Dascha Polanco

Dascha Yolaine Polanco is a well-known Dominican actress, notably recognized for her role as Dayanara "Daya" Diaz in the acclaimed Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Born on December 3, 1982, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she moved to the United States at a tender age. She was raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Miami by her father, a mechanic, and her mother, a cosmetologist. Besides her acting career, she is also known for completing a bachelor's degree in psychology at Hunter College. While working in hospital administration and studying nursing, she regained courage and went back to pursue her dream of acting. Her acting career began with minor parts in TV series such as Unforgettable and NYC 22 before landing a major role in Orange Is the New Black. She also landed a lead role as Cuca in the 2021 movie, In the Heights. In addition to acting, she voiced Ms. Camilla Torres in the animated series Karma's World from 2021 to 2022. She is a mother of two children, her daughter once portrayed a younger version of her in the fifth season of Orange is the New Black.