Liana Mendoza
Liana Mendoza, a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 19. With a lineage steeped in performance, she is the niece of the revered Vicente Fernandez, whose legacy continues to inspire her. Liana was recently celebrated by Cosmopolitan Magazine as one of the "Top 5 Successful Spanish-Speaking Women," sharing this honor with renowned actresses Penélope Cruz and Paz Vega. Her remarkable contributions to the arts earned her the title of "Trailblazer Performer" from SAG-AFTRA, along with congressional commendations.
Liana's journey began at just three years old as a dancer, and by the age of ten, she joined a ballet company. At twelve, she was one of only 15 students selected for Hamilton High School Academy of Music and Performing Arts. By eighteen, she had secured the lead role of Disney's Princess Jasmine in an Anaheim production. Although she attended Pace University to hone her acting skills, her aspirations also included writing, producing, and directing. She eventually earned a scholarship to NYU Tisch, benefiting from the mentorship of distinguished professors such as David K. Irving and Thomas J. Mangan.
Her acting career commenced on stage, and she has remained committed to theater while also carving out a presence in television. Liana has appeared in popular series like Bones, Scandal, and Better Call Saul. Her role in the Emmy-winning show American Horror Story garnered her increased recognition, leading to guest appearances in various notable series and a starring role in the film Social Disturbance, which she also produced. Committed to giving back, Liana actively mentors at-risk youth through organizations like Every Monday Matters and Students Run LA, and she dedicates time to animal rescue and fostering initiatives.