• Maria Canals-Barrera is an American actress of Cuban descent
• Her net worth is estimated at over $2 million
• She has over 70 acting credits since her career started in 1990
• She is most known for her role in the Disney Channel series “Wizards Of Waverly Place”, playing Connie Torres in the “Camp Rock” films, and featuring as Daniela in the ABC sitcom “Cristela”
• She is married to actor/producer David Barrera, and has two daughters, Bridget and Madeleine



Known for movies

Short Info

Date Of BirthSeptember 28, 1966
SpouseDavid Barrera
FactGave birth to her 1st child, a daughter Bridget Barrera, with her husband David Barrera. [2003]


Who is Maria Canals-Barrera?

Maria Pilar Canals-Barrera was born on 28 September 1966 under the sign of Libra, in Miami, Florida USA, of Cuban ancestry. She is a 53-year-old actress and voice actress, probably best recognized for starring in the role of Theresa Russo in the Disney Channel fantasy teen sitcom “Wizards Of Waverly Place”, playing Connie Torres in the “Camp Rock” film series, and featuring as Daniela in the ABC sitcom “Cristela”.

How rich is she, as of now? Maria Canals-Barrera’s Net Worth

As of mid-2020, Maria Canals-Barrera’s net worth is estimated at over $2 million, acquired from her years working as an actress both on television and in films.

She has garnered over 70 acting credits since her career started back in 1990.

Early Life, Nationality, Ethnicity

Maria Canals-Barrera spent her early years in her hometown of Miami, where she was raised by her parents; however, their names and professions haven’t been revealed to the public yet. It is known that they are Cuban but of Catalan descent; Maria is American by nationality, but belongs to Cuban ethnicity. Maria became interested in acting very early, and took drama classes while she was attending junior high school. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Career Beginnings

Maria Canals-Barrera started her acting career when she made her television debut, in the role of Rosina in the episode “La Bizca” of the Fox police procedural series “21 Jump Street”, after which she guest-starred as Lori Wechsler in two episodes of the action-adventure series “Super Force” in 1991. Two years later, Maria won the recurring role of Fig in the Fox drama series “Key West”, created by David Beaird. It was followed by her portrayals of Mrs. Bobo #2 in the family buddy cop-comedy film “Cop And A Half”, directed by Henry Winkler, and Carmen in the made-for-TV comedy “Harlan & Merleen”, both in 1993. She then landed the role of young Irene in the 1995 independent drama film “My Family”, written and directed by Gregory Nava.

Maria Canals Barrera

During the same period, she also guest-starred in such TV series, such as “Murder, She Wrote”, “Almost Perfect”, and “Goode Behavior”, among many others.

Rise to Fame and “Justice League”

Maria came to prominence when she was selected to play the main role of Carmen Cruz in the sitcom “The Tony Danza Show”, aired on NBC for a season from 1997 through 1998, after which she voiced Mercedes ‘Meche’ Colomar for the video game “Grim Fandango”.

Maria won the recurring role of Yolanda in the Showtime comedy-drama series “Beggars and Choosers” in 1999. Between 2000 and 2003, she provided the voice to Shelly Sandoval / Hawkgirl for the superhero animated series “Static Shock”, broadcast on the Kid’s WB network.

At the same time, Maria continued to work on other television and film projects, and featured as Adinah in Joe Roth’s 2001 romantic comedy “America’s Sweethearts”, alongside Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones, after which he did her voice-over of Sunset Boulevardez in the Disney Channel animated sitcom “The Proud Family” (2001-2005), which she would reprise in “The Proud Family Movie” in 2005. Maria also reprised her role as Shelly Sandoval / Hawkgirl in the Cartoon Network superhero animated series “Justice League” (2001-2004), and its sequel entitled “Justice League Unlimited” (2004-2006). Meantime in 2002, she was Sophia in the adventure comedy “The Master Of Disguise”, and Christy in the PBS sitcom “American Family”.

In the next year, she featured as Esme Palomares in Christopher Hampton’s drama historical film “Imagining Argentina”, alongside Antonio Banderas and Emma Thompson. Between 2004 and 2007, Maria voiced Paulina in the Nickelodeon animated action adventure series “Danny Phantom”.

Continued Success

In 2007, Maria joined the main cast of the fantasy teen sitcom “Wizards Of Waverly Place”, broadcast on the Disney Channel. She portrayed Theresa Russo from 2007 to 2012, which gained her enormous recognition, and would later reprise the role in the 2009 Disney Channel comedy-drama fantasy film “Wizards Of Waverly Place: The Movie”, which earned her the 2010 Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actress – Television.

Moreover, she also landed the role of Connie Torres in the Disney Channel Original Movies “Camp Rock” (2008), and its sequel “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” (2010), starring next to Demi Lovato. In 2011, Maria featured as Lala Pinedo in the romantic comedy “Larry Crowne”, opposite Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks, and voiced She-Hulk in two video games – “Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds” and “Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3”. Thereafter, she voiced Ellen Yindel in the direct-to-video animated superhero film titles – “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Part 1” (2012) and “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Part 2” (2013).

“Cristela” and Recent Projects

Between 2014 and 2015, Maria appeared in the main role of Daniela in the ABC sitcom “Cristela”, created by Cristela Alonzo and Kevin Hench, after which in 2015, she voiced Hawkgirl for the video game “Infinite Crisis”. She then featured as Catherine Thawley in the Christian drama film “God’s Not Dead 2”, which was followed by her portrayal of Angela in the made-for-TV comedy “A Bronx Life”, both in 2016. During the same year, she voiced Rio Morales in several episodes of the Disney XD superhero animated series “Ultimate Spider-Man”, after which she guest-starred in such TV series as “Last Man Standing”, “The Big Bang Theory”, and “Sofia The First”.

In 2017, Maria provided her voice to Dr. Vargas in the animated sci-fi fantasy “Vixen: The Movie”, and featured as Irene Anderson in the made-for-TV family romance “The Wedding Do Over”. During the next few years, she guest-starred in such TV series as “Knight Squad” and “Fuller House”. Her latest big screen feature came in 2019, when she landed the role of Bonnie in the drama “Sweet Inspirations”, directed by Brittany Yost.

Appearance and Vital Statistics

Maria Canals-Barrera has long light brown hair and dark brown eyes. She stands at a height of 5ft 6ins (1.68m), while she weighs around 148lbs (67kgs), her body type is slim, and her vital statistics are 38-27-38. Her bra size is 42D, dress size 8 (US) and shoe size 10 (US).

Husband David Barrera and Daughters

Maria Canals-Barrera is a married woman. Her husband is famous actor and producer David Barrera, best recognized for portraying Gunnery Sgt. Ray ‘Casey Kasem’ Griego in the HBO war drama mini-series “Generation Kill”. After dating for two years, the couple exchanged their wedding vows at a ceremony held on 16 January 1999.

They are the parents of two daughters. She gave birth to their first daughter, named Bridget Barrera, in 2003, and two years later they welcomed their second daughter they named Madeleine Barrera – both are now also involved in the film industry. Their current residence is in Los Angeles, California.

General Info

Full NameMaría Canals Barrera
Date Of BirthSeptember 28, 1966
Height1.68 m, 1.68 m
ProfessionVoice Actor, Singer, Singer, Voice Actor
EducationUniversity of Miami, University of Miami
NationalityAmerican, American

Family

SpouseDavid Barrera
ChildrenBridget Barrera, Madeleine Barrera, Bridget Barrera, Madeleine Barrera

Accomplishments

AwardsALMA Award for Favorite TV Actress - Supporting Role, ALMA Award for Favorite TV Actress - Supporting Role
NominationsALMA Award for Favorite TV Actress - Comedy, ALMA Award for Favorite TV Actress - Comedy
MoviesWizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, Camp Rock, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, God's Not Dead 2, Larry Crowne, The Master of Disguise, Imagining Argentina, America's Sweethearts, The Proud Family Movie, Scooby-Doo! and the Monster of Mexico, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2, Cop and a Half, Memb...
TV ShowsCristela, Wizards of Waverly Place, Danny Phantom, Justice League Unlimited, Justice League, The Tony Danza Show, Members Only, Cristela, Wizards of Waverly Place, Danny Phantom, Justice League Unlimited, Justice League, The Tony Danza Show

Social profile links

Facts

#Fact
1Gave birth to her 2nd child, a daughter Madeleine Barrera, with her husband David Barrera. [2005]
2Gave birth to her 1st child, a daughter Bridget Barrera, with her husband David Barrera. [2003]
3Her nephew, Ricky Canals, attended Dade Christian School in Unincorporated Miami Lakes, Florida, but now attends Barbara Goleman Senior High.
4Is of Cuban descent.
5When casting the Hawkgirl character on Justice League (2001), the casting department looked for an actress with an accent, in order to make Hawkgirl sound more unique since she was an alien. Therefore Maria was chosen in part for her Hispanic accent.

Pictures

Movies

Actress

TitleYearStatusCharacter
God's Not Dead 22016Catherine Thawley
Cristela2014-2015TV SeriesDaniela
Infinite Crisis2015Video GameHawkgirl (voice, uncredited)
Members Only2015TV MovieHilda
Baby Daddy2014TV SeriesCarol Beltran
Night of the Hipsters2013ShortBarbara
The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex2013TV MovieTheresa Russo
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 22013VideoEllen Yindel (voice, as Maria Canals)
Pound Puppies2012TV SeriesDr. Trudy
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 12012VideoEllen Yindel (voice, as Maria Canals)
Wizards of Waverly Place2007-2012TV SeriesTheresa Russo
Larry Crowne2011Lala Pinedo
Generator Rex2011TV SeriesValentia
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds2011Video GameShe-Hulk (voice)
Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam2010TV MovieConnie
Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie2009TV MovieTheresa Russo
Special Agent Oso2009TV Series
Camp Rock2008TV MovieConnie Torres (as Maria Canals Barrera)
The Boondocks2005-2007TV SeriesCosta Rican Woman / Spanish TV Reporter
The Loop2007TV SeriesAgent Denise
Handy Manny2006TV SeriesPeggy Salazar
Danny Phantom2004-2006TV SeriesPaulina / Big Headed Kitty Ghost / Young Mom / ...
Justice League2001-2006TV SeriesShayera Hol Hawkgirl Fire ...
George Lopez2006TV SeriesClaudia
The Proud Family Movie2005TV MovieSunset Boulevardez (voice, as Maria Canals)
The Proud Family2001-2005TV SeriesSunset Boulevardez
Curb Your Enthusiasm2004TV SeriesDalilah the Hygienist
Miss Match2003TV SeriesStore Manager
Scooby-Doo and the Monster of Mexico2003VideoSofia Otero / Old Woman #2 (voice, as Maria Canals)
Imagining Argentina2003Esme Palomares (as Marí'a Canals)
Static Shock2000-2003TV SeriesShelly Sandoval Shayera Hol Hawkgirl ...
The Master of Disguise2002Sophia (as Maria Canals)
American Family2002TV SeriesChristy
Bad Boy2002Woman at Bar (as Maria Canals)
America's Sweethearts2001Adinah (as Maria Canals)
The Brothers Garcia2001TV SeriesMs. Azteca
Popular2001TV SeriesCandy Box
That's Life2000TV Series
Beggars and Choosers1999TV SeriesYolanda
Grim Fandango1998Video GameMercedes 'Meche' Colomar (voice, as Maria Canals)
The Tony Danza Show1997-1998TV SeriesCarmen Cruz
Veronica's Closet1998TV Series
Caroline in the City1998TV SeriesMaria
Goode Behavior1996TV SeriesDenise
Almost Perfect1995TV SeriesCarmen
My Family1995Young Irene (as Maria Canals)
Murder, She Wrote1994TV SeriesCarmen
Viper1994TV SeriesCarla
Marielena1994TV SeriesNancy
Harlan & Merleen1993TV MovieCarmen (as Maria Canals)
Cop & ½1993Mrs. Bobo #2 (as Maria Canals)
Key West1993TV SeriesFig
Super Force1991TV SeriesLori Wechsler
21 Jump Street1990TV SeriesRosina
The Wedding Do Over2017TV Movie post-productionIrene Anderson
The Big Bang Theory2016TV SeriesIssabella
Last Man Standing2016TV SeriesSheryl
Ultimate Spider-Man2016TV SeriesRio Morales
A Bronx Life2016TV MovieAngela

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Cristela2014TV Series performer - 1 episode

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The 41st Annual People's Choice Awards2015TV SpecialHerself
The 83rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade2014TV MovieHerself
Q N' A with Mikki and Shay2013TV SeriesHerself
Studio 3 Hollywood Up Close2013TV SeriesHerself - Guest
Home & Family2013TV SeriesHerself - Guest
Marie2013TV Series documentaryHerself
81st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade2012TV MovieHerself
Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin2012TV SeriesHerself - Panelist
2012 ALMA Awards2012TV SpecialHerself
Chiller 13: Horror's Creepiest Kids2011TV Movie documentaryHerself
2011 ALMA Awards2011TV SpecialHerself
The 36th Annual Gracie Awards2011TV SpecialHerself
Piper's QUICK Picks2011TV SeriesHerself - Guest
Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards 20112011TV SpecialHerself
KTLA Morning News2010-2011TV SeriesHerself
Kinect Family Video Diaries2010TV SeriesHerself
79th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade2010TV MovieHerself
Road to Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam2010TV SeriesHerself / Connie Torres
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 20102010TV SpecialHerself
Wizards of Waverly Place: Wiz Pix2009Video documentary shortHerself
Disney 3652008TV Series documentary
2002 ALMA Awards2002TV SpecialHerself

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana2009VideoTheresa Russo (as Maria Canals Barrera)
Wizards of Waverly Place: Fashionista Presto Chango2009Video documentary shortTheresa Russo
Justice League2005TV SeriesShayera Hol

Awards

Won Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2011ALMA AwardALMA AwardsFavorite TV Actress - Supporting RoleWizards of Waverly Place (2007)
2010Imagen AwardImagen Foundation AwardsBest Supporting Actress - TelevisionWizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009)
2002ALMA AwardALMA AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Television SeriesThe Brothers Garcia (2000)

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2015Imagen AwardImagen Foundation AwardsBest Supporting Actress - TelevisionCristela (2014)
2014BTVA Special/DVD Voice Acting AwardBehind the Voice Actors AwardsBest Vocal Ensemble in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Theatrical ShortBatman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 (2013)
2013BTVA Special/DVD Voice Acting AwardBehind the Voice Actors AwardsBest Vocal Ensemble in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Theatrical ShortBatman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 (2012)
2011Imagen AwardImagen Foundation AwardsBest Supporting Actress - TelevisionWizards of Waverly Place (2007)
2009ALMA AwardALMA AwardsActress in Television - ComedyWizards of Waverly Place (2007)
2009Imagen AwardImagen Foundation AwardsBest Supporting Actress/TelevisionWizards of Waverly Place (2007)
2008ALMA AwardALMA AwardsOutstanding Female Performance in a Comedy Television SeriesWizards of Waverly Place (2007)
2008Imagen AwardImagen Foundation AwardsBest Supporting Actress- TelevisionWizards of Waverly Place (2007)
1998ALMA AwardALMA AwardsOutstanding Actress in a Comedy SeriesThe Tony Danza Show (1997)

Source: IMDb, Wikipedia

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