Gloria Garcia is a multifaceted Mexican-American actress who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Born in Cicero, Illinois, Garcia's heritage is a unique blend of Mexican and Polish, making her fluent in Spanish and adding depth to her performances. Her early life was marked by a strong sense of social responsibility, which led her to become involved in education for orphans in Puebla, Mexico, her ancestral homeland.
Garcia's professional journey began with her training at The Poor School Drama School in London, where she honed her craft and prepared herself for the challenges of the industry. Her breakthrough role came when she was personally chosen by J.J. Abrams to play the "Jakku Defender" in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This iconic scene showcased her skills as a mother figure, protecting the character Poe, played by Oscar Isaac, making her the first "featured" female in the film.
Garcia's impressive resume includes a range of notable roles. She played the role of Sofia in the #1 Netflix film Afterlife of the Party, and also appeared as Goody's mother in Wednesday, Mama Elisa Reyes in A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, and Mrs. Gordon in The Castaways. Her upcoming projects include playing a female agent in Malice, due out in March 2025, and Dr. Sofia Guijarro in Nine Bodies in A Mexican Morgue, a role that marks her first full Spanish-speaking performance.
In addition to her acting career, Garcia is a licensed bodyguard with S.I.A training in combat and firearms. Her extensive experience as a Cook County Sheriff's Officer has given her a unique perspective on the world of close protection, and she is often sought after as a speaker on topics such as communication tactics, surveillance, close ops, and AI in the private speakers' circuit.
