Justina Machado is an American actress of Puerto Rican descent, acclaimed for her versatile performances across television and film. She gained recognition for her role as Vanessa Diaz in the HBO series "Six Feet Under," earning a Screen Actors Guild Award. Machado further showcased her talent in the Netflix/Pop TV sitcom "One Day at a Time," portraying Penelope Alvarez, a role that earned her critical acclaim and an Imagen Award. Her work has significantly contributed to the representation of Latina women in mainstream media, making her a prominent figure in Hollywood.​