Judy Reyes: Movies, Awards & Box Office

Judy Reyes, born on November 5, 1967 in the Bronx, New York City, is a versatile American actress, model, and producer whose career has spanned over three decades. Raised by Dominican immigrant parents, she grew up on Bainbridge Avenue alongside three sisters, including her fraternal twin Joselin, who later appeared on Law & Order: SVU; the multicultural upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and deep connection to her community. After completing her studies at Hunter College in Manhattan, Reyes broke into television in the early 1990s with guest roles on Law & Order, NYPD Blue and The Sopranos, quickly establishing a reputation for authenticity and comedic timing. Her breakout role came in 2001 as the caring, sarcastic nurse Carla Espinosa on the NBC/ABC hit series Scrubs, a part she inhabited until 2009 and that earned her a dedicated fanbase. Following Scrubs, she demonstrated range by appearing in dramas such as Gun Hill Road—a Sundance‑premiered film set on the Bronx street where she grew up—while also taking on recurring parts on Castle, Medium and Law & Order: SVU. From 2013 to 2016 she starred as senior maid Zoila Diaz in the Lifetime/ABC series Devious Maids, and from 2017 to 2022 she brought depth to Annalise “Quiet Ann” Zayas on the TNT series Claws. Reyes’s film work includes All Together Now (2020), the box‑office horror hit Smile (2022) and the psychological thriller Birth/Rebirth (2023), the latter earning her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Lead Performance. In addition to acting, she co‑founded the Sound of GOL Foundation with director George Valencia, supporting recreational activities for young girls, and remains an influential figure championing Latino representation in Hollywood.