America Ferrera’s staggering success by the numbers

Gisselle Bances

America Ferrera was just 17 when she hit the big screen in a role that not only elevated her career, but embraced the beauty of Latino culture and its generations of strong women. The 2002 movie Real Women Have Curves follows a full-figured high school senior, played by Ferrera, who liberates herself from societal standards and her family’s traditional values. “I was excited that there was a Latin American girl in the lead, one who came from a background that felt similar to mine,” Ferrera said about her breakout role.

“I have always felt wholly American, and yet my identity is inextricably linked to my parents’ homeland and Honduran culture.” (Photo: Getty Images)
“I have always felt wholly American, and yet my identity is inextricably linked to my parents’ homeland and Honduran culture.” (Photo: Getty Images)

Real Women Have Curves opened the door for the California-born actress, who’s gone on to star in more than 19 movies. How can we forget 2005’s The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — long live friendship!

Starting the New Year off with blessings from my Sisterhood. We’ve got work to do for the next generation. Let’s get to it. #TIMESUP

A post shared by America Ferrera (@americaferrera) on Jan 2, 2018 at 2:31pm PST

Her most memorable role, however, was on TV as Betty Suarez, in Ugly Betty. Ferrera teamed up with Salma Hayek to bring the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea to an English-speaking market in the United States. “We were making this show we were all so proud of and I got to play this dream role,” she said.

UGLY BETTY Premiered 10 years ago today!!!! How has it been that long!? I was a little baby. So blessed to have brought Betty Suarez into the world. She is always in my heart and I love her! I might just go watch every episode right now! If you wanna join me: abc.tv/2cLuBz2

A post shared by America Ferrera (@americaferrera) on Sep 28, 2016 at 8:05pm PDT

The show was on for four seasons, and it scored Ferrera multiple wins. She won a Best Actress Golden Globe along with Emmy, Screen Actors Guild, and Teen Choice awards for playing brace-faced, sweet Betty. Ferrera even made history as the first Latina to win an Emmy in the Lead Actress category — sí, se puede!

Officially a member of the working mom’s club! 👊🏽 Season 4 of @nbcsuperstore starts today!

A post shared by America Ferrera (@americaferrera) on Aug 6, 2018 at 9:26am PDT

The filmmaker, activist, and advocate for Voto Latino (an organization aimed at getting Latinos in the U.S. to vote), has another successful TV show to brag about, Superstore. Ferrera said she was drawn to the role because of its diverse cast: “When it comes to diversity and breaking stereotypes and finding opportunities for non-white actors, progress gets made in these individual steps.”

The cast is gearing up for the show’s fourth season to premiere this fall on NBC.

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