Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Rosie Perez Biography

Birth Name:

Rosa María Pérez

Birth Place:

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Profession

Actor

Fast Facts

After high school, left her hometown of Brooklyn to continue her studies in Los Angeles, and landed a job as a dancer on Soul Train
Discovered in a nightclub by director Spike Lee, who launched her movie career with his 1989 hit Do the Right Thing
She initially turned down his offer for a part in the film
Choreographed the Fly Girls on the popular sketch comedy show In Living Color
Produced and directed Yo soy Boricua, pa'que tu to sepas! (I'm Boricua, Just So You Know!), a 2006 documentary that examines her Puerto Rican heritage
Artistic board member of Working Playground, an arts education program that partners with New York City schools
A longtime AIDS activist, she was appointed by President Obama to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS in 2010

2021Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
2020Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series: nominated
2009Independent Spirit Awards-Best Supporting Female: nominated
1994Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: nominated
1993Emmy-Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography: nominated
1993Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
1992Emmy-Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography: nominated
1992Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Supporting Actress: winner
1990Emmy-Outstanding Achievement in Choreography: nominated