America Ferrera Biography, Age, Family, Height, Wiki & More
America Ferrera is an American actress, producer, and director who has made a lasting impression on the entertainment business with her compelling roles and steadfast dedication to social activism. Ferrera was born in Los Angeles, California, on April 18, 1984. Her path from a young Latina girl with lofty aspirations to a well-known Hollywood star is both astounding and inspirational. Let’s explore this gifted person’s life and work, who has fought for social justice, diversity, and representation in addition to providing audiences with entertainment.
Quick View
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | America Georgina Ferrera |
| Nickname | Ferrera |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Active Years | 2002-present |
| Birthday | April 18, 1984 |
| Age Now | 39 |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University (Partial) |
| School | Calabash Street Elementary School |
| College | Not attended |
| University | University of Southern California (USC) |
| Home Town | Los Angeles, California |
| Current Town | Not publicly disclosed |
| America Ferrera Net Worth | $16 million |
| Residency | United States |
1984
A Star is Born
– April 18, 1984: America Ferrera is born in Los Angeles, California, United States.
– Born to Honduran immigrants América and Carlos Ferrera.
– Begins her journey at Calabash Street Elementary School, Woodland Hills.
1994
Discovering the Stage
– At age 10, Ferrera plays the Artful Dodger in a school production of “Oliver!”.
– Shows early talent and passion for acting.
2002
Breakthrough in Film
– America Ferrera makes her feature film debut in “Real Women Have Curves”.
– Receives critical acclaim for her performance as Ana García.
2006
Ugly Betty and International Stardom
– Lands the lead role in ABC’s “Ugly Betty” as Betty Suarez.
– Wins Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Emmy Awards for her portrayal.
– Becomes a household name and a symbol of representation on television.
2010
Diversifying Career
– Expands her repertoire with roles in films like “The Dry Land” and “Our Family Wedding”.
– Continues to champion diversity and representation in Hollywood.
2015
Superstore and Beyond
– Joins the cast of NBC’s “Superstore” as Amy Sosa.
– Ventures into co-production and directing for the series.
– Demonstrates versatility and talent in both comedic and dramatic roles.
2021
Directorial Debut
– Announces directorial debut with “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter”.
– Embarks on a new chapter in her career, showcasing her creative talents behind the camera.
2024
Legacy and Impact
– Continues to inspire audiences with her talent and activism.
– Advocates for social justice, women’s rights, and voter engagement.
– Leaves an enduring legacy as a trailblazer in Hollywood and a voice for underrepresented communities.
Early Life and Education
United States America Ferrera was born in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles as the youngest child of Honduran immigrants, América and Carlos Ferrera. Growing up in the Woodland Hills neighborhood, America Ferrera took part in school plays and community theater productions from a young age, which is how she first fell in love with acting. Despite the difficulties brought about by her parents’ divorce when she was seven years old, Ferrera never wavered in her fortitude or her resolve to follow her aspirations.
Calabash Street Elementary School, George Ellery Hale Middle School, and finally El Camino Real High School were the stops on Ferrera’s educational path. Ferrera developed her acting during her high school years, playing Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet” and the Artful Dodger in “Oliver!” Ferrera emphasized her studies and enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC), initially pursuing a double degree in theater and international relations, despite the demands of her developing acting career. Ferrera eventually left USC to concentrate on acting, but she later came back to get her degree—a sign of her tenacity and commitment—years later.
Breakthrough in Acting
In 2002, Ferrera made her breakthrough performance as Ana García in the highly regarded movie “Real Women Have Curves.” Her portrayal of a high school kid struggling with cultural standards and body image concerns won her a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in addition to receiving a great deal of attention. Thanks to this achievement, Ferrera’s career in Hollywood took off, and she was cast in movies such as “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Lords of Dogtown.”
But Ferrera’s turn as Betty Suarez in the comedy-drama series “Ugly Betty” on ABC was the one that really shot her to stardom. In her role as Betty, a charming and eccentric assistant among the competitive world of fashion, Ferrera enthralled viewers with her charm, wit, and flawless comedic timing. She won numerous important honors for her outstanding performance, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She became the first Latina to win the latter in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category.
Venturing into Television and Film
With parts in both television and film, America Ferrera expanded her acting career once “Ugly Betty” became successful. She provided the voice of DreamWorks Dragons and made guest appearances in episodes of hit television programs including “The Good Wife.” With the NBC sitcom “Superstore,” in which she not only demonstrated her acting skills as Amy Sosa but also ventured into co-production and directing, Ferrera started a new chapter in her career in 2015.
Apart from her work on television, Ferrera continued to be a powerful force in the film industry. She acted in a number of films, including the action thriller “End of Watch,” the romantic comedy “Our Family Wedding,” and the drama “The Dry Land.” Ferrera’s selection of projects demonstrated her dedication to representation and authenticity, as she strove to portray rich, multifaceted characters who questioned social conventions and broke stereotypes.
America Ferrera Movies
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Real Women Have Curves | Ana García | |
| 2004 | Darkness Minus Twelve | Luiza | Short film |
| 2005 | How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer | Blanca Garcia | |
| 2005 | The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants | Carmen Lowell | |
| 2005 | Lords of Dogtown | Thunder Monkey | |
| 2005 | 3:52 | Kate | |
| 2006 | Steel City | Amy Barnes | |
| 2007 | Muertas | Rebecca | Short film; also executive producer |
| 2007 | Towards Darkness (Hacia la oscuridad) | Luiza | Also executive producer |
| 2007 | Under the Same Moon | Martha | |
| 2008 | The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 | Carmen Lowell | |
| 2008 | Tinker Bell | Fawn | Direct-to-video; voice role |
| 2010 | The Dry Land | Sarah | Also executive producer |
| 2010 | Our Family Wedding | Lucia Ramirez | |
| 2010 | How to Train Your Dragon | Astrid Hofferson | Voice role |
| 2010 | Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon | – | Short film; voice role |
| 2011 | Book of Dragons | – | |
| 2011 | Gift of the Night Fury | – | |
| 2012 | It’s a Disaster | Hedy Galili | |
| 2012 | End of Watch | Officer Orozco | |
| 2012 | Half the Sky | Herself | Documentary film |
| 2014 | Cesar Chavez | Helen Chávez | |
| 2014 | X/Y | Silvia | Also producer |
| 2014 | How to Train Your Dragon 2 | Astrid Hofferson | Voice role |
| 2014 | Dawn of the Dragon Racers | – | Short film; voice role |
| 2016 | Special Correspondents | Brigida | |
| 2019 | How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World | Astrid Hofferson | Voice role |
| 2019 | How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming | – | Short film; voice role |
| 2023 | Barbie | Gloria | |
| 2023 | Dumb Money | Jennifer Campbell | |
| 2025 | Elio | Olga Solis | Voice role, in production† |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–08, 2010–11 | Independent Lens | Herself / Host | Seasons 5–9, 12–13, 112 episodes |
| 2002 | Touched by an Angel | Charlee | Episode: “The Word” |
| 2002 | Gotta Kick It Up! | Yolanda “Yoli” Vargas | Disney Channel Original Movie |
| 2004 | Plainsong | Victoria Roubideaux | Hallmark Hall of Fame movie |
| 2004 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | April Perez | Episode: “Harvest” |
| 2006–10 | Ugly Betty | Betty Suarez | Lead role; 85 episodes |
| 2011 | Handy Manny | Graciela Morales | Episode: “Snow Problem”; voice |
| 2011–13 | The Good Wife | Natalie Flores | 4 episodes |
| 2012–18 | DreamWorks Dragons | Astrid Hofferson | Main cast; voice |
| 2014 | Years of Living Dangerously | Herself | Episode: “Winds of Change” |
| 2015 | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | Maternity | Episode: “Paid Family Leave” |
| 2015 | Inside Amy Schumer | Mena | Episode: “80s Ladies” |
| 2015–21 | Superstore | Amelia “Amy” Sosa | Main cast, 103 episodes; also co-producer and director of four episodes |
| 2016 | Lip Sync Battle | Herself | Episode: “America Ferrera vs. Amber Tamblyn” |
| 2017 | Curb Your Enthusiasm | Vanessa Nadal (Lin’s wife) | Episode: “The Shucker” |
| 2020 | Gentefied | Andy Cruz | Episode: “The Mural”; also executive producer and director |
| 2022 | WeCrashed | Elishia Kennedy | 2 episodes |
Web
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Christine | Christine | Main cast; 12 episodes |
| 2015 | What’s Your Emergency | Brenda Fitzgerald | 2 episodes |
| 2017 | Gente-fied | – | Executive producer |
Music Video
| Title | Year | Performer(s) | Director | Album | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Family Feud” | 2017 | Jay-Z (featuring Beyoncé) | Ava DuVernay | 4:44 | [64] |
Behind the Camera – Directing and Producing
America Ferrera has stepped outside of her comfort zone as a director and producer in recent years. “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” Ferrera’s directorial debut, is a testament to her dedication to presenting relevant and diverse stories. It is based on the critically acclaimed young adult novel by Erika L. Sánchez. As a producer, Ferrera has played a significant role in supporting initiatives that elevate marginalized perspectives and bring attention to significant social concerns.
Activism and Advocacy
In addition to her successes in show business, Ferrera is a strong supporter of political activity and social justice. She has made significant contributions to a number of causes by using her position to promote voter participation, immigration reform, and women’s rights. Ferrera’s commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities and bringing about positive change is demonstrated by her participation with organizations such as Voto Latino and her co-hosting of the web platform She Se Puede alongside Eva Longoria.
Personal Life and Legacy
During their time at USC, Ferrera met actor, writer, and director Ryan Piers Williams, with whom she fell in love and became friends. As they negotiate the pleasures and difficulties of parenthood, their marriage has been a source of strength and support. Ferrera is a role model for aspiring actors and campaigners alike because of her experiences as a Latina woman in Hollywood and her everlasting dedication to activism and family.
America Ferrera’s impact in the entertainment industry endures as she continues to inspire viewers with her talent, tenacity, and desire for social change. Ferrera’s influence is universal and creates a lasting impression on people’s thoughts and emotions everywhere, regardless of whether she is gracing the silver screen or supporting worthy causes.
Family
| Family Member | Relation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| América Ferrera | Mother | Honduran immigrant |
| Carlos Ferrera | Father | Honduran immigrant; returned to Honduras in 1991 |
| Ryan Piers Williams | Husband | Actor, writer, and director |
| Sebastian | Son | Born in 2018 |
| Lucia | Daughter | Born in 2020 |
Physical Stats
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 1 inch |
| Birth Sign | Aries |
| Age | 39 |
| Birth Date | April 18, 1984 |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Sundance Film Festival | Special Jury Prize: Dramatic | Real Women Have Curves | Won |
| 2003 | Independent Spirit Awards | Best Debut Performance | – | Nominated |
| Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a Feature Film – Leading Young Actress | – | Nominated | |
| 2005 | Satellite Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role, Comedy or Musical | The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants | Nominated |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie Breakout Performance – Female | – | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie Hissy Fit | – | Nominated | |
| 2006 | ALMA Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture | – | Nominated |
| Imagen Awards | Best Actress | – | Won | |
| Satellite Awards | Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical | Ugly Betty | Nominated | |
| 2007 | ALMA Awards | Outstanding Actress – Television Series, Mini-Series or Television Movie | – | Won |
| NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series | – | Nominated | |
| Imagen Awards | Best Actress – Television | – | Won | |
| Imagen Awards | Creative Achievement Award | – | Won | |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | Ugly Betty | Won | |
| Golden Globe Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy | – | Won | |
| Satellite Awards | Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical | – | Won | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | – | Won | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (shared with cast) | – | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV: Breakout | – | Won | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV Actress: Comedy | – | Nominated | |
| TCA Awards | Individual Achievement in Comedy | – | Nominated | |
| 2008 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy | – | Nominated |
| NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series | – | Won | |
| Imagen Awards | Best Actress – Television | – | Nominated | |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | – | Nominated | |
| Satellite Awards | Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical | – | Nominated | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | – | Nominated | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (shared with cast) | – | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV Actress: Comedy | – | Nominated | |
| 2009 | ALMA Awards | Actress in Television – Comedy | – | Nominated |
| Golden Globe Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical | – | Nominated | |
| NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series | – | Nominated | |
| Imagen Awards | Best Actress – Television | – | Nominated | |
| Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards | Favorite Television Actress | – | Nominated | |
| New York Women in Film & Television | Muse Award | – | Won | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | Ugly Betty | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV Actress: Comedy | – | Nominated | |
| 2010 | NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series | – | Nominated |
| Imagen Awards | Best Actress – Television | – | Won | |
| Imagen Awards | Best Actress – Film | The Dry Land | Nominated | |
| Imagen Awards | Best Actress – Film | Our Family Wedding | Nominated | |
| 2011 | Alliance of Women Film Journalists | Best Actress-Animated Female Film | How to Train Your Dragon | Won |
| 2016 | Imagen Awards | Best Actress – Television | Superstore | Nominated |
| 2017 | Gracie Awards | Actress in a Leading Role – Comedy or Musical | – | Won |
| Golden Nymph Awards | Best Actress – Comedy | – | Nominated | |
| 2020 | National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Awards | Outstanding Series Producer Award | Superstore and Gentefied | Won |
| 2023 | Celebration of Cinema and Television | Groundbreaker Award | Barbie and Dumb Money | Won |
| Critics’ Choice Movie Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Barbie | Nominated | |
| Critics’ Choice Movie Awards | #SeeHer Award | – | Won | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture | Barbie | Pending | |
| 2024 | Santa Barbara International Film Festival | Virtuoso Award | Barbie | Won |
| People’s Choice Awards | The Movie Performance of the Year | Barbie | Pending | |
| Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Barbie | Pending |
America Ferrera’s Favorite Things
| Category | Favorite |
|---|---|
| Food | Tacos |
| Drink | Coffee |
| Book | “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho |
| Movie | “Pan’s Labyrinth” |
| TV Show | “Breaking Bad” |
| Color | Blue |
| Hobbies | Hiking, reading, spending time with family |
| Music Genre | Latin Pop |
| Vacation Spot | Costa Rica |
| Actor | Meryl Streep |
| Actress | Viola Davis |
| Animal | Dog |
| Sport | Soccer |
| Click Here | |
| Click Here |
Some Lesser Known Facts About America Ferrera
- Fluent in Spanish: America Ferrera is fluent in Spanish, owing to her Honduran heritage. She often conducts interviews and engages with fans in both English and Spanish.
- Presidential Scholarship: Ferrera was awarded a presidential scholarship to attend the University of Southern California, where she initially pursued a double major in theatre and international relations.
- Early Career: Before landing her breakthrough role in “Real Women Have Curves,” Ferrera appeared in a variety of lesser-known television shows and films, including a guest role on the Disney Channel movie “Gotta Kick it Up!” in 2002.
- Political Activism: Ferrera has been actively involved in political activism throughout her career. She was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2008 and has since continued to advocate for various social and political causes, including women’s rights and immigration reform.
- Behind the Camera: In addition to her acting career, Ferrera has also ventured into directing and producing. She has directed episodes of television shows such as “Superstore” and “Gentefied,” showcasing her talent behind the camera as well.
- Literary Contributions: Ferrera edited an anthology titled “American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures,” which features essays from various prominent figures reflecting on their multicultural identities.
- Voice Acting: In addition to her on-screen roles, Ferrera has lent her voice to animated characters in films such as the “How to Train Your Dragon” series, where she voiced the character Astrid Hofferson.
- Family Dynamics: Ferrera is the youngest of six children in her family. Her parents, América and Carlos Ferrera, immigrated to the United States from Honduras in the mid-1970s.
- Maternal Connection: Ferrera often shares insights into her experiences as a mother, discussing topics such as balancing her career with motherhood and the challenges of parenting in the spotlight.
- Cultural Heritage: Ferrera takes pride in her cultural heritage and has been vocal about the importance of representation and diversity in the entertainment industry, striving to challenge stereotypes and uplift underrepresented voices.
Conclusion
America Ferrera’s transformation from a little child hoping to become famous to a successful actress, director, and activist is evidence of her brilliance, tenacity, and unrelenting dedication to changing the world. With her enthralling performances, commitment to real storytelling, and support of social justice, Ferrera has made a name for herself in Hollywood and served as a symbol of hope for upcoming generations. Ferrera will surely inspire and motivate numerous people for years to come as she breaks down barriers and dispels misconceptions.
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