About selenis leyva from orange is the new black

Selenis Leyva is an American actress, best known for her role as Gloria Mendoza on the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black". Here are some interesting facts about her:

  1. Early life: Leyva was born on May 26, 1972, in Queens, New York, to Puerto Rican parents. She grew up in a large family with five siblings.
  2. Acting career: Leyva began her acting career in the early 2000s, appearing in small roles on TV shows such as "Law & Order" and "Third Watch". Her breakthrough role came when she was cast as Gloria Mendoza on "Orange is the New Black" in 2013.
  3. Gloria Mendoza: Leyva's portrayal of Gloria, a tough and loving Latina inmate, earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Her character's storyline explored themes of identity, family, and redemption.
  4. Awards and nominations: Leyva received several award nominations for her performance on "Orange is the New Black", including a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
  5. Other projects: In addition to her work on "Orange is the New Black", Leyva has appeared in TV shows such as "The Good Wife", "Blue Bloods", and "Elementary". She has also had roles in films like "The Other Woman" and "The Angriest Man in Brooklyn".
  6. Advocacy: Leyva is an advocate for social justice and women's rights. She has spoken out on issues such as immigration reform, police brutality, and the treatment of women in the criminal justice system.
  7. Personal life: Leyva is married to actor Stuart Blumberg, and they have two children together. She is also a stepmother to Blumberg's two children from a previous marriage.
  8. Community involvement: Leyva is involved with several charitable organizations, including the Puerto Rican Family Institute and the National Hispanic Media Coalition. She has also participated in fundraising campaigns for organizations that support women and girls.
  9. Awards and recognition: Leyva has received several awards and recognition for her work, including a star on the Puerto Rican Walk of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Puerto Rican Coalition.
  10. Legacy: Selenis Leyva's portrayal of Gloria Mendoza on "Orange is the New Black" helped to increase representation and diversity on TV, particularly for Latinx actors and characters. Her work continues to inspire and empower audiences around the world.