Biography
Cice Rivera (born June 20, 1970) is an American actress known for her work in television and film, as well as a makeup artist, director, producer, photographer, writer, and published author. She started taking acting classes at sixteen and made her film debut in Carlito's Way (1992) and The Cowboy Way (1994). Rivera has built a successful career in Hollywood with roles in projects such as Carlito's Angels and Blue's Clues, earning 3 wins and 30 nominations, including NYTimes awards and recognition for her work on award-winning shows.
Early Life
Rivera was born in Newark, New Jersey, and currently resides in Hollywood, Florida. She is the daughter of Nilda Lopez, a Hispanic cosmetologist, and Rafael Rivera Sr., a Hispanic entrepreneur from Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Her maternal grandparents hail from Spain and Puerto Rico, while on her father's side, she descends from a notable Puerto Rican family. Rivera has an older brother, Rafael, a younger brother, Manuel, and an adopted younger sister, Alexis.
Growing up in West Orange, New Jersey, until age eighteen, Rivera took art and writing classes at a nearby art gallery and spent much of her childhood writing poetry and creating canvas art. She also took small acting roles during this time. She attended West Orange High School briefly before graduating from Florida School of Excellence. Rivera was active in high school theater, art, photography, and fashion design.
In 2004, Rivera enrolled at the University of Metaphysical Science in California. Before this, she worked as a bartender while pursuing acting, traveling daily to Manhattan for auditions and supporting herself with various odd jobs. She later completed her studies, earning degrees from UMS and the Addiction Academy of San Francisco, and is currently advancing her education with a degree in psychology. Rivera is a licensed counselor in Florida and speaks fluent Spanish, with intermediate proficiency in several other languages.
Career
Modeling
Rivera began her modeling career at sixteen, starting with catalog work and participating in numerous fashion shows. She modeled for various photographers and brands throughout her early career.
