Liana Mendoza

Strong Vine Cold Mountain "Liana Mendoza" was born on November 19, in Los Angeles, California. Named "Top 5 successful Spanish speaking women" by Cosmopolitan Magazine, Mendoza is listed, alongside Penélope Cruz and Paz Vega. Soon after, she was honored as a "Trailblazer Performer" by SAG-AFTRA and received congressional recognition for her contributions to society. While Mendoza, is primarily Indigenous/Native American (Chichimeca/Hopi) and Mexican, (Guadalajara, Mexico, San Juan Del Monte). She fully embraces her multi-ethnic heritage; deeply connected to her roots, ancestors, tribe and traditions. She was raised by a single mother, Vickie, whom she describes as 'heroic' along with her grandparents and cherishes her childhood memories with all of them. At fourteen, Liana was 1 of 15 students invited to attend Hamilton High School Academy of Music and Performing Arts. She continued her education in musical theatre and opera with Seth Riggs (Coach to the Stars). By age 18, her calling was clear as she booked the leading lady role of Disney's Princess Jasmine in an onstage play in Anaheim, Ca. She earned her Degree in theater from Pace University and subsequently was accepted into NYU Tisch School of the Arts on a full scholarship to complete her Advanced Degree. Her career after graduation began onstage, and she has retained her association with the theater. She soon obtained prominent roles in movies as well, first starring in the romantic comedy Internet Dating opposite Katt Williams. She continues to refine her skills at Ivana Chubbuck Studio working directly with world renowned coach Ivana. After booking more roles onstage, touring in plays "Hell's too Hot" and "Workplace Drama", she began her television career in the Latin Market and quickly joined the cast of many hit television shows like Bones, Scandal and Better Call Saul. Since working on the FX, Emmy-Award winning show, American Horror Story in 2015, Liana has gained more notoriety. The show and cast were nominated for a Golden Globe (2016) and she went on to be cast in Ray Donovan, Baskets, Unsolved, and most recently Disney's Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2021). Believing in the philosophy that we all pass the elevator back down--in the words of Jack Lemmon--she involves herself in youth programs and charity organizations; Every Monday Matters, Stand up in the Halls and Students Run LA (SRLA) where she mentors at-risk youth and has trained them to run alongside her in the Los Angeles Marathon.