Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Maria Peña was an acclaimed American actress with an active career from 1979 to 2014. Born on September 23, 1959, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she was raised by her Cuban immigrant parents, which played a significant role in her life and career. Her father, Mario, a playwright, director, actor, and designer, was a crucial part of her artistic development. Peña made her film debut in 1979 in El Super and quickly made a name for herself in the industry. She worked in an extensive list of notable films including Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), Batteries Not Included, La Bamba (both 1987), Jacob's Ladder (1990), Rush Hour (1998), The Incredibles (2004), Nothing like the Holidays (2008), and Lone Star (1996). Her exceptional performance in Lone Star earned her the 1996 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female and a Bravo Award. She was a founding member of the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA). Besides acting, she also displayed her directorial skills notably in Showtime's Resurrection Blvd and an episode of The Brothers Garcia.

In her personal life, Peña married television producer William Stephan Kibler in 1988 but later divorced. She remarried in 1994 to Hans Rolla. They had two children together, Fiona and Kaelan. Sadly, she passed away prematurely in October 2014 due to health complications related to alcohol. Her contributions to films and active commitment to the representation of Latin actors in cinema have left an enduring legacy in the industry.