Sep 11, 1953

Peru

Jenny Gago is one of Hollywood's most versatile and respected Latina
actresses. Her powerful portrayal of the matriarch Maria Sanchez in
Gregory Nava's hit film, My Family (1995), was a critically acclaimed
contribution to what she describes as "an honorable and poignant script."

Gago has starred in many feature films, including Coach Carter (2005) with
Samuel L. Jackson, The Tie That Binds (1995), Bound by Honor (1993), Under
Fire (1983) and Nurse Betty (2000) with Renée Zellweger. She ... ... (read more...) was honored
with the Golden Eagle Award for her performance as Garduna in the film Old
Gringo (1989) in which she starred with Gregory Peck and Jane Fonda. Her
television films include Grand Avenue (1996) (TV), Nowhere to Hide (1994)
(TV) and Sweet 15 (1990) (TV). Series regular roles include "DEA" (1990),
"Dangerous Minds" (1996), "Alien Nation" (1989), and "Freddie" (2005).
Gago was also a member of the esteemed cast of the recent Golden
Globe-nominated mini-series, "American Family" (2002), on PBS. Some of her
more recent guest starring roles include "Crossing Jordan" (2001), "24"
(2001), "The West Wing" (1999), "The Agency" (2001), "Alias" (2001), "Jack
& Bobby" (2004), "Without a Trace" (2002), and "Lost" (2004).

Gago earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from UCLA. She was
then personally awarded a scholarship by Lee Strasberg to attend his
Institute.

Honored by such prestigious organizations as the Association for the
Advancement of Mexican Americans, the Image Awards, the National Council
of La Raza, the TELACU Education Foundation, The Hispanic Women's Network
of Texas, the BRAVO Awards and the Alma Awards, Gago has also received
awards from the County of Los Angeles and El Centro. The U.S. House of
Representatives recently acknowledged her for "her talents and portrayal
of Latino characters in the film and television industry, as well as her
dedication and drive to pursue nontraditional roles to pave the way for
other Latinos."

Gago's passion is her 13-year-old son, Sean. She loves family, friends,
music and dancing (especially salsa), and believes in the spiritual
evolution of man towards one human family on earth. She volunteers
regularly in schools to support the importance of education.