Olga Merediz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Olga Merediz
Merediz in 2021
Born	(1956-02-15) February 15, 1956 (age 69) Guantánamo, Cuba
Citizenship	United States
Alma mater	Tulane University
Occupation	Actress singer
Years active	1984–present
Known for	Abuela Claudia in In the Heights
Awards	Drama Desk Award HOLA Tespis Award

Olga Merediz, born on February 15, 1956, is a talented American actress and singer. She is widely known for her role as Abuela Claudia in the Broadway musical In the Heights. Olga also brought this beloved character to life in the movie version of In the Heights. Many people also recognize her voice as Alma Madrigal's singing voice in the popular Disney movie Encanto.

Early Life and Education

Olga Merediz was born in Guantánamo, Cuba, on February 15, 1956. When she was five years old, her family moved from Cuba to Miami, Florida. Later, they moved to Puerto Rico, where Olga grew up.

She attended Commonwealth High School in San Juan. There, she started developing her acting and singing skills in school plays. After high school, Olga went to H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, which was a women's college at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. She earned a bachelor's degree from there.

Acting Career

Movies and TV Shows

Olga Merediz started her movie career in 1984 with a film called The Brother from Another Planet. Since then, she has appeared in many movies. Some of her notable film roles include The Milagro Beanfield War (1988), Evita (1996), and Music of the Heart (1999).

In 2021, she reprised her famous Broadway role as Abuela Claudia in the movie In the Heights. She also provided the singing voice for Alma Madrigal in the animated movie Encanto (2021).

Olga has also been in many TV shows, both dramas and comedies. She has had recurring roles in shows like Diary of a Future President, New Amsterdam, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She also appeared in Orange Is the New Black and Madam Secretary. Olga was a regular cast member in the British TV series Bounty Hunters and the comedy Saint George. She has also appeared in episodes of Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU.

Theatre Performances

Olga Merediz is well-known for her work on Broadway. Her most famous role is Abuela Claudia in In the Heights. She played this role for the entire time the show was on Broadway. For this performance, she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

Besides In the Heights, she has also performed in other Broadway shows. These include Reckless, Man of La Mancha, and Les Misérables. She also played the character Rosie in the musical Mamma Mia!.

Before they moved to Broadway, Olga also starred in the Off-Broadway versions of In the Heights and The Human Comedy.

Voice Acting Work

Olga Merediz has a lot of experience in voice-over work. Her voice can be heard in many TV and radio commercials. She has also lent her voice to popular children's animated shows. These include Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, and Elena of Avalor. As mentioned, she also provided the singing voice for Abuela Alma in Disney's Encanto.

She has also narrated several PBS Nature documentaries. These include Bears, Hotel Armadillo, and Cuba: The Accidental Eden.

Awards and Recognition

Olga Merediz has received several awards and nominations for her acting.

In 2008, she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. This was for her role as Abuela Claudia in the Broadway show In the Heights.

Before her Broadway success, she won a 2007 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance. This was for her role in the Off-Broadway version of In the Heights. In 2003, she also received a HOLA Tespis Award from the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors.

In 2013, Latina magazine recognized her as one of the 50 Best Latin Singers and Pop Stars of All Time. The magazine praised her ability to "dominate a live stage."

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

Stage Roles

Music and Songs

Songs on Charts

Olga Merediz has also contributed her singing talents to popular songs, especially from the movie Encanto.