Elizabeth Peña was an American actress known for her versatile acting skills and captivating on-screen presence. Born on September 23, 1959, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she began her acting career at a young age in theatrical productions, eventually transitioning to film and television. Peña’s breakthrough role came in the critically acclaimed film “La Bamba” (1987), where she portrayed the loving sister-in-law of rock ‘n’ roll legend Ritchie Valens. Throughout her career, she showcased her talent in a variety of genres, including dramas like “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” (1986) and “Jacob’s Ladder” (1990), as well as comedies such as “Lone Star” (1996) and “Rush Hour” (1998). Peña also made appearances in popular television shows like “Modern Family” and “Rizzoli & Isles”. Unfortunately, she passed away on October 14, 2014, leaving behind a memorable body of work and a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.