Justina Milagros Machado is an American actress, known for her roles as Penelope Alvarez on the Netflix and Pop TV sitcom One Day at a Time, Darci Factor in The CW dramedy Jane the Virgin, Vanessa Diaz on the HBO drama Six Feet Under, and Brenda on the USA drama Queen of the South.
Did you know that Justina Machado almost quit acting before landing her breakthrough role as Vanessa Diaz on HBO's "Six Feet Under"?
Her starring role as Penelope Alvarez in the critically acclaimed sitcom "One Day at a Time" marked a pivotal moment. Machado led the series in its modern reimagining, earning widespread praise for her nuanced portrayal of a Cuban-American military veteran and single mother navigating contemporary life. The role cemented her status as a beloved lead actress and a powerful voice for Latinx representation.
Justina Machado's legacy is defined by her trailblazing commitment to authentic Latinx representation on screen, consistently delivering powerful and relatable performances across diverse roles. She has opened doors and inspired a new generation, proving the strength and versatility of Latina talent in Hollywood.
Also known as: J. Machado, Jus Machado