Sonia Manzano was proudly raised in the South Bronx. Her love of performing led her to the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, followed by a drama scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University. She soon joined the groundbreaking off-Broadway production of Godspell.

At just 21 years old, Sonia landed the iconic role of “Maria” on SESAME STREET, becoming the first Latina to appear on national television in a regular role—a role she would embody for 44 years. Sonia quickly became a standout on the revolutionary children’s show, known for her comic timing and honest, heartfelt performances. “Maria” became a source of comfort and joy for millions of children, especially those who had never seen themselves represented on screen.

But Sonia was more than just a character. She became a trailblazer behind the scenes as well, joining the writing team on SESAME STREET, earning 15 Emmy Awards, and receiving the Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

She is also a prolific author, with books such as The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano (which received the Pura Belpré Author Honor in 2013), Coming Up Cuban (2022), and her critically acclaimed memoir Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx (2015).