Olga Merediz Biography: Siblings, Height, TV Series, Parents, Age, Net Worth, Award, Movies, Songs,

Olga Merediz is a celebrated Cuban-American actress and singer, renowned for her iconic role as Abuela Claudia in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights, earning her a Tony Award nomination.

Her powerful voice and heartfelt performances shine in films like Encanto, where she voiced Abuela Alma, and TV shows like Orange Is the New Black.

Profile

• Full Name: Olga Merediz
• Stage Name: Olga Merediz
• Born: February 15, 1956
• Age: 69 years old
• Birthplace: Guantánamo, Cuba
• Nationality: Cuban-American
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Voiceover Artist, Producer, Director
• Height: 165 cm
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mr. Merediz and Mrs. Merediz
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $3 million to $10 million

Early Life

Olga Merediz was born on February 15, 1956, in Guantánamo, Cuba. She was raised by her parents, Mr. Merediz and Mrs. Merediz. Her ethnicity is Hispanic (Cuban descent), and her religion is Christianity.

At age five, she fled Cuba with her family to Miami, Florida, due to political unrest. They later relocated to Puerto Rico, where Olga spent her childhood. Growing up in San Juan, she was immersed in a vibrant Latin culture, which sparked her love for performing. She began acting and singing in school plays, laying the foundation for her career.

Education

Olga attended Commonwealth High School in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she honed her acting and singing skills in theatrical productions. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, majoring in French Literature with a minor in Education, from Newcomb College, the former women’s college of Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Career

Olga’s career began in 1984 with a role as Noreen’s Client in The Brother from Another Planet. She became a Broadway star as Abuela Claudia in In the Heights (2008–2011), earning a Tony nomination, and reprised the role in the 2021 film adaptation.

Her film credits include Evita (1996) as Blanca Duarte, Music of the Heart (1999) with Meryl Streep, The Place Beyond the Pines (2013) with Ryan Gosling, and Somebody I Used to Know (2023), which topped Prime Video’s streaming charts.

She voiced Abuela Alma in Disney’s Encanto (2021) and Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl (2022). On TV, she had recurring roles in Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021), Bull (2016–2022), and Saint George (2014) as George Lopez’s mother. Other TV credits include Law & Order: SVU, Shades of Blue (2016), New Amsterdam (2018–2023), and Diary of a Future President (2020–2021).

She will appear in Apple TV’s Jane (2025), inspired by Jane Goodall. Olga’s voiceover work includes PBS Nature documentaries (Bears, Cuba: The Accidental Eden), Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, and Elena of Avalor. She directed and produced the documentary My Two Moms: A Story of Separation (2022), winning Best Director at the South Cinematographic Academy of Film and Arts.

Awards & Nominations

• Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance, In the Heights (Off-Broadway, 2007) – Won
• HOLA Award for Outstanding Performance by a Featured Female Actor, In the Heights (2007) – Won
• HOLA Tespis Award (2003) – Won
• Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, In the Heights (2008) – Nominated
• South Cinematographic Academy of Film and Arts, Best Director in a Feature Film, My Two Moms: A Story of Separation (2022) – Won
• Named one of the 50 Best Latin Singers and Pop Stars of All Time by Latina magazine (2013)

Social Media

• Instagram: @olgamerediz
• Facebook: Olga Merediz

Personal Life

Olga, 69, is single and has never been married, focusing on her career. She has a close friend, Paul Clausen, but no romantic partner or children. Her height is 165 cm. She lives in New York City and is a devoted pet parent to her dog, Daisy, often sharing photos on Instagram.

Olga is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, reflecting her multicultural background. She enjoys nature, travel, and advocating for social issues like racism and immigrant rights. A passionate animal lover, she supports related causes. Her vibrant personality and dedication to her craft make her a beloved figure.

Net Worth

Olga Merediz’s estimated net worth is $3 million to $10 million. Her income comes from her extensive work in Broadway (In the Heights), films (Encanto, Evita), TV (Orange Is the New Black), and voiceovers (Dora the Explorer). Her directing and producing work, along with social media endorsements, also contribute.

Filmography (Select Roles):

• The Brother from Another Planet (1984) – Noreen’s Client
• Q & A (1990) – Mrs. Valentin
• Evita (1996) – Blanca Duarte
• Marvin’s Room (1996) – Beauty Shop Lady
• Music of the Heart (1999) – Miss Suarez
• K-Pax (2001) – Maria
• Changing Lanes (2002) – Mrs. Miller
• Mr. Popper’s Penguins (2011) – Nanny
• The Place Beyond the Pines (2013) – Malena
• The Angriest Man in Brooklyn (2014) – Jane
• In the Heights (2021) – Abuela Claudia
• Encanto (2021) – Abuela Alma (singing voice)
• Somebody I Used to Know (2023) – Supporting Role
• Jane (2025) – Upcoming Role

Television (Select Roles):

• The Sopranos (2000) – Fran (1 episode)
• Law & Order: SVU (2000–2018) – Various Roles (recurring)
• Saint George (2014) – Alma (10 episodes)
• Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019) – Lourdes (recurring)
• Shades of Blue (2016) – Mrs. Acosta (3 episodes)
• Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021) – Julia Diaz (recurring)
• Diary of a Future President (2020–2021) – Francisca (recurring)
• Bull (2016–2022) – Judge Ollis (recurring)
• New Amsterdam (2018–2023) – Warden Garcia (recurring)