Meet Maria Russell, the “boss babe” in ‘Jury Duty’ | The Big Deal

Meet Maria Russell

There is no one quite like Maria Russell in the world of comedy, a native Angeleno, of Mexican and Lithuanian descent, Maria’s versatile talent has propelled her into the spotlight, earning her a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most captivating actresses.

This self-proclaimed Mexiuanian is fearless! With an acting range that spans from comedy to drama, Maria’s on-screen charisma is undeniable, and her talent has shined in television and film. Fans will undoubtedly remember her for her roles in hit shows such as Tacoma FD, Teen Wolf, Grey’s Anatomy, Southland, “Criminal Minds, Trophy Wife, Suburgatory, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, CSI, and The Riches.

Watch Our Exclusive Interview with Maria Russell on The Big Deal

“I’m a classically trained ballet dancer. The one thing that ballet always taught me is discipline because I’m all over the place. I’m like ‘Hi Lisa!’ Oh, John! Oh, puppy!’ So it kept me very focused, I always took that with me, I carried it over. And I’m very flexible,” she shared, with a wink at the end.

Her filmography also includes notable appearances in films such as Fire City, Lawless Range, with Beau Bridges, Kris Kristofferson, and Austin Nichols, and Warner Bros.’ Lights Out, produced by James Wan. María is set to appear in the movie In Flight, alongside Cristo Fernández and Tiffany Smith.

However, it’s Maria’s portrayal of the self-proclaimed “boss babe” Inez De León in the Amazon Prime series Jury Duty that has truly solidified her status as Hollywood’s hottest up-and-coming star. The mockumentary, starring James Marsden, offers a unique glimpse into the American jury trial system and has received critical acclaim, earning nominations at prestigious awards ceremonies including the Golden Globes (Best Musical/Comedy Series), the Emmys (4 nominations), the Independent Spirit Awards (Best New Scripted Series) and the prestigious honor for Best Cast in a New Screenplay Series.

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Beyond her on-screen achievements, Maria is also a celebrated presence on the stage. She dazzles audiences every year with her performance in the hit Off-Broadway show “The Latina Christmas Special,” a production she co-wrote and stars in at The Soho Playhouse in New York. The show has consistently acquired critical acclaim, recognized by the Los Angeles Times Critics Choice for five consecutive years.

Maria’s comedic talent extends beyond scripted performances, as she has appeared on over six Improv/Hidden Camera shows, causing her to be dubbed the Queen of Hidden Camera. She is also a professional Latin/salsa dancer, with a background in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. Reflecting on her journey in our exclusive interview for “The Big Deal,” Maria attributes her discipline and agility to her years of dance training.

Don’t miss the chance to catch Maria Russell’s exclusive interview on the latest episode of “The Big Deal” on the LATV+ App!