Dominican-American actress Dascha Polanco became known for her role as Dayanara Díaz in "Orange Is the New Black." A decade later, that iconic character in one of Netflix's first series is only a line on her incredible resume.
The latest is a delightful role in the second season of the new series "Dora," a reboot of the original Nickelodeon series. As she steps into the animated world, Polanco lends her voice to the character of La Reina, "a queen who rules with authority but isn't afraid to have some fun," she told the Latin Times.
This opportunity is deeply personal for the actress, who grew up watching the series with her own children and never imagined she would become part of it one day.
Reflecting on her journey, Polanco expressed her disbelief: "Who would have thought? When Dora first came out, I used to watch it with my daughter, and now I'm part of the cast. Life goes in circles, my love!" For Polanco, this role is not just another acting gig—it's a celebration of her culture and a chance to help young viewers learn about their Latin heritage. "People think it's all about acting, but I really can't believe I'm part of the Dora family. When I was growing up, we didn't have characters like this," she shared with a laugh.
Breaking New Ground in Animation
The new Dora the Explorer reboot, "Dora," premiered on Paramount+ on April 12, 2024. The series is a 3D animated reboot of the original Dora the Explorer series. With this new season, the show continues to push boundaries by introducing characters like La Reina, who embody the rich and diverse narratives of the Latin community.
Polanco shared her excitement about joining the show and the significance of her character: "I'm the queen of reptiles, mi amor! Can you believe that? And here I was, scared of iguanas!" she joked. La Reina, described as a strong yet playful leader, is a reflection of Polanco's own personality. "I'm a leader who likes things done right, but when they play music, I just want to have fun. One can be serious and still have a good time." Her portrayal aims to show kids that it's okay to be multifaceted and to embrace all aspects of who they are.
Embracing Her Dominican Roots
Born on December 3, 1982, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Polanco moved to the United States at a young age. She grew up in New York, where she studied psychology and nursing before turning to acting full-time.
"Growing up, I was always that girl imitating characters from cartoons, with my little purse and dress. I always knew I wanted to be a performer," Polanco recalled. Now, as La Reina, she gets to connect with a new generation of young viewers, many of whom may see themselves represented in her character. "Dora has always been ahead of its time, connecting people from different regions and cultures. My character helps kids see themselves in the stories and appreciate where they come from," Polanco noted.
Expanding Her Horizons
While Polanco is proud of her work on "Dora," she's also excited about her role in The Walking Dead spin-off, where she plays Lucía. "It's such a contrast—one day I'm singing with iguanas, and the next I'm fighting zombies!" she laughed. Lucía, much like La Reina, is a character that allows Polanco to explore new aspects of her talent and reach different audiences.
She is also dabbling in fashion and wants to keep exploring: "That's what's fun in life and acting. I know I am privileged, as I am able to do what I love."
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
