Selenis Leyva is a Cuban-Dominican-American actress, known for her role as Gloria Mendoza in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black. She is of Cuban and Dominican descent and has appeared in a number of Off-Broadway productions. On television, Leyva had a recurring role of Detective Mariluz Rivera in Law & Order, and also appeared in different roles on the show and on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She has guest-starred on Third Watch, The Sopranos, The Good Wife, Girls, and Elementary.
In 2013, Leyva began starring as Gloria Mendoza, a Latina leader in the jail, in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black. Her character was recurring for the first two seasons and she was promoted to series regular in Season 3. In 2015, she co-starred opposite Viola Davis and Catalina Sandino Moreno in the courtroom drama film Custody directed and written by James Lapine.
Selenis Leyva is one of the breakout stars of NETFLIX’s hit series Orange Is The New Black, which recently won the coveted Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Ensemble Cast in a Comedy Series. Selenis will reprise her role as series regular (and fan favorite!) Gloria Mendoza when the hit series returned for a third season on 12th June 12 and will also make history as the first Latina Governor on HBO’s Emmy-winning series, Veep, starring opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus, later this summer. Selenis Leyva recently joined the cast of the highly anticipated feature film “CUSTODY”, starring opposite Catalina Sandino Moreno, Viola Davis, Raul Esparza and Hayden Panettiere and began filming in May 2015 throughout NYC.
Selenis’ numerous television credits include recurring roles on hit shows like Law & Order: SVU; Blue Bloods, The Good Wife, Girls, Elementary, The Following, The Sopranos and Third Watch. On the big screen, 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.
A triple threat, Selenis also has numerous acting credits on the New York Stage, including the iconic role of CELIA CRUZ in the off-Broadway hit Celia, and the critically acclaimed plays Ana in the Tropics and Dona Flor & Her 2 Husbands.
Born and raised in New York City, Selenis is a proud Latina of Cuban and Dominican descent. In addition to being the first Hispanic Ambassador for the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research (her brother is a 2x cancer survior), Selenis is also the recipient of a 2014 ALMA Award, a Special Achievement Award for breaking barriers in the arts. She is also an advocate for LGBT rights and works closely with LGBT Human Rights Organizations and Anti- Bullying Campaigns.
Achievements of Selenis Leyva
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Debutante | Daisy Dominguez | |
| 2002 | Apartment #5C | Luisa | |
| 2004 | Maria Full of Grace | Customs Inspector | |
| 2007 | Illegal Tender | Wanda | |
| 2007 | Ben’s Plan | Maria | |
| 2009 | Don’t Let Me Drown | Sonia | |
| 2009 | Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs | Additional Voices | Voice |
| 2010 | Sex and the City 2 | Teacher | |
| 2010 | Trouble Child | Trouble Child | Short film |
| 2011 | Man in the Mirror | Sonia | Short film |
| 2012 | Ice Age: Continental Drift | Additional Voices | Voice |
| 2013 | Epic | Additional Voices | Voice |
| 2014 | Living with the Dead | Dr. Quenda | |
| 2015 | Chapter & Verse | Yolanda | |
| 2015 | Custody | Jackie |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Law & Order | Louisa | Episode: “Refuge: Part 2” |
| 1999 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Lorinda Gutierrez | Episode: “Hysteria” |
| 2001 | The $treet | Kate | Episode: “Junk Bonds” |
| 2001 | Law & Order | DeeDee Salazar | Episode: “Sunday in the Park with Jorge” |
| 2001 | Taina | Titi Rose | Recurring role, 6 episodes |
| 2001 | 100 Centre Street | Delfina Romero | Episodes: “Kids: Part 1” and “Kids: Part 2” |
| 2002 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Isabella Costas | Episode: “Homo Homini Lupis” |
| 2003 | Third Watch | Phyllis | Episode: “Goodbye to All That” |
| 2004 | Third Watch | Gonzalez | Episode: “Leap of Faith” |
| 2004 | Law & Order | Nita Cabrera | Episode: “Veteran’s Day” |
| 2005 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Warden’s Secretary | Episode: “Prisoner” |
| 2004-2006 | Law & Order | Detective Mariluz Rivera | Recurring role, 18 episodes |
| 2006 | The Sopranos | Jill Dibiaso | Episode: “Live Free or Die” |
| 2007 | Dirty Sexy Money | Detective Angelina Adams | Episode: “Pilot” |
| 2008 | New Amsterdam | Susan Boyle | Episode: “Pilot” |
| 2010 | Law & Order | Rona Henderson | Episode: “Boy on Fire” |
| 2010 | The Good Wife | Marisol | Episode: “Doubt” |
| 2010 | The Whole Truth | Claudia | Episode: “Liars” |
| 2011 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Detective Mariluz Rivera | Episode: “Icarus” |
| 2011 | Person of Interest | Hosking | Episode: “Number Crunch” |
| 2011-2012 | Blue Bloods | Assistant M.E. Craig | Recurring role, 4 episodes |
| 2012 | Girls | Chastity | Episode: “Hannah’s Diary” |
| 2012 | Elementary | Sara Castillo | Episode: “Child Predator” |
| 2013 | The Following | Detective Morales | Episode: “Chapter Two” |
| 2013-present | Orange Is the New Black | Gloria Mendoza | Recurring role (Seasons 1-2), Series regular (Season 3) ALMA Award for Outstanding Special Achievement in Television (2014) Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series(2015) |
| 2015 | Madam Secretary | Bolivian Ambassador Mariana Dominguez | Episode: “The Time Is at Hand” |
| 2015 | Veep | Governor Ramos | Episode: “B/ill” |
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
Selenis Leyva is a Cuban-Dominican-American actress. She is exceptionally talented and accomplished award winning actress. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are born and raised in the Bronx with Dominican and Cuban descent and has appeared in a number of Off-Broadway productions. You reached the pinnacle of success for your role as Gloria Mendoza in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black. Tell us about your journey that took you to where you are now in the world of acting?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I always knew I wanted to act. Even before I could articulate it, I just knew. Telenovelas were always on in my house growing up and I’d sneak into my parents room sneak into the living room as they watched. I loved all the drama! I would re-enact scenes in my room, I spent lots of time in front of my mirror “acting”. When it was time to apply to HS. I decided to take a chance and audition for LaGuardia HS, the performing arts school here in NYC.
The FAME school. I had never auditioned for anything…I didn’t even know what a monologue was but I went to the library looked up a book of monologues and began memorizing. I did it all on my own and got in. From that point I took training very serious. I just felt at home on the stage. I graduated went to Mary mount college and left my junior year because I started to get work. I did theater and auditioned for television and films. I worked on commercials did Voice Over work you name it. 20 years of many gigs, close calls, disappointments, highs and lows until the moment I decided to stop acting. I felt the need for stability for my daughter’s sake. Because although I was always a working actress, I was struggling in between gigs. Then a few weeks later Jen Euston called me in for “Orange Is The New Black” and life changed!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have selected a profession of being an actress that requires a lot of hard labor, technical soundness and excellence in different faculties to finally succeed, how do you achieve that?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
My passion for the arts has always been so strong! I believe in working extra hard for what you love. I am not afraid of hard work and the ups and downs life has to offer. I come from a family that came to this country and sacrificed so much and that always propelled me to be better.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You co-starred opposite Viola Davis and Catalina Sandino Moreno in the courtroom drama film “Custody” directed and written by James Lapine. Tell us about this endeavor of yours?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
James is wonderful. I felt very lucky to have a chance to work with him. It’s a great story. I was reunited with Catalina after our last project ‘Maria Full of Grace”. I know Viola will be phenomenal in this.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have acted on the New York Stage, including the iconic role of Celia Cruz in the off-Broadway hit “Celia”. Elaborate on this acting exposition of your’s as a creative artist?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
The stage is a magical place that requires true technique, I love it! It really keeps an actor on their toes. Playing Celia was wonderful. A dream come true. I grew up listening to her and admiring her. I will never forget that experience. We had a great run!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I recently started working with a great trainer, Jose Lopez at Bronx Barbell Club. He pushes me beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. I reached a point I needed to be pushed. He switches things up on me and keeps the work outs fresh and exciting. Using a combination of high intensity interval training, polymetric’s and also boxing (which I love) from time to time to spice things up.
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I love spinach! I use it in my salads, smoothies, I cook it, it’s just perfect. I like to juice often as well. I enjoy food a great deal and I’ve learned how to cook healthier versions of old favorites.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Do you take some kind of skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hair to make them look so stunning?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I never go to bed with makeup on!! I love cleaning my face with Foreo. It leaves my face feeling clean and fresh. And I moisturize all the time. I also have a great dermatologist! I deep condition my hair often because it goes through a lot. I love L’oreal hair products, especially the Kerastase line.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words for the inspiring and budding actresses who all are your fans, what should they do for their climb to the ladder of success in field of acting?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
Be prepared to work hard! Very few people are discovered just sitting in a cafe. You have to be trained. You have to be educated. And you have to be prepared to hear the word “NO” a lot. But success is possible anything is possible.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Your role as Gloria Mendoza in the Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black has been widely acclaimed. For this role, you won ALMA Award for Outstanding Special Achievement in Television (2014) and Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2015). Tell us about your experience working in this television series since 2013 till date?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
It’s been overwhelming. So rewarding to be part of a groundbreaking show. We continue to educate and entertain and break barriers. It really is a dream job. We’re pushing the envelope and dealing with stories that haven’t been told and that excites me.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your inspiration and motivation that led you to your success in the world of acting?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I’ve admired several actors throughout the years. Rita Moreno, Miriam Colon are inspirational. Meryl Streep is extraordinary, so is Jessica Lange, Julianne Moore, Carol Burnett (comedic genius) Bryan Cranston is sublime! Tony Hale makes me laugh out loud every time! Julia Louis -Dreyfus is so great as well!! The list can go on and on. I love actors who are honest in their work!
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have been associated with and being the first Hispanic Ambassador for the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research (your brother being a 2x cancer survivor). This association has been dear to your heart, tell us how you have been able to achieve and quench your thirst of giving back to the society through this endeavor of your?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
My family went through very difficult years with my brother’s battle with cancer. We are so lucky to have him with us today. So many people are dealing with this disease and I want to make sure the rate of success stories continues to rise. Gabrielle’s Angel is doing so much towards funding for cancer research that it just made sense to join them in this crusade.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are a leading television star, film actress, stage artist and human rights activist. How you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I don’t think much about all the things I am doing! haha that would overwhelm me. I just do it! I firmly believe that when you are passionate about things, you work out of love and respect and patience. With all these things in place it never feels like work. I also make time for myself. It’s important to shut things down and regroup.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
ALMA Awards are given who accomplish and achieve equity for Latino talent among all art forms. You have won the 2014 ALMA Award, a Special Achievement Award for breaking barriers in the arts. What responsibility these awards bestow upon you in your future efforts and activities in the field of acting?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I don’t over think any responsibilities that may be expected. I continue to do my work with as much truth as possible. I love what I do, I am always learning and evolving. Recognition is wonderful and I appreciate it but it’s not why I started acting. I am very proud to know that I am representing Latinos in Hollywood. It’s a really exciting time in the industry.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are an advocate for LGBT rights and works closely with LGBT Human Rights Organizations and Anti- Bullying Campaigns. Tell us more about this effort of yours?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
I believe in using your voice to speak against injustice. I have this wonderful platform now and I use it to bring forth issues important to me. I have always supported the LGBT community.
My dearest friends are gay and I have a transgender sister. I have always been very aware of the difficulties the LGBT community face. Aside from these reasons, I believe in basic human rights. I have a preteen daughter and I am well aware of the issues concerning bullying today. Social media has added to this and we all need to be aware of what we say and how that effects people.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Women Fitness and message for its visitors?
Ms. Selenis Leyva:
Make sure you log on and support! Read the great articles and interviews. Healthy Living is the New Black!!!
To know more about Selenis Leyva, check her social network at:
- Twitter: @selenis_leyva
- Instagram: @selenisleyvaofficial
Women Fitness Team thanks Selenis Leyva for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and made this interview happen.
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All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.