Rosie Perez, born Rosa Maria Perez on September 6, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York City, is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, director, and activist. She spent much of her childhood in foster care.
Perez’s entertainment career began as a dancer on Soul Train in the 1980s. Her breakthrough came when Spike Lee discovered her in a nightclub and cast her in Do the Right Thing (1989) as Tina, the girlfriend of Giancarlo Esposito’s character.
Following Do the Right Thing, Perez established herself as a versatile actress, appearing in a variety of films. Her performances often showcased her strong presence and ability to portray complex characters.
Some of Rosie Perez’s most popular and critically acclaimed films include:
In addition to her film work, Perez has also appeared in television shows, including In Living Color, where she served as a choreographer and dancer. She has also worked on Broadway, including appearing in Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. She was a co-host on the daytime talk show The View from 2014 to 2015.
Perez has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Fearless (1993). She has also been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.