Elizabeth Peña facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elizabeth Peña
Peña in 2009
Born	Elizabeth Maria Peña (1959-09-23)September 23, 1959 Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	October 14, 2014(2014-10-14) (aged 55) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1976–2014
Spouse(s)	William Kibler (m. 1988; div. 19??) Hans Rolla ​ (m. 1994)​
Children	2

Elizabeth Maria Peña (born September 23, 1959 – died October 14, 2014) was a talented American actress. She starred in many popular films like Nothing like the Holidays, Batteries Not Included, La Bamba, Rush Hour, and The Incredibles. She also won awards for her role in Lone Star. Elizabeth Peña was also one of the people who helped start the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors. She even lent her voice to the character Rosa Santos in the cartoon show Maya and Miguel.

Early Life and Beginnings

Elizabeth Peña was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on September 23, 1959. Her parents had moved from Cuba. Her father, Mario, was a playwright, director, actor, and designer. He started the Latin American Theatre Ensemble in New York.

In 1975, Elizabeth helped create the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors. This group supports Latino performers. She finished high school in 1977 at New York's High School of Performing Arts. Some of her classmates, like Ving Rhames and Esai Morales, later acted with her in movies and TV shows.

Acting Career Highlights

Elizabeth Peña's first movie was El Super in 1979. It was a story about Cuban refugees trying to start new lives. She worked with director Leon Ichaso again in Crossover Dreams.

She became well-known for her roles in many films. These included La Bamba, where she played Rosie Morales, and *batteries not included. She also appeared in Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Jacob's Ladder, and Rush Hour.

In 1996, Elizabeth starred in the movie Lone Star. Her performance earned her two awards: the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Bravo Award.

She also did voice acting, like playing Mirage in Pixar's animated film The Incredibles. On TV, she was in shows like I Married Dora and Shannon's Deal. She also made guest appearances in popular series such as Numb3rs and Modern Family. She even directed episodes for shows like Resurrection Blvd. and The Brothers Garcia.

Personal Life and Passing

Elizabeth Peña married William Stephan Kibler in 1988, but they later divorced. In 1994, she married Hans Rolla. They had two children together, named Joey and Kaelan.

Elizabeth Peña passed away on October 14, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. She was 55 years old. She died from complications related to a liver illness.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Elizabeth Peña para niños

• List of Cuban Americans