She’s an accomplished actress, best known for her role as Sarah Essen on the popular TV series Gotham. Throughout her career, she’s brought depth and strength to every character she’s portrayed, including Melania Ortiz in the short-lived but notable show 3 lbs. Fans of superhero films might also recognize her from her appearance in the blockbuster X-Men: Days of Future Past. Before rising to fame, she made her acting debut back in 1997 with a guest spot on Law & Order—a show she’d go on to appear in multiple times over the years. Life off-screen has been just as meaningful for her; she’s a dedicated mother of two children. Interestingly, she began filming Gotham not long after welcoming her second child into the world, balancing new motherhood with a demanding and high-profile role. Her journey—from early appearances to major television and film roles—shows both resilience and talent, qualities that continue to define her career. She’s truly made a name for herself in the industry.
Before landing the role in Gotham, she had already made a name for herself—most notably portraying Yazmin in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Water by the Spoonful, which remains one of her standout performances to date. In fact, many critics pointed to that role as the moment she truly began to shine. Her portrayal brought depth and nuance, setting the stage for what would come later in her career. And while she’s taken on several roles since then, it’s clear that her time as Yazmin was a pivotal chapter. Looking back, it’s no surprise that she went on to bigger projects like Gotham, given the talent she demonstrated early on. She really poured her heart into that character, and audiences took notice.