Iris Almario

Iris Almario has emerged on-screen and beyond as an accomplished Actress, Host, Model, Social Media Influencer and true Animal Advocate. Originally from New York, this natural beauty of Colombian Puerto Rican descent, has proven as talented as she is diverse. Most recently, audiences caught Iris in a dramatic moment on the witness stand in the new CBS series, All Rise. And coming soon in 2020, she goes for big laughs guest starring alongside Will Forte on the new platform Quibi in the short-form comedy series, Flipped. With numerous television credits under her belt, Iris has showcased a wide range of characters. Fans best recognize her for portraying Soledad Goldberg, Rogelio's (Jaime Camil) overzealous publicist, on the CW's beloved comedy series, Jane the Virgin; and for her role as Hugh Davidson's former flame, Lizzie Martinez, on the TV Land comedy series, Nobodies, from executive producer Melissa McCarthy. However, it was her role years earlier on HBO's mega-hit, Sex in the City, that first caught the industry's attention. Since then, she has been entertaining viewers with appearances on countless shows, including Bosch, Switched at Birth, Code Black, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, NCIS, American Crime Story and the TV movie Murder in Mexico: The Bruce Beresford-Redman Story to name a few. Iris was first drawn to performing through the art of dance, earning a degree from The Dalton School and then a scholarship to Phil Black Studios. She emerged on Spanish television as a host and model on Univision NY, Telemundo NY and as a two-time winner of the model competition on Univision's popular variety show, Sabado Gigante. Iris further caught the public's eye when she was named Queen of The National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City and then went on to be crowned Miss Latina USA. During this time, she traveled to Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru, where she competed for the Miss America Latina title, while having the distinct honor to represent Latinos from the United States overseas. She entered the Latina Magazine/Wilhelmina Model Search and was selected from over 5000 entries for a modeling contract with the prestigious Wilhelmina Modeling Agency. This led her to move to Los Angeles to further pursue her acting and hosting career. Iris' passionate nature extends well-beyond the performing arts arena as an active global animal advocate. Searching for balance in her life, she began volunteering locally at a shelter which eventually led her to a rescue that works with dog meat trade survivors. Through this organization, she traveled to China and brought back 3 dogs from a slaughterhouse and rescued 1 stray that can't walk but won her heart to become her beloved dog, Koko. Iris believes that helping abused animals has enriched her life and shown her the importance of compassion towards both people and animals. Iris proudly co-founded the global foundation Women United for Animal Welfare (WUFAW.org), which focuses on improving animal welfare through direct action in the field. Follow Iris Almario on Instagram: @irisalmario and Twitter: @irisalmario.