Introduction
Constance Marie Lopez (born September 9, 1965) is an American actress of Mexican origin. She is known for her role as Angie Lopez in George Lopez (2002–2007) and her role as Marcela Quintanilla (mother of Selena) in the film Selena (1997). She portrayed Regina Vasquez in the ABC Family/Freeform drama series Switched at Birth (2011–2017). She is currently portraying Camila Diaz in the Prime Video drama series Undone (2019–present).
Early life
At age 19, Marie appeared as a dancer in the musical Cosmopolis by composer Ryuichi Sakamoto in Japan. When she returned to Los Angeles, she was spotted at a club by a dance choreographer for David Bowie and she was hired for the Glass Spider Tour in 1987.
Career
Marie began her acting career when she was in her teenage years. She landed a spot in the 1988 film Salsa. Other television and film credits include Early Edition, Dirty Dancing, Selena, Spin City, and Ally McBeal. Marie was chosen for the role of Angie Lopez in the ABC comedy series George Lopez. In 2001, Marie starred in the comedy-drama film Tortilla Soup alongside Héctor Elizondo, Jacqueline Obradors, and Elizabeth Peña. She also appeared in the PBS drama series American Family.
In October 2007, she launched her own clothing line, "The Constance Marie Collection". In the same year, she appeared in an ad for PETA, encouraging people to spay and neuter their pets.
From 2011 to 2017, Marie had a starring role in the ABC Family/Freeform drama series Switched at Birth, portraying as Regina Vasquez, the birth mother of one of the girls and legal mother of the other.
Personal life
Marie was in a 15-year relationship with yoga instructor Kent Katich, which ended in September 2015. They have a daughter, Luna Marie, born in February 2009. Marie is a longtime vegetarian and raised her child as a vegetarian.
Awards and nominations
- Soap Opera Digest Awards
- 1991: Outstanding Female Newcomer (Daytime) – Santa Barbara (Nominated)
- ALMA Awards
- 1998: Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series – Union Square (Nominated)
- 2007: Outstanding Actress (Television Series, Mini-Series or Television Movie) – George Lopez (Nominated)
- 2011: Favorite TV Actress - Supporting Role – Switched at Birth (Nominated)
- 2012: Favorite TV Actress - Supporting Role – Switched at Birth (Won)
- Young Artist Awards
- 2004: Most Popular Mom & Pop in a Television Series – George Lopez (Nominated) with George Lopez
- Imagen Awards
- 2004: Best Actress in Television Drama – American Family (Nominated)
- 2004: Best Actress in Television Comedy – George Lopez (Won)
- 2005: Best Actress (Television) – George Lopez (Nominated)
- 2006: Best Actress (Television) – George Lopez (Nominated)
- 2007: Best Actress (Television) – George Lopez (Nominated)