Jessica Pimentel

Jessica Pimentel (born September 20, 1982) is an American actress and musician. She gained recognition for her role as Maria Ruiz on the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black. Pimentel was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Dominican parents who immigrated to the US as teenagers. She graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and pursued a career in acting, playing small roles in movies and TV shows. Pimentel's breakthrough came with her role in the 2008 film Pride and Glory. Besides acting, she is the lead singer of the metal band Alekhine's Gun and a backing vocalist for Brujeria.