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Entertainment • Actor

Dascha Polanco

Dascha Polanco is a Dominican-American actress best known for playing Dayanara “Daya” Diaz on the Netflix series *Orange Is the New Black*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dascha Polanco is a Dominican-American actress best known for playing Dayanara “Daya” Diaz on the Netflix series *Orange Is the New Black*. She was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on December 3, 1982, and later moved to the United States. Her other screen credits include *In the Heights*, *Joy*, and *The Cobbler*.

Early life

Dascha Polanco was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and moved to the United States when she was young. Sources describe her as growing up in New York and Miami.

Acting career

Polanco began appearing on television in 2011 and made her film debut in 2013. Her breakout role came with *Orange Is the New Black*, where she played Dayanara “Daya” Diaz across the series run.

Other screen roles

After her breakout television role, Polanco appeared in films including *The Cobbler*, *Joy*, and *In the Heights*. She also had a recurring role in *The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story*.

Public profile

Polanco has been noted in sources for work connected to advocacy, including support for organizations focused on women and formerly incarcerated people. Her public profile is closely tied to Latina representation in U.S. entertainment.

Key facts

  • Polanco is a Dominican-American actress.
  • She is best known for her role as Dayanara “Daya” Diaz on *Orange Is the New Black*.
  • She was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and moved to the United States at a young age.
  • Her film work includes *Gimme Shelter*, *The Cobbler*, *Joy*, and *In the Heights*.
  • She appeared in *The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story* as Detective Lori Weider.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Dascha Polanco?
Dascha Polanco is a Dominican-American actress known primarily for playing Dayanara “Daya” Diaz on *Orange Is the New Black*.
When was Dascha Polanco born?
She was born on December 3, 1982.
Where was Dascha Polanco born?
She was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
What is Dascha Polanco best known for?
She is best known for her role as Daya Diaz in *Orange Is the New Black*.
What films has Dascha Polanco appeared in?
Her film credits include *Gimme Shelter*, *The Cobbler*, *Joy*, and *In the Heights*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dascha_Polanco
    Supports: Birth date, Dominican-American identity, and best-known role in Orange Is the New Black.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4745601/
    Supports: Birthplace, move to the United States at a young age, and selected film and television credits.
  3. Innocence Project — https://innocenceproject.org/ambassador/dascha-polanco/
    Supports: Role in Orange Is the New Black, role in In the Heights, and advocacy-related activity.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/dascha_polanco
    Supports: Career overview, early TV and film roles, and breakout role.