Tell me a bio of Dascha Polanco.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Dascha Polanco is a Dominican-American actress, model, and producer. Born on December 23, 1979, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she moved to the United States with her family at a young age.

**Early Life and Education**

Polanco grew up in the Bronx, New York, and attended the High School of Performing Arts. She later enrolled at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, where she honed her acting skills.

**Career**

Polanco's acting career began in the early 2000s, with small roles in films and television shows. Her breakthrough role came in 2013 when she was cast as Dayanara "Daya" Diaz in the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black." Her portrayal of the tough and complex character earned her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

**Notable Roles and Achievements**

Some of Polanco's notable roles include:

1. **Orange Is the New Black** (2013-2019): She played the lead role of Dayanara "Daya" Diaz, a complex and dynamic character, for six seasons.
2. **Raising Dion** (2019-2022): Polanco starred as Nicole Warren, the mother of a young boy with superpowers, in this Netflix series.
3. **Crown Heights** (2017): She played the role of Rosa, a tough and loving mother, in this drama film.
4. **Murder Mystery** (2019): Polanco appeared alongside Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston in this Netflix comedy film.

**Awards and Nominations**

Polanco has received several award nominations for her performances, including:

1. **Screen Actors Guild Award** nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2014)
2. **NAACP Image Award** nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2015)
3. **ALMA Award** for Favorite TV Actress - Supporting Role (2015)

**Impact**

Polanco's impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond her acting career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice and women's rights. In 2020, she was named one of the most influential Latinas in the world by People en Español.

**Personal Life**

Polanco is married to her husband, Mike Sanchez, and they have two children together. She is also a proud advocate for women's rights and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Overall, Dascha Polanco is a talented and versatile actress who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Her powerful performances and advocacy for social justice have inspired countless fans around the world.
Dascha Polanco is a Dominican-American actress, voice actress, and producer. Born on December 23, 1979, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she moved to Brooklyn, New York, with her mother at a young age.

**Early Life and Education**

Polanco's early life was marked by poverty and instability. Her family struggled financially, and she faced various challenges, including her mother's domestic abuse. These experiences would later influence her choice of career and her passion for advocating for women's rights and social justice.

Polanco attended Ellenville High School in New York and later enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology, but she dropped out to pursue a career in theater. She studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in Manhattan.

**Career**

Polanco's acting career began with small roles in theater productions and short films. Her breakthrough came in 2010 when she was cast as the lead in the New York Musical Theatre Festival production of "Sweet Smell of Success." Her powerful performance caught the attention of actor and playwright Ron Canada, who mentored her and helped her secure her first television role on the show "Law & Order."

**Orange is the New Black**

Polanco's most notable role to date is her portrayal of Dayanara "Daya" Diaz in the popular Netflix series "Orange is the New Black." The show premiered in 2013 and ran for seven seasons, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Polanco's performance as a tough but vulnerable inmate earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination and a Saturn Award nomination.

**Film and Television Career**

In addition to "Orange is the New Black," Polanco has appeared in several films and television shows, including "Seven Psychopaths," "Justice League," "Royal Pains," "Escape at Dannemora," and "Maid." She has also lent her voice to several animated projects, including "Dora the Explorer" and "Hazmat."

**Impact and Philanthropy**

Polanco is a passionate advocate for social justice and women's rights. She has worked with various organizations, including the Dominican Youth Academy, to support young women and girls in underserved communities. In 2020, she launched the Daughters of Nothing podcast, which explores themes of feminism, identity, and social justice.

**Awards and Recognition**

Throughout her career, Polanco has received numerous awards and nominations for her performances. Some of her notable awards include:

* Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2014)
* Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress on Television (2014)
* Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actress (2015)
* Dominican Youth Academy Honoree (2019)

**Personal Life**

Polanco is married to Michael Sanchez, with whom she has three children. She is a proud Dominican-American and has spoken publicly about the importance of her heritage and culture.