Born in
South Korea to a Korean mother and Dominican father, Julee Cerda was raised simultaneously in New York and the
Dominican Republic. While in high school, her class took a field trip to see the
Broadway production of
Les Misérables, and Cerda stated that she was "floored" by the production, and it convinced her to pursue a career in acting. She later attended
Marist College and participated in comedy troupes such as
Upright Citizens Brigade and Tangana!, the latter of which she was a founding member. She moved on to acting in advertisements but wished to take on wider acting roles. Cerda has been among actors of mixed ethnicity who have found it difficult working in the
Hollywood system. "I don't fit 100% into any category. I'm an American, but casting directors don't always see me as that. I'm often looked at as the 'other', but it's getting better because people of color are working to make it better." Cerda eventually began booking roles in high-profile television productions, such as
Homeland,
Orange Is the New Black,
House of Cards,
Nurse Jackie,
Iron Fist, and
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. She also gained recognition for starring in the Broadway productions
Children of a Lesser God and
Smart People. ==Filmography==