Rosie Perez attended elementary school in New York City before enrolling at Grover Cleveland High School in the Queens borough. Following high school, she moved to California and attended Los Angeles City College, where she initially studied biochemistry. However, she eventually left college after being discovered by a talent scout for the television dance show Soul Train. Her departure marked the beginning of her full-time career in the entertainment industry. Though a college dropout, Perez would later become a prominent actress, dancer, choreographer, author, and television host.

Breakthrough and Acting Career

Rosie's first major opportunity came when she began dancing on Soul Train. This exposure led to her being cast by director Spike Lee in the critically acclaimed 1989 film Do the Right Thing, which marked her breakthrough as an actress. She quickly became known for her distinctive voice, intense performances, and commanding screen presence.

In addition to acting, Rosie Perez built a successful career as a choreographer. Her work includes choreography for music videos and stage performances for artists like Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, and LL Cool J. Across these roles, she earned both critical acclaim and financial success, eventually amassing an estimated net worth of $8 million.

Personal Life

In 2013, Rosie Perez married graphic designer Eric Haze. Prior to this, she had been married to filmmaker and playwright Seth Zvi Rosenfeld. Perez generally keeps her personal life private but has spoken publicly about her relationships in interviews and writings.