beltran in Season 20.
