Daniella Pineda is an American actress who was born on February 20, 1987, in Oakland, California. Growing up in the Bay Area, Daniella Pineda developed a strong interest in storytelling and social dynamics, which eventually led her to pursue higher education at Mills College—also located in Oakland. There, she earned degrees in sociology and radio journalism, laying a solid foundation for her future career in entertainment. While her academic background might not seem directly tied to acting, it certainly helped shape her perspective and voice as a performer.
Her first step into acting came with a guest appearance on the TNT series “Men of a Certain Age” back in 2010. But interestingly, Daniella Pineda really began to make waves not on traditional TV or film sets, but online. From 2010 to 2011, she gained attention through a series of sketch comedy videos featured on CollegeHumur’s “CH Originals,” showcasing her comedic timing and charisma. Around the same time, she also appeared in fashion tutorial videos on YouTube, further expanding her digital presence and connecting with younger audiences.
Making the leap to film, Daniella Pineda made her cinematic debut in Edward Burns’ independent movie “Newlyweds” (2011). This marked the beginning of her transition from digital content to more mainstream platforms. She then took on the role of Sophie Devereaux in an episode of the popular CW series “The Vampire Diaries” (2009–2017), a performance that actually served as a backdoor pilot for the spin-off series “The Originals.” Daniella Pineda became part of the main cast when the show launched, bringing depth and intrigue to her character. However, after the first season, her character was written out, leading to her departure from the series.
Despite this, Daniella Pineda continued to build momentum. She starred in the NBC thriller “American Odyssey” (2015), a short-lived but ambitious series that highlighted her range as a dramatic actress. Around the same time, she appeared in the well-received indie romantic comedy “Sleeping with Other People,” sharing screen space with Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie, which further cemented her reputation in the indie film scene.
In 2016, Daniella Pineda joined the main cast of the TBS comedy series “The Detour,” portraying Vanessa Randall—a sharp, witty, and complex character that allowed her to shine week after week. The show ran for several seasons and became a cult favorite, giving Daniella Pineda consistent visibility. She also took on a leading role in “Mr. Roosevelt” (2017), the directorial debut of actress Noel Wells, where her performance was praised for its nuance and humor.
Then came what many consider her breakout moment: landing a major female lead role in the blockbuster “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018). As Dr. Zia Rodriguez, Daniella Pineda brought both intelligence and emotional depth to the sci-fi franchise, reaching a global audience and marking a significant milestone in her career. To date, this remains her largest and most widely recognized role, showcasing Daniella Pineda’s ability to hold her own in big-budget productions while maintaining her unique artistic identity.
When it comes to Daniella Pineda’s film career, one standout performance comes from Mr. Roosevelt (2017), which is widely regarded as her highest-rated project to date. Fans and critics alike have praised her work in this indie gem, highlighting Daniella Pineda’s sharp comedic timing and emotional depth. On the other end of the spectrum, Daniella Pineda appeared in Jurassic World Dominion (2022), a blockbuster that received mixed reviews and ultimately stands as her lowest-rated film so far. While the movie brought in big box office numbers, it didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers, making it a bit of a contrast compared to the acclaim Daniella Pineda earned earlier in her career. Overall, Daniella Pineda continues to showcase her range, moving between indie favorites and major studio releases.