Lauren Vélez is an American actress of Puerto Rican descent, renowned for her versatile roles in television and film. She gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of Detective Nina Moreno in "New York Undercover" and Dr. Gloria Nathan in the HBO series "Oz." Vélez's performance as María LaGuerta in the Showtime series "Dexter" further showcased her acting prowess, earning her multiple award nominations. Her contributions have paved the way for Latina actresses in mainstream media, reflecting her commitment to diverse representation in the entertainment industry.