Justina Machado Biography: Justina Milagros Machado born September 6, 1972 is an American actress known for her dynamic performances across television, film, and stage. She began her career with supporting roles in both mediums before gaining prominence as Vanessa Diaz in the acclaimed HBO comedy-drama Six Feet Under (2001–2005), a role that earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
Justina Machado Biography
Justina Machado was born on September 6, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She is an accomplished actress and producer, best known for her roles in Torque (2004), Six Feet Under (2001), and One Day at a Time (2017). She is the daughter of Alicia Morales Ruiz and Ismael Machado. Her mother, born in Patillas, Puerto Rico, and her paternal grandparents, also from Puerto Rico, contribute to her rich Puerto Rican heritage, which includes African-Puerto Rican ancestry.
Justina Machado Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Justina Milagros Machado
September 6, 1972 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Justina Machado
Justina Milagros Machado is an American actress. She began her career playing secondary roles on television and film before starring as Vanessa Diaz in the HBO comedy-drama series, Six Feet Under, for which she received Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
Justina Machado Achievements
Machado went on to appear in several television series, including Missing, Three Rivers, and Welcome to the Family, and was a main cast member during the first season of the USA Network crime drama Queen of the South. From 2017 to 2020, she starred as Penelope Alvarez in the Netflix/Pop TV reboot of One Day at a Time.
Justina Machado Personal Life
Machado is the eldest of five siblings. She attended Lane Technical College Prep High School in Chicago, graduating in 1990. During her youth, she was actively involved in the performing arts, appearing in numerous stage productions with the Latino Chicago Theater Company. She also made an appearance in the music video for TLC’s hit single “Damaged.”
Justina Machado Wiki
- Born: 6 September 1972 (age 52 years), Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Parents: Ismael Machado, Alicia Morales Ruiz
- Height: 1.55 m
- Nationality: American
Early Life
Machado was born in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest of two children of Alicia Morales Ruiz and Ismael Machado. Her mother was born in Puerto Rico, and her father was the son of Puerto Rican parents. Following their divorce, her mother remarried and had three more children. Her family has roots in Barceloneta and Barrio Jagual, Patillas, Puerto Rico, and her heritage includes Afro-Latino ancestry.
Raised Catholic, Machado had a traditional quinceañera with both chambelanes and damas. She grew up in a low-income household on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Passionate about performing from a young age, she frequently acted in school plays and took dance classes at Franklin Fine Arts Center. In 1986, she enrolled at Lane Technical College Prep High School and later performed with the Latino Chicago Theater Company during her free time. Machado appeared in Season 6, Episode 6 of the PBS documentary series Finding Your Roots, hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Through mitochondrial DNA testing, it was confirmed that she has African ancestry on her maternal line.
Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Justina Milagros Machado |
| Date of Birth | September 6, 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Children | None |
| Estimated Net Worth | $4 million |
| Major Honors | Screen Actors Guild Award for Six Feet Under ensemble performance |
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
After graduating in 1990, Machado moved to New York City to pursue acting professionally. She landed early roles on television, including guest appearances in series like NYPD Blue and Touched by an Angel. In 1997, she made her film debut in She’s So Lovely. Her breakthrough came in 2001 when she was cast as Vanessa Diaz on HBO’s Six Feet Under. The role earned her critical praise and a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast.
Career Highlights and Notable Works
Machado continued to expand her resume with performances in Final Destination 2 (2003), Torque (2004), and recurring television roles in 1-800-Missing and ER. she starred as Penelope Alvarez in Netflix’s reboot of One Day at a Time, a performance widely praised by critics. The role brought her two Imagen Awards for Best Actress – Television and a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination. Other notable appearances include her role as Brenda Parra in Queen of the South, and as the lead in the 2023 Amazon Prime Video series The Horror of Dolores Roach, a black comedy-horror that showcased her continued range and versatility.
Recent Projects and Current Status
As of late 2024, Machado remains an influential and respected presence in the entertainment industry. Her work in The Horror of Dolores Roach has been well received, reinforcing her reputation as a multifaceted performer capable of tackling complex roles. Fans and critics continue to follow her career with anticipation for her upcoming projects.
Personal Life and Relationships
Since 2014, Justina Machado has been in a committed relationship with actor and producer Emmanuel Gironi. While the couple keeps much of their private life out of the spotlight, Machado occasionally shares moments from their relationship on social media. Deeply proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, she frequently participates in cultural events and activities that celebrate her roots.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Machado is an avid cook and enjoys sharing her homemade dishes on social media.
- She is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has been involved in several public campaigns supporting mental well-being.
- Fluent in both English and Spanish, Machado embraces bilingual roles, expanding her reach across diverse audiences.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Outside of her entertainment career, Machado is actively engaged in philanthropy, especially in causes related to the Latino community and mental health. She supports a variety of nonprofit organizations focused on cultural preservation, education, and emotional well-being—particularly within underserved communities. Her dedication to advocacy has earned her widespread respect as both an artist and humanitarian.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Looking ahead, Machado plans to broaden her involvement in the entertainment industry by exploring producing and other behind-the-scenes opportunities. Passionate about inclusive storytelling, she remains a vocal advocate for greater representation of Latino voices in Hollywood. Her influence on pop culture is substantial. Through landmark roles in One Day at a Time and Six Feet Under, Machado helped pave the way for increased visibility of Latina actresses in mainstream media. Her continued success and connection with audiences from diverse backgrounds underscore her lasting impact in the entertainment world.
Justina Machado Net Worth 2025
Machado’s net worth is estimated at approximately $4 million. Her income primarily stems from her work in television and film, with additional contributions from theater roles and voice work. Her lifestyle reflects her successful career—grounded in family, community engagement, and cultural pride.
FAQs
What is Justina Machado best known for?
Justina Machado is an American actress. Justina Machado is best known for her role as Darci Factor in the CW show Jane the Virgin. She is also known for her roles as Vanessa Diaz on the HBO drama series Six Feet Under, and as Brenda on the drama Queen of the South.
Has Justina Machado won any awards?
She received Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for her role in Six Feet Under. Machado was also a regular cast member in the first season of the USA Network crime drama Queen of the South.
Has Justina Machado worked in theater?
I worked at The Goodman, just the regional theatres in Chicago. That’s why I moved to New York.” It wasn’t until summer 2009 when she made her musical theatre debut, succeeding Andréa Burns as Daniela in the Tony-winning Broadway production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights.
Was Justina Machado in Grey’s Anatomy?
Machado appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty, Bones, Body of Proof and Desperate Housewives. She had a recurring role as Chicago police officer Claudia Diaz in the NBC medical drama ER in 2009. From 2009 to 2010, she starred in the short-lived CBS medical drama series, Three Rivers.