Rosie Perez was born on September 6, 1964, in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States. Her birth name is Rosa Maria Perez. Her mother, Lydia Perez, and father, Ismael Serrano, were both of Puerto Rican descent. At the time of her birth, both parents were involved in relationships with other partners, and Rosie was born out of an extramarital affair. These early circumstances led to a turbulent childhood marked by instability.

From the age of three, Rosie was placed in the care of her paternal aunt, Ana Dominga Otero Serrano-Roque. When her mother attempted to regain custody, the state intervened, and Rosie became a ward of New York State until she was twelve. She was then returned to her aunt's care. Raised in the Christian faith, Rosie Perez has identified herself as a devoted follower of Christianity.

Perez is 1.56 meters (approximately 5 feet 1 inch) tall. While slightly below average in height for American women, she is known for her charismatic presence and expressive style. Her body type and appearance have often been described as curvaceous and vibrant. As of the latest data, she is 59 years old.