Actress/Activist Selenis Leyva recently wrapped production and will star in the highly anticipated new DISNEY+ series "A DIARY OF A FEMALE PRESIDENT", exec. produced by Gina Rodriguez and directing the 1st episode. The new series will premiere Jan. 17, 2020. Furthermore Ms. Leyva looks forward to the anticipated release of her memoir, “MY SISTER, How One Sibling’s Transition Changes Us Both” published through Bold Type Books, available March 2020.
Selenis is one of the breakout stars of NETFLIX original, ground breaking, hit series, “Orange Is The New Black.” In 2017 they won their third consecutive Screen Actors Guild Award for, “Best Ensemble Cast in a Comedy Series." Selenis reprised her role as series regular (and fan favorite!) Gloria Mendoza, in all 7 seasons. In 2018 Selenis' was included in TIME magazine’s, TV MVP list, Ms. Leyva guest starred in an arc recurring role on AMC network's "Dietland," as the infamous BELLE and ended the year on a high note in NETFLIX series, "Maniac," starring opposite Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. And additionally, guest starring opposite the legendary Candice Bergen in CBS, "Murphy Brown."
The 2017 Honoree & Inductee to the Bronx Walk Of Fame, actress Selenis Leyva is a proud Latina of Dominican and Cuban descent. In addition to being the first Hispanic Ambassador for the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, in 2016 Selenis was included in the TOP 10 TV performances by the NY Times. She’s a recipient of the 2016 VISIONARY Award in New York City from the STONEWALL Community Foundation, the recipient of the 2016 COURAGE Award Honoree from the Anti-Violence Project and honored to be included in People En Espanol Magazine's 2016 Las 25 Mujeres Mas Poderosas Issue (25 Most Powerful Women). Selenis Leyva is a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and works closely with LGBT Human Rights Organizations, GLAAD and Anti-Bullying Campaigns. Other notable achievements include the recipient of the 2015 HOLA “Jose Ferrer Tespis Award,” the 2015 Cosmo For Latina’s, “Women of the Year Award” and recognized at the 2014 ALMA Awards with a “Special Achievement Award” for breaking barriers in the arts.
Selenis' numerous television credits include recurring roles on hit shows like “Veep,” “Law & Order: SVU;” “Blue Bloods,” “The Good Wife,” “Girls,” “Elementary,” “The Following,” “The Sopranos” and “Third Watch”. On the big screen, in summer of 2017 Ms. Leyva was in the blockbuster franchise, “SPIDERMAN” as Ms. Warren, she's been seen in Sex & The City 2, the Oscar-nominated film, Maria Full of Grace, and the animated films Ice Age: Continental Drift, EPIC and Ice Age: Dawn of Dinosaurs. In addition to her on screen credits, Ms. Leyva loves the stage and is best known for her off-Broadway run in the Cherry Lane show, “Basilica,” the iconic role of CELIA CRUZ in the off-Broadway hit “Celia," “Ana in the Tropics," “Dona Flor & Her 2 Husbands” and most recently starred in the acclaimed off-Broadway play “Tell Hector I Miss Him” at the Atlantic Theater.
