Dania Ramirez: Actress Biography
Name: Dania
Jissel Ramirez
Date of
Birth: November 8, 1979
Place of
Birth: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Occupation: Actress
Dual
Nationlity:
Dominican-American
Early
Life and Education
Ramirez's early
years were marked by resilience and ambition. Raised in a modest household by
her grandmother, she developed a passion for performance at a young age, often
reenacting telenovelas for her family. At 15, while working at a convenience
store, she was discovered by a modeling scout, leading to her first appearance
in a soda commercial. Determined to pursue acting, she enrolled at Montclair State University at 16,
excelling in volleyball and earning a degree in 2000. Post-graduation, she
honed her acting skills at the Actor's
Workshop in New York City under Flo
Greenberg before relocating to Los Angeles to embark on her professional
acting journey.
Physical
Attributes
Standing at 5 feet 4.5 inches (164 cm) and weighing
approximately 54 kg (119 lbs),
Ramirez possesses a slender physique with measurements of 34-24-33 inches. Her distinctive features and commanding presence
have made her a sought-after figure in both acting and modeling circles.
Career
Highlights
Television
Ramirez's television career is marked by a series of notable
roles:
"Heroes"
(2007–2008): Gained
widespread recognition as Maya Herrera, a woman grappling with dangerous
powers.
"Once
Upon a Time" (2017–2018):
Took on the role of Cinderella/Jacinda Vidrio in the series' seventh season.
Film
Ramirez's filmography includes a range of diverse roles:
"25th
Hour" (2002): Made
her film debut as Daphne.
"Suicide
Squad: Hell to Pay"
(2018): Voiced Scandal Savage in this animated feature.
"Jumanji: The Next Level" (2019): Took on the
role of the NPC Seductress Flame, contributing to the film's adventurous
narrative.
Music
Videos
Beyond acting, Ramirez has appeared in several music videos,
including:
Jay-Z's
"Streets is Watching" (1998)
De La Soul's
"All Good?" featuring Chaka Khan (2000)
Enrique Iglesias'
"Could I Have This Kiss Forever" (2000)
Personal
Life
Dania Ramirez was
born to Agueda Camacho and Daniel Ramirez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
She has two sisters: Danilda and Denise Ramirez. Raised by her
grandmother until the age of 10, Dania reunited with her parents in the United
States, an experience she explores in her documentary A American Alien. In
2013, she married director John Beverly
"Bev" Land, becoming
stepmother to his son, Kai Miles,
from a previous marriage. The couple welcomed fraternal twins, Gaia Jissel and John Aether, on December 17, 2013.
Philanthropy
and Advocacy
Ramirez is
actively involved in charitable causes, focusing on empowering women and girls,
promoting diversity in Hollywood, and advocating for social justice issues. She
co-directed and starred in the documentary "An
American Alien," which explores her family's immigrant experience in
the United States, highlighting her dedication to storytelling and social
awareness.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Dania
Ramirez's estimated net worth is approximately $3 million, accrued through her extensive work in
television, film, and modeling.
Throughout her
career, Ramirez has received several accolades:
