Wanda De Jesus

Wanda De Jesus was born on August 26, 1958, in New York City, New York. She grew up and completed her primary and secondary education in the city. While she did not attend college, her career serves as an example that formal higher education is not the only path to success in acting.

De Jesus is in a long-term relationship with actor Jimmy Smits. Although the two are not married, they have been together for many years. Smits holds a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College and a Master of Fine Arts from Cornell University.

Acting Career

Wanda De Jesus began her acting career in the early 1980s. Known for her distinctive husky voice and striking screen presence, she quickly gained attention within the television and film industry. One of her most notable early roles was playing Santana Andrade in the original NBC soap opera Santa Barbara.

Her television credits include guest appearances on several well-regarded shows such as:

· L.A. Law (1987)
· The Pursuit of Happiness (1988)
· Equal Justice (1991)
· Civil Wars (1992)
· Babylon 5 (1995)

De Jesus earned further recognition for her portrayal of Graciella Rivers in Clint Eastwood’s 2002 crime thriller Blood Work, delivering a powerful performance as a woman grappling with grief and rage over her sister’s murder. She also had a recurring role as Adell Sevilla in the widely acclaimed crime drama CSI: Miami.