Gina Torres

Gina Torres is a Cuban-American actress known for her work in television and film. A mezzo-soprano and New York native, Torres began her career on the Broadway stage after graduating from Fiorello LaGuardia School of Arts, where she studied opera and jazz as a vocal major. Her first professional acting job was as Deena Jones in "Dreamgirls." She went on to appear on Broadway in productions such as "Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public" and "Face Value."

Torres launched her onscreen career with roles on "Law & Order," "One Life to Live," "Any Day Now," and "La Femme Nikita." Her collaborations with producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert on "MANTIS," "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," "Xena: Warrior Princess," and "Cleopatra 2525" expanded her presence in science fiction and action television. Torres received the American Latino Media Arts Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Syndicated Drama Series for her work in "Cleopatra 2525." She transitioned to film with appearances in "The Matrix Reloaded," "The Matrix Revolutions," "I Think I Love My Wife," and "South of Pico."

Notable television credits include her roles as Anna Espinosa on "Alias," Zoe Washburn on "Firefly" and "Serenity," and Jasmine on "Angel." Torres was nominated for the International Press Academy's Golden Satellite Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Drama, for her performance in "Angel."

Torres portrayed Jessica Pearson on USA Network's "Suits" and later starred in and produced "Pearson," becoming the first Afro-Latina to create, star in, and produce a television series. Her work earned her the ALMA Award, Imagen Award, National Hispanic Media Coalition's Award for Outstanding Performance in a Television Series, and the Visionary Award from LA Femme Film Festival. She appeared in 94 episodes of "Suits" and received multiple award nominations.

Additional credits include Tommy Vega in "9-1-1: Lone Star," Keeper Yennen in "The Legend of Vox Machina," and Ms. Sonja Moreno in "Kindergarten: The Musical." Torres received the Actress Award for Television at the Critic's Choice Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television for her role on "9-1-1: Lone Star." She also served as a Grand Marshal of the 131st Annual Tournament of Roses Parade. Torres's career spans more than three decades, with a focus on portraying strong women and advancing Latino representation in Hollywood.