Jessica Pimentel is an American actress, musician, and producer, born on September 20, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York. Her ancestry includes roots in the Dominican Republic. Prior to focusing on her acting career, Pimentel established herself in the heavy metal music scene.
Pimentel is best known for her role as Maria Ruiz in the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019). Her portrayal of the complex and often volatile character garnered critical acclaim and contributed to her recognition as a versatile actress. She also appeared in episodes of Person of Interest (2012), Prime Suspect (2011), and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2015).
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Pimentel’s work on Orange Is the New Black contributed to the show’s multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. She has also received individual recognition for her acting performances in independent films and stage productions.
In addition to her acting career, Pimentel is a vocalist for the heavy metal band Alekhine’s Gun. She has toured extensively and released multiple albums with the band. Her involvement in the music scene predates her acting career and continues to be a significant part of her artistic expression.