Rosie Perez Movies and TV Shows Life Rosie Perez is an American actress, choreographer, dancer, and activist known for her dynamic performances in both film and television. Over the years, she has gained recognition for her ability to embody diverse characters, her unmistakable voice, and her unique style. Here is a complete guide to her most notable movies and TV shows throughout her illustrious career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 6, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York, Rosie Perez started her career in the entertainment industry as a dancer. She initially gained attention as a backup dancer for various artists, including Janet Jackson and Madonna. However, it was her breakout role in “Do the Right Thing” (1989) directed by Spike Lee that marked the beginning of her acting career.
Rosie Perez Movies
| Year | Movie Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | White Men Can’t Jump | Gloria |
| 1993 | Fearless | Carla Rodrigo |
| 1995 | The 24-Hour Woman | Tina |
| 1996 | It Could Happen to You | Yvonne |
| 1999 | The Road to El Dorado | Chel (voice) |
| 2000 | Down to the Bone | Irene |
| 2013 | The Cobbler | Miriam |
| 2017 | The Super | Maureen |
| 2020 | Birds of Prey | Renee Montoya |
Rosie Perez TV Shows
| Year | TV Show Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1993-1994 | In Living Color | Various Characters |
| 1996-1997 | The Take | Herself (as herself) |
| 2013-2014 | Hashtag | Host |
| 2015-2016 | The View | Co-Host |
| 2020 | Penny Dreadful: City of Angels | Sister Molly (Lead) |
| 2021 | The Flight Attendant | Megan Briscoe |
Rosie Perez Movies
1. Do the Right Thing (1989)
- Role: Tina
- This film, written and directed by Spike Lee, marked Rosie Perez’s film debut. She played Tina, the girlfriend of Mookie (played by Lee), and her performance garnered critical acclaim. The movie also explored racial tension and social issues, cementing its place as a significant piece of cinema.
2. White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
- Role: Gloria Clemente
- In this comedy-drama, Perez starred opposite Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes. She played Gloria, a strong-willed woman who becomes involved in her boyfriend’s basketball hustling schemes. Her performance earned her a nomination for the Best Supporting Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards.
3. The 24-Hour Woman (1999)
- Role: Lainey
- In this film, Perez portrays Lainey, a driven television executive trying to juggle her personal life and a demanding career. The movie explores themes of work-life balance and the pressures faced by women in the corporate world.
4. Fearless (1993)
- Role: Carla Rodrigo
- Directed by Peter Weir, Fearless is a psychological drama about survivors of a plane crash. Perez plays Carla, a woman dealing with trauma after the accident. Her performance was widely praised, and she earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
5. The Take (2007)
- Role: Elena
- In this crime thriller, Perez plays Elena, a woman caught in the crossfire of a robbery gone wrong. The movie explores themes of revenge and justice and showcases Perez’s ability to portray complex characters.
6. Pineapple Express (2008)
- Role: Carol
- In this stoner comedy, Perez plays Carol, the no-nonsense wife of a drug dealer. Although her role is comedic, Perez’s performance stood out, adding a dose of levity to the film’s chaotic plot.
7. Lovelace (2013)
- Role: Sally
- In Lovelace, Perez played Sally, a character involved in the adult film industry. The film tells the story of Linda Lovelace, the star of the infamous adult film Deep Throat. Perez’s role was one of the many performances that helped define the movie’s exploration of the adult film industry’s dark side.
8. The Last O.G. (2018 – 2021)
- Role: Tray’s (Tracy Morgan) ex-girlfriend
- Although not a film, this TV series deserves mention. Rosie Perez starred alongside Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish in this comedic series. Her performance as the tough, no-nonsense ex-girlfriend of Morgan’s character won her praise.
9. Birds of Prey (2020)
- Role: Renee Montoya
- In this superhero film based on DC Comics, Perez portrayed Renee Montoya, a disgraced cop who is investigating the mysterious criminal known as the Joker. Perez’s portrayal of the character was one of the standout performances in a movie that was full of quirky, bold characters.
Rosie Perez TV Shows
1. In Living Color (1990–1994)
- Role: Dancer/Choreographer
- Rosie Perez was a dancer and choreographer for the iconic sketch comedy show In Living Color. Her involvement with the show helped bring her into the mainstream, as she choreographed some of the most memorable dance routines in the series.
2. The View (2014-2015)
- Role: Co-Host
- Rosie Perez joined The View in 2014 as a co-host. Known for its lively discussions on current events, politics, and pop culture, the show was an ideal platform for Perez to showcase her outspoken opinions and distinct voice. She left the show in 2015 after a brief stint but gained considerable attention during her time there.
3. American Dad! (2005–present)
- Role: Voice of TBS (Multiple episodes)
- On this animated sitcom, Perez lent her voice to a variety of roles, showcasing her versatility in voice acting.
4. Bojack Horseman (2018)
- Role: Regina
- In this acclaimed animated series, Perez voiced the character of Regina, adding to her growing portfolio of voice acting in TV shows.
5. The Flight Attendant (2020)
- Role: Megan Briscoe
- In this psychological thriller series on HBO Max, Perez portrays Megan, a tough and sharp-witted CIA operative. Her character is integral to the story, which revolves around a flight attendant, played by Kaley Cuoco, who wakes up in a hotel room next to a dead body and becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. The show has been well-received, and Perez’s role received positive reviews for its nuance and depth.
Awards and Nominations
Rosie Perez’s career has been marked by critical recognition. Some of her notable awards and nominations include:
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Fearless (1993).
- Independent Spirit Award nomination for White Men Can’t Jump (1992).
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her role in The Flight Attendant (2021).
Her work has earned her a reputation as a versatile actress who is not afraid to take on both comedic and dramatic roles, earning her a lasting place in Hollywood’s history.
Conclusion
Rosie Perez’s film and television career spans decades, and she continues to deliver powerful and memorable performances. From her early days as a dancer to her impressive acting roles in both television and film, she has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s playing a tough cop, a loving girlfriend, or a witty CIA agent, Perez has earned her status as one of Hollywood’s most respected and admired actresses.