Selenis Leyva Biography: Age, Net Worth, Movies, Height, Children, Siblings, TV Shows, Partner

Selenis Leyva Rivera, known professionally as Selenis Leyva, is a Cuban-American actress celebrated for her powerful performance as Gloria Mendoza in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019).

With a career rooted in stage, television, and film, Leyva has showcased her versatility in projects like Law & Order (1999–2010) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), earning acclaim for her authentic portrayals of complex characters.

Her advocacy for Latinx and LGBTQ+ representation, inspired by her personal experiences, has made her a respected voice in the entertainment industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Selenis Leyva Rivera
• Stage Name: Selenis Leyva
• Born: May 26, 1972
• Age: 53 years old
• Birthplace: Baracoa, Cuba
• Nationality: Cuban-American
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 1.62m
• Parents: Mr. Leyva and Mrs. Leyva
• Siblings: Marizol Leyva, Arnol Leyva, Tony Leyva, Isa Leyva, Amber Leyva
• Spouse: None
• Children: Alina Leyva
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $2.5 million

Early Life and Education

Selenis Leyva Rivera was born on May 26, 1972, in Baracoa, Cuba, to a father of Cuban descent and a mother of Dominican descent, referred to as Mr. Leyva and Mrs. Leyva, as their names are not publicly known.

Raised in The Bronx, New York, she grew up with siblings, including Marizol Leyva, a transgender woman, and Arnol, Tony, Isa, and Amber Leyva.

Leyva attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York, where she nurtured her passion for acting.

She briefly enrolled at Marymount Manhattan College but left to pursue her acting career full-time.

She is of Cuban and Dominican heritage, though she has not publicly discussed her religious beliefs.

Career

Selenis Leyva began her career in New York’s theater scene, performing in off-Broadway productions and honing her craft with the LAByrinth Theater Company.

Her early television work included recurring roles in Law & Order (1999–2010) and guest appearances on shows like Third Watch (2000–2004).

These roles showcased her ability to portray grounded, relatable characters, paving the way for her breakthrough in television.

Leyva’s career soared with her role as Gloria Mendoza in Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019), where her portrayal of a tough yet compassionate prison matriarch earned critical praise and a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast.

She expanded into film with roles in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and Breaking (2022), demonstrating her range across genres.

Her stage work, including performances in The Realistic Joneses, further highlights her theatrical roots.

Leyva remains a prominent figure in entertainment, with recent roles in series like Diary of a Future President (2020–2021) and ongoing advocacy for diversity and inclusion.

Her memoir, My Sister: How One Sibling’s Transition Changed Us Both (2020), co-authored with her sister Marizol, reflects her commitment to supporting transgender rights.

Her influence as an actress and advocate continues to inspire, particularly within Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities.

Social Media

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

Personal Life

Selenis Leyva is unmarried and has no publicly reported romantic partners, with sources indicating she is single.

She has a daughter, Alina Leyva, whom she raises in New York.

Her grounded lifestyle balances her career with motherhood and activism.

Filmography

• Law & Order (1999–2010)
• Third Watch (2000–2004)
• Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)
• Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
• Diary of a Future President (2020–2021)
• Breaking (2022)

Net Worth

Selenis Leyva has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million.

Her wealth stems from her acting career, with significant earnings from her starring role in Orange Is the New Black and supporting roles in films like Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Additional income from theater work, her memoir, and brand endorsements contributes to her financial success.