Ana Ortiz, born on January 25, 1971, in Manhattan, New York City, is an accomplished American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Hilda Suarez in the ABC comedy-drama series "Ugly Betty," which earned her critical acclaim and several awards. 

Her passion for the arts began at a young age, initially pursuing ballet for eight years before transitioning to singing due to the physical pain caused by dancing en pointe. She attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City and later graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre.

Her acting career began in theatre, making her professional stage debut in a regional production of "Dangerous Liaisons." She continued to build her stage credentials with roles in productions like "Dog Lady and the Cuban Swimmer" and "References to Salvador Dalí Make Me Hot."

Her television career took off with appearances in series such as "NYPD Blue," "Everybody Loves Raymond," and "Commander in Chief." In 2001, she secured her first series regular role in the NBC sitcom "Kristin." However, it was her portrayal of Hilda Suarez in "Ugly Betty" that brought her widespread recognition and several awards, including an ALMA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Series.

Beyond "Ugly Betty," she has showcased her versatility in various roles. She starred in the Lifetime television movie "Little Girl Lost: The Delimar Vera Story" and appeared in films like "Labor Pains" and "Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son." 

From 2013 to 2016, she led the cast of "Devious Maids" as Marisol Suarez, earning the Imagen Award for Best Actress in Television. In 2020, she began starring in the Hulu series "Love, Victor" as Isabel Salazar, the mother of the titular character, further solidifying her status in the industry.

Her personal life has been marked by her marriage to musician Noah Lebenzon. The couple married on June 9, 2007, and have two children together, Paloma Louise Lebenzon, born on June 27, 2009, and Rafael Lebenzon, born on September 24, 2011. 

She is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in projects against domestic violence, drawing from her own experiences. In her early twenties, she was involved in an abusive relationship and now helps others overcome similar situations. These traumatic memories influenced her portrayal of Hilda in "Ugly Betty," bringing depth and authenticity to her character's emotions.

Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and nominations. She won the ALMA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Series for her role in "Ugly Betty" and the Imagen Award for Best Actress in Television for her performance in "Devious Maids." 

She has also been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for "Ugly Betty" and a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.