From the small screen to Broadway, Justina Machado is living proof that passion, perseverance, and cultural pride can shape a brilliant career. A familiar face since the '90s, her journey from school plays to major series roles is a story of talent that won't quit—and representation that matters.
© Getty ImagesBorn in Chicago, Illinois, Justina is proud of her Puerto Rican heritage. She's the daughter of Alicia Morales Ruiz and Ismael Machado, who, despite separating, ensured Justina grew up in a home filled with family, love, warmth, and tradition. Raised by her mother, who remarried when Justina was 13, she grew up in a large blended household with five children. Rooted in Catholic traditions, she celebrated her quinceañera the classic way—chambelanes, dresses, and all.
Her love for performing started early. Whether she was acting in school plays at Lane Technical College Prep High School or taking dance classes at Franklin Fine Arts Center, the stage was Justina's second home. That passion led her to the Latino Chicago Theater Company, where she laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable acting career that has endured over decades.
After high school, she headed to New York to chase her dreams—but fate had other plans. A breakthrough acting opportunity lured her to Los Angeles in the mid-'90s, and that's when the momentum really started. She landed small roles on shows like "NYPD Blue" and starred in the TV movie "No One Would Tell." But her 1997 role as Carmen Rodriguez in "She's So Lovely" marked her official arrival as a supporting actress with star potential.
"We have to stop thinking that diversity is just black and white. There is a whole lot in between."
© CBS via Getty ImagesHer big break came with HBO's "Six Feet Under," where she played Vanessa Díaz, a role that grew from supporting to central, earning her and the ensemble a Screen Actors Guild Award. From there, Justina was unstoppable. She kept the hits coming: "Final Destination 2," "Torque," a cameo in TLC's music video "Damaged," and guest roles in some of the most beloved TV shows of the 2000s and 2010s, a list that includes "Grey's Anatomy," "Ugly Betty," "Bones," "Body of Proof," "Desperate Housewives", and "Jane the Virgin."
Her charm, versatility, and unapologetic pride in her heritage have made her a standout again and again.
But Justina doesn't stop at acting. In 2020, she showcased her dance skills on "Dancing with the Stars," teaming up with pro dancer Sasha Farber and finishing the competition in fourth place. She later appeared in the musical comedy "All Together Now" and hosted the National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Awards, continuing to use her voice to uplift Latinx talent in Hollywood.
More recently, Justina starred in Amazon Prime's dark comedy "The Horror of Dolores Roach." This complex, intense role swung between humor and horror and earned high praise—especially for her fearless performance.
"I'm proud of my journey and proud of who I am. I love my family so much, and I love my friends so much. I love what I do and I love who I do it with."
© Getty ImagesNow, she's back on stage, captivating audiences as Carmen García in the Broadway musical "Real Women Have Curves". Her role brought her full circle to her theater roots, earning her a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Awards are nice, but for Justina, the love for storytelling is what keeps her going.
Through every role, performance, and stage she steps on, Justina Machado represents her community, her culture, and her unstoppable spirit. She's not just a Latina on screen; she's a force making space, breaking barriers, and inspiring others to follow their passion.
