Photo: Richard Sandoval / CC BY-SA 2.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Elizabeth Peña was a stage actor, television actor and film actor, born on September 23, 1959 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States. Death is recorded on October 14, 2014, at the age of 55. Education on record includes Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School.
My Take
Elizabeth Peña had the kind of grounded presence that quietly elevated everything around her. Across Down and Out in Beverly Hills, La Bamba, Jacob's Ladder, and Rush Hour, she rarely led the marquee yet was never forgettable, shifting register with real craft. The voice work and stage roots tell me her devotion to acting ran deeper than fame. Losing her at 55 in 2014 still feels like a loss of someone in full command. What I admire most is that she carved out durable space for Latina performers at a time when the doors barely opened, a pioneer dressed as a reliable character actor.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Elizabeth Peña
- Name (Japanese)
- エリザベス・ペーニャ
- Reading
- えりざべす・ぺーにゃ
- Born
- September 23, 1959 – October 14, 2014
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Libra / Boar
- Origin
- Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States
- Occupation
- actor / stage actor / television actor / film actor / voice actor
2. Background
- High school
- Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Elizabeth Peña born?
Born September 23, 1959.
When did Elizabeth Peña die?
Died October 14, 2014, aged 55.
Where was Elizabeth Peña from?
Elizabeth Peña was from Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States.
What did Elizabeth Peña do?
Elizabeth Peña worked as actor, stage actor, television actor, film actor, voice actor.
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