From Bushwick to the Big Screen
Rosie Perez, the firecracker from Brooklyn, is turning 60! Born on September 6, 1964, she’s come a long way from her Bushwick roots. With a career spanning decades, she’s lit up the screen with her talent and energy.
A Star is Born (and Raised)
Perez’s early life wasn’t easy. She spent time in foster care and group homes before being raised by her aunt. But her tough upbringing only fueled her drive. She went on to attend Grover Cleveland High School and even started college at Los Angeles City College, initially aiming for a career in biochemistry. But fate had other plans.
She landed a gig dancing on *Soul Train* in the early 80s, and that’s where her path changed. Hollywood beckoned, and she answered with a resounding Yes! Her big break came in 1989 at age 24 when she starred as Tina in Spike Lee’s iconic film *Do the Right Thing*. The rest, as they say, is history.
From there, she went on to captivate audiences in movies like *White Men Can’t Jump* and *Fearless*, the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination. Her talent wasn’t limited to the big screen. She’s garnered Emmy nominations for her work on TV shows like *In Living Color* and *The Flight Attendant*. And let’s not forget her recent role in *Birds of Prey*, proving she’s still got it!
Through it all, Perez has remained a proud Puerto Rican, representing her heritage with grace and strength. She’s been married twice, first to Seth Zvi Rosenfeld and currently to Eric Haze. While she doesn’t have any children, her legacy in the entertainment industry is undeniable.
So, here’s to Rosie Perez, a woman who defied the odds and carved her own path to success. Happy 60th birthday to a true inspiration!
