Jeanine Mason

Jeanine Mason burst onto the national stage when, at eighteen, she won the fifth season of So You Think You Can Dance, becoming the youngest champion and the first Cuban‑American to claim the title. Born on January 14, 1991 in Miami, Florida, she grew up in a dance‑centric family in Pinecrest, where her parents, both of Cuban descent, introduced her to ballet and flamenco at the age of three. Her early training expanded to jazz, hip‑hop, contemporary and acrobatics, providing a versatile foundation that would later impress judges and audiences alike. After the competition, Mason leveraged her fame to transition into acting, securing guest spots on shows such as Big Time Rush, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and The Fresh Beat Band before landing a recurring role as Dr. Sam Bello on the long‑running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. In 2018 she was cast as Liz Ortecho in The CW’s reboot Roswell, New Mexico, a role that has become her most recognizable on television and showcases her ability to blend dramatic depth with the confidence of a dancer. Her film work includes the thriller Default opposite David Oyelowo and the indie feature The Archer with Bailey Noble, further diversifying her portfolio. On stage, she appeared in the Center Theatre Group’s 2017 revival of Zoot Suit, directed by Luis Valdez and starring Demián Bichir, proving her talent extends to live performance. Mason earned a BA in World Arts and Cultures from UCLA in 2014, graduating cum laude while balancing a burgeoning career. In her personal life, she announced her engagement in March 2023 and married Nicholas, a major in the U.S. Army Reserves, later that year. Today she continues to blend her passions for dance, acting and cultural storytelling, remaining a prominent figure in contemporary American entertainment.