Liza Colón-Zayas is a captivating figure in the world of entertainment, known for her dynamic performances and powerful storytelling.
With a career spanning theater, television, and film, she has made a significant impact, particularly in portraying complex characters that resonate with audiences.
Born and raised in The Bronx, New York, Colón-Zayas draws from her rich cultural background to inform her craft, making her an influential voice in the industry.
In this article, we will explore some fascinating facts about Colón-Zayas, from her early beginnings and notable achievements to her advocacy for representation in the arts.
How did Liza Colón-Zayas became famous?
Colón-Zayas became famous through a combination of her extensive theater background and her breakout role in the critically acclaimed series The Bear.
After earning a degree in theater from SUNY Albany, she began her career off-Broadway, notably with her one-woman show Sistah Supreme, which explored her experiences as a Latina woman in New York.
This performance garnered attention and set the stage for her future successes.
Colón-Zayas gained recognition in theater, particularly for her role as the Church Lady in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Between Riverside and Crazy, which earned her a Lucille Lortel Award.
Her television career included appearances in notable series like Law & Order and Dexter, but it was her portrayal of Tina Marrero in The Bear that catapulted her to fame.
The role showcased her talent and resonated with audiences, leading to critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2024, making her the first Latina to win this category.
With that said let’s have a look at some interesting facts about Liza Colón-Zayas;
1. Colón-Zayas was born in 1972 in The Bronx, New York City.
2. She grew up in a Puerto Rican family, which has influenced her artistic perspective.
3. Colón-Zayas earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from SUNY Albany.
4. She began her acting career off-Broadway, where she honed her craft.
5. Her breakout role came from her one-woman show, Sistah Supreme, which is semi-autobiographical.
6. Colón-Zayas has been a member of the LAByrinth Theatre Company since its founding in 1992.
7. She originated the role of Norca in the off-Broadway production of Our Lady of 121st Street.
8. In 2014, she gained acclaim for her role as the “Church Lady” in Between Riverside and Crazy.
9. For her performance in Between Riverside and Crazy, she won a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actress.
10. Colón-Zayas has appeared in several notable films, including United 93 and Righteous Kill.
11. She has had guest roles in popular TV shows like Sex and the City and Law & Order: SVU.
12. In 2021, she joined the cast of HBO’s *In Treatment* as Rita.
13. Colón-Zayas starred as Tina Marrero in the critically acclaimed series The Bear.
14. Her performance in The Bear earned her widespread recognition and critical praise.
15. In 2024, she made history by winning an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in The Bear.
16. Colón-Zayas is the first Latina actress to win this Emmy category.
17. She received an Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work on The Bear.
18. Her character Tina is described as fiercely independent and nurturing within the kitchen environment.
19. Colón-Zayas underwent culinary training to prepare for her role as a sous chef on The Bear.
20. She has also appeared in the action horror film The Purge: Election Year.
21. Liza is married to actor David Zayas, known for his role on Dexter.
22. They have one child together and have been married since 1998.
23. Colón-Zayas has been recognized with multiple awards throughout her career, including Drama Desk and Obie Awards.
24. She performed in the Broadway production of Between Riverside and Crazy in 2022.
25. Liza has participated in various theater productions, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
26. Her work often focuses on themes of identity, culture, and personal growth.
27. Colón-Zayas is known for advocating for greater representation of Latinx actors in Hollywood.
28. She draws inspiration from her experiences growing up as a Latina woman in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s.
29. Liza’s journey includes overcoming numerous rejections before achieving success in her career.
30. She has expressed gratitude to her husband and family for their support throughout her journey.
31. Colón-Zayas believes that nothing happens in a straight line and embraces the ups and downs of her career path.
32. Her character’s evolution on The Bear reflects her own personal growth as an actress.
33. Liza’s acceptance speech at the Emmys emphasized the importance of voting and representation for Latinas.
34. She continues to challenge stereotypes about Latinx individuals through her roles and performances.
35. Colón-Zayas’s work emphasizes authenticity and depth, making her a respected figure in the industry.
36. Her achievements inspire many aspiring actors, particularly within the Latinx community, to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
Conclusion
Colón-Zayas’s journey from a young theater enthusiast in The Bronx to an acclaimed actress and Emmy Award winner is a testament to her talent, resilience, and commitment to authentic storytelling.
Through her extensive work in theater, television, and film, she has consistently challenged stereotypes and advocated for greater representation of Latinx individuals in the entertainment industry.
Colón-Zayas’s breakout role in The Bear not only showcased her exceptional acting abilities but also highlighted the importance of diverse narratives and characters that resonate with audiences.
As she continues to push boundaries and inspire others with her work, she serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through dedication, passion, and a commitment to authenticity.
