Jenny Gago

'Jenny Gago' (qv) is one of Hollywood's most versatile and respected Latina actresses. Her powerful portrayal of the matriarch Maria Sanchez in 'Gregory Nava' (qv)'s hit film, _My Family (1995)_ (qv), was a critically acclaimed contribution to what she describes as "an honorable and poignant script."Gago has starred in many feature films, including _Coach Carter (2005)_ (qv) with 'Samuel L. Jackson' (qv), _The Tie That Binds (1995)_ (qv), _Blood In, Blood Out (1993)_ (qv), _Under Fire (1983)_ (qv) and _Nurse Betty (2000)_ (qv) with 'Renée Zellweger' (qv). She was honored with the Golden Eagle Award for her performance as Garduna in the film _Old Gringo (1989)_ (qv) in which she starred with 'Gregory Peck' (qv) and 'Jane Fonda' (qv). Her television films include _Grand Avenue (1996)_ (qv), _Nowhere to Hide (1994)_ (qv) and _Sweet 15 (1990)_ (qv). Series regular roles include _DEA (1990)_ (qv), _Dangerous Minds (1996)_ (qv), _Alien Nation (1989)_ (qv), and _Freddie (2005)_ (qv). Gago was also a member of the esteemed cast of the recent Golden Globe-nominated mini-series, _American Family (2002)_ (qv), on PBS. Some of her more recent guest starring roles include _Crossing Jordan (2001)_ (qv), _24 (2001)_ (qv), _The West Wing (1999)_ (qv), _The Agency - Im Fadenkreuz der C.I.A. (2001)_ (qv), _Alias (2001)_ (qv), _Jack & Bobby (2004)_ (qv), _Without a Trace (2002)_ (qv), and _Lost (2004)_ (qv).Gago earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from UCLA. She was then personally awarded a scholarship by 'Lee Strasberg' (qv) to attend his Institute.Honored by such prestigious organizations as the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans, the Image 'Awards' (qv), the National Council of La Raza, the TELACU Education Foundation, The Hispanic Women's Network of Texas, the BRAVO 'Awards' (qv) and the Alma 'Awards' (qv), Gago has also received awards from the County of Los Angeles and El Centro. The U.S. House of Representatives recently acknowledged her for "her talents and portrayal of Latino characters in the film and television industry, as well as her dedication and drive to pursue nontraditional roles to pave the way for other Latinos."Gago's passion is her 13-year-old son, Sean. She loves family, friends, music and dancing (especially salsa), and believes in the spiritual evolution of man towards one human family on earth. She volunteers regularly in schools to support the importance of education.::Bill Rogin