Dascha Polanco Biography: Age, Net Worth, Movies, Height, Children, Parents, TV Shows

Dascha Yolaine Polanco, known professionally as Dascha Polanco, is a Dominican-American actress celebrated for her breakout role as Dayanara “Daya” Diaz in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019).

Her vibrant energy and authentic portrayal of complex characters have made her a standout in television and film, with notable roles in Joy (2015) and The Perfect Match (2016).

Polanco’s rise from humble beginnings to a prominent figure in Hollywood reflects her dedication and cultural pride, resonating with audiences through her advocacy for diversity and body positivity.

Profile

• Full Name: Dascha Yolaine Polanco
• Stage Name: Dascha Polanco
• Born: December 3, 1982
• Age: 43 years old
• Birthplace: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
• Nationality: Dominican-American
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 1.65m
• Parents: Rubén Darío Polanco and Janet Polanco
• Siblings: 2
• Spouse: None
• Children: Dasany Kristal Gonzalez, Aryam
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Dascha Yolaine Polanco was born on December 3, 1982, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to Rubén Darío Polanco, a mechanic, and Janet Polanco, a cosmetologist.

As the eldest of three children, she has a younger brother and sister, whose names are not publicly known.

Her family moved to Brooklyn, New York, when she was young, where she grew up embracing her Dominican heritage.

Polanco earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hunter College in 2008, initially pursuing a career in nursing before transitioning to acting.

She has not publicly discussed her religious beliefs.

Career

Dascha Polanco began her acting career with small roles in television, including appearances on Unforgettable (2011) and NYC 22 (2012).

Her breakthrough came with her casting as Dayanara “Daya” Diaz in Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019), where her portrayal of a layered, resilient inmate earned critical acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast.

The role catapulted her into the spotlight, highlighting her ability to convey emotional depth and authenticity.

Polanco expanded into film with roles in Joy (2015) alongside Jennifer Lawrence and The Perfect Match (2016), showcasing her versatility in both drama and romantic comedy.

She also appeared in The Irishman (2019), working with director Martin Scorsese, and took on guest roles in series like Evil (2019) and Russian Doll (2019).

Her performances often reflect her Dominican roots, bringing cultural authenticity to her work.

Polanco continues to thrive in the industry, with recent projects including the film Samaritan (2022) and advocacy for Latinx representation in media.

Her bold presence and commitment to challenging stereotypes have made her a role model for aspiring actors, particularly within the Latinx community.

Her influence extends beyond acting, as she uses her platform to promote body positivity and cultural pride.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @sheisdash
• X Handle: Unknown
• YouTube Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Dascha Polanco is unmarried and has no publicly confirmed romantic partners.

She has two children, a daughter, Dasany Kristal Gonzalez, and a son, Aryam, from a previous relationship.

Based in New York, Polanco embraces a vibrant lifestyle, often sharing her love for fashion, fitness, and her Dominican heritage on social media.

Filmography

• Unforgettable (2011)
• NYC 22 (2012)
• Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)
• Joy (2015)
• The Perfect Match (2016)
• The Irishman (2019)
• Russian Doll (2019)
• Evil (2019)
• Samaritan (2022)

Net Worth

Dascha Polanco has an estimated net worth of $5 million.

Her wealth comes primarily from her acting career, with significant earnings from her starring role in Orange Is the New Black and supporting roles in films like The Irishman and Samaritan.

Brand partnerships and endorsements, particularly in fashion and beauty, further contribute to her financial success.