America Ferrera
Early twenty-first-century American television brought a wave of comedic dramas that expanded the range of voices and characters represented on screen. America Ferrera, born in Los Angeles in 1984, emerged within that landscape as an actor, director, producer, and stage performer working across film, television, and voice performance.
Ferrera was educated at El Camino Real High School before pursuing studies at the University of Southern California, the University of Southern California School of International Relations, and American University. Her work spans acting in front of the camera and producing and directing behind it, placing her among a relatively small group of performers who have held substantive creative roles on both sides of production. She works in English and Spanish, reflecting the bilingual range she brings to her professional life.
Ferrera's contributions to television comedy were recognized with the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. She also received the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award, acknowledging work that extended beyond performance. In addition, she was named to the BBC 100 Women listing, a recognition that places her among a select group of women cited for their influence and public profile in a given year. These honors collectively mark the breadth of her career across creative and civic domains.
Quotes by America Ferrera
I work really long hours and work a lot and have done press tours and junkets, but there is nothing like a presidential campaign that I have experienced before... I think at one point we visited three different cities in one state in 12 hours. It's exhausting.
I just wanted to see every single musical I could. The very first one I saw was 'Beauty and the Beast,' the only one I could get tickets for, and then 'Les Miserables' and then 'Chicago.'
I'm the first one in line to go watch 'Spider-Man', but there's definitely something in me that makes me want to go to a movie and see something that makes me feel good about life.
It's so reassuring to have a woman heroine who triumphs with more than just what she has on the outside... who has more to offer the world than just a pretty picture.
Am I Latin? Am I American? What the hell am I? I love my culture and I'm very proud of my culture.
I realized how Latina I was, and then also, at the same time, how not Latina enough I was, because I'm born and raised in Los Angeles. I speak Spanish, but I don't speak perfect Spanish, not like a native speaker.
What’s kind of wonderful about being the voice in an animated film is you’re a small part of an enormous production. And in a way, you get to remain a little bit objective.
I could have easily been too afraid to say ‘yes’ to Chicago, because it requires so much I haven’t done before. If I am a flop at singing and dancing, maybe my love for it will carry me through.
I was just so lucky with ‘Real Women Have Curves.’ At that point, I would have done an insurance commercial. I would have done anything.
I don’t think running for office is anything I’m prepared for or could even prepare myself for.