Biographie
Bertila Damas is an American actress known for her work in television, film, and theater. She is recognized for her straightforward approach to both acting and life, combined with an irreverent sense of humor, deep compassion, and genuine, no-nonsense energy. Her performances have received consistent praise in publications such as Variety, the LA Times, and Curtain Up. Notable reviews include: "Damas simply radiates as Clemencia [in 'Electricidad' at the Mark Taper Forum]," "Damas—who embodies the round-eyed yet tough femininity reminiscent of the original Nora, Helen Hayes—is simply stellar," "Such lovely emotional resonance in the performances of Jorja Fox and guest star Bertila Damas (Mrs. Santiago)," "Bertila Damas has an impeccable charm and regal allure that is truly enchanting," and "Damas’ sexual toughness adds electricity to the mother-daughter confrontations."
Her theater experience spans off-Broadway and regional productions. She made her Broadway debut as Juliet in *Romeo & Juliet* for Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival on Broadway, directed by Academy Award-winning actress Estelle Parsons. Among her regional roles, she portrayed the title character in Federico García Lorca's *Yerma* at the Arena Stage. Bertila began her professional career in Miami, working in Spanish-language theater and television while attending college. She later studied in New York at the prestigious Circle in the Square Professional Theater School, the Actor’s Studio, and trained as an advanced acting student with Stella Adler, including participation in Adler’s renowned Script Analysis classes.
Her extensive television credits range from *The John Larroquette Show* (1993) and *King of the Hill* to *NYPD Blue*, *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*, *NCIS*, and *Grimm* (2011). On international Spanish-language television, she is known for her role as the villainous Marta on *Angélica, mi vida* (1988) for Telemundo. She has also appeared in numerous commercials and voice-over roles in both English and Spanish. Hollywood appears to be recognizing the talent of this captivating actress, and it is hoped that greater opportunities come her way soon.
