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Meet Liza Colón-Zayas: Your New Favorite Afro-Latina Star
Liza Colón-Zayas might not be a household name yet, but believe me, you’ve probably seen her work. This talented actress, born and raised in the Bronx, is making her mark in Hollywood with her relatable and heartfelt performances. Most recently, she’s won hearts (and awards!) as Tina Marrero in the popular show The Bear. Let’s get to know her story a bit more.
Liza was born to Puerto Rican parents in the Bronx in 1972. Growing up in a lively Latin neighborhood deeply shaped her art and life. Even though she was raised in the U.S., she always stayed connected to her Puerto Rican roots through food, music, and storytelling. But life wasn’t always easy. Like many hopeful artists, Liza faced a lot of rejection early in her career. Still, she never gave up on her dream.
Liza kicked off her career on stage, appearing in off-Broadway plays and helping to found the LAByrinth Theater Company, a group dedicated to promoting diversity in theater. She even wrote and performed a one-woman play called Sistah Supreme, inspired by her experiences growing up Latina in New York. That experience really set the foundation for her versatility and depth as an actress.
Over the years, she put in a lot of effort, landing small TV roles in famous shows like Law & Order: SVU, Sex and the City, and Dexter. Her presence in theater didn’t go unnoticed either; she earned critical acclaim for her performance in plays like Between Riverside and Crazy, which secured her the prestigious Lucille Lortel Award. It was apparent that Liza was crafting something truly remarkable.
Tina Marrero: The Role That Changed Everything
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In 2022, Liza landed her breakthrough role as Tina Marrero in Hulu’s The Bear. Tina begins as a straightforward cook in a struggling Chicago restaurant but grows into a sous chef with ambitious aspirations. Her journey resonates with many hardworking individuals who are often overlooked. Liza’s performance was authentic, humorous, and heartfelt, making Tina one of the standout characters on the show.
For her work in The Bear, Liza received an Imagen Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She also became the first Latina to win an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2024. Talk about making history!
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This year, Liza Colón-Zayas got a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for her part in The Bear. It’s pretty impressive to see Colón-Zayas in this category because she’s right up there with industry giants and talented actresses like Allison Janney (Diplomat), Dakota Fanning (Ripley), Hannah Einbinder (Hacks), Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), and Kali (True Detective: Night Country).
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Proud of Her Afro-Latina Roots
Liza has always embraced her Afro-Latina identity. She’s proud of her Puerto Rican roots and draws inspiration from it for her work. In The Bear, there’s a scene where Tina cooks sancocho, a traditional Puerto Rican stew, as a tribute to her culture. It’s those subtle details that make her performances so authentic.
Despite her success, Liza stays humble and down-to-earth. She admits she still gets butterflies before auditions and performances, but she views it as a part of her dedication to her art.
Liza’s not taking a break anytime soon. In 2024, she starred in the fantasy-comedy film ‘If,’ alongside big names like Ryan Reynolds and Phoebe Waller-Bridge and season 4 of The Bear is just around the corner. With over three decades of acting experience, Liza shows us that perseverance and staying true to yourself can lead to amazing success.
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