Let’s give it up for the newest queen of Shondaland! Jaina Lee Ortiz is stepping into the spotlight as the lead of the Grey’s Anatomy firefighter spin-off, Station 19. Her character, Andy Herrera, made her debut on the March 1 episode of Grey’s. If you're like me, you're probably already dying to know more about this incredible actress. Well, buckle up because I’m about to spill all the tea on the 31-year-old star and why she’s destined for greatness. Keep reading to get the full scoop on Jaina Lee Ortiz!
From the Bronx to the Big Screen
Jaina’s journey to becoming a household name is nothing short of inspiring. Born and raised in the vibrant streets of the Bronx, Jaina started her career as a professional dancer. But her heart was always set on acting. Her big break came when she appeared on VH1's Scream Queens, a reality competition for aspiring horror movie actresses. Though she finished as the runner-up in the second season, this experience lit a fire under her. Her career really took off when she was cast opposite Morris Chestnut in the FOX procedural Rosewood, which ran for two seasons. And if you haven’t seen her in the hilarious Girls Trip, you’re missing out — coincidentally, she starred alongside Kate Walsh, who led the last Grey's Anatomy spin-off. Jaina's talent and charm have truly set her apart, and now she's blazing her way into our hearts with Station 19.
View this post on InstagramThis poster runs deeper than, “oh, look at me up there.” I see a woman with the eye of the tiger, fearlessly determined to conquer the world. A powerful woman who is ready to fight any obstacle that comes her way. Women like this exist in our world. And they exist in all of us. Thank you @shondarhimes for making women the heroes on TV… I finally have one. Meet “Andy” from Station 19 …created by the amazing @mckee.stacy 🔥
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Breaking Down Barriers
Let’s talk about something deeply personal for Jaina. Early in her career, she felt the pressure to conform to Hollywood’s narrow beauty standards. “When I got my first headshots, my hair was dyed blonde,” Jaina confided to Brit + Co. “I even considered buying blue contacts. I thought I had to fit into a box, maybe I should be more Caucasian.” She even thought about changing her last name. Thankfully, she realized the importance of embracing her roots. Now, she’s proud to represent her heritage on screen. “Growing up, I never saw many Latinas on TV, so to actually be shown in a female lead as a Latina playing a Latina is so inspiring,” she said. Jaina is not just an actress; she’s a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of Latina actresses.
Before Acting: A Career in Makeup
Before she was setting screens ablaze with her acting, Jaina was making waves in the beauty industry. She worked as a makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics, following in her mother’s footsteps, who worked at Revlon. In fact, she even did her own makeup for the Rosewood pilot! “I think the most valuable thing I learned working at MAC was that a lot of women came expecting that they needed a ton of makeup to achieve a certain look,” she shared with Brit + Co. “A little actually goes a long way. The less product I used on them, the bigger impact it had.” Her experience in the beauty world taught her the importance of authenticity, a lesson she carries with her into her acting career.
View this post on InstagramMeet Andy Herrera. Can’t wait for you to get to know her! #station19 #andy #firefighter #seattle #march22 #premiere #tgit #abc
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