Montserrat “Montse” Hernandez is a Mexican-American actress, voice artist, singer, writer, and director known for her diverse talents in the entertainment industry. Born on January 20, 2000, in Dallas, Texas, she began her journey in the arts at a young age and has since built an impressive portfolio across various mediums.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Montse’s passion for performance was evident early on. She started modeling and appearing in national commercials at the age of three. By four, she ventured into voice acting, demonstrating a natural aptitude for the craft despite not yet being able to read. Her early experiences involved memorizing lines fed to her before recording sessions. At eight, she secured the role of Natalia in the children’s television series Barney & Friends (2008), marking her entry into on-screen acting. Her family’s move to Los Angeles when she was ten further facilitated her pursuit of an acting career.
Notable Television Roles
Jane the Virgin (2014–2017)
Montse gained significant recognition for her portrayal of teenage Jane in The CW’s acclaimed series Jane the Virgin. Her performance in this role showcased her ability to capture complex emotions, contributing to the show’s heartfelt narrative.
The Night Shift (2015)
In NBC’s medical drama The Night Shift, Montse appeared as Naomi, adding depth to the series’ exploration of the challenges faced by medical professionals.
Colony (2016)
Montse took on the role of Sam in USA Network’s science fiction series Colony, which delves into themes of resistance and collaboration in a dystopian future.
Voice Roles in Animated Series
Montse has made significant contributions as a voice actress:
- Gwen Tennyson in Ben 10 (2016–2020): She voiced Gwen Tennyson in Cartoon Network’s reboot of the popular series, bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved character.
- Stacks in Craig of the Creek (2018–2024): Montse provided the voice for Stacks, a recurring character known for her love of books and knowledge.
- Cristina in Victor and Valentino (2019–2022): She voiced Cristina in this Cartoon Network series that explores Mesoamerican folklore.
- June in The Last Kids on Earth (2019–2020): Montse voiced June in Netflix’s animated series based on the book series of the same name.
Film Roles
Lowriders (2016)
Montse made her film debut as Isabel in Lowriders, acting alongside Eva Longoria, Demian Bichir, and Melissa Benoist. The film explores the vibrant lowrider car culture in East Los Angeles.
Coco (2017)
She lent her voice to the character Rosa Rivera in Pixar’s critically acclaimed animated film Coco, which celebrates Mexican culture and traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos.
Student Body (2022)
In the horror film Student Body, Montse took on the lead role of Jane Shipley, showcasing her versatility by venturing into the thriller genre. The film follows high school students trapped inside their school, being hunted by a mysterious figure.
Filmography Overview
Below is a summary of Montse Hernandez’s notable television and film roles:
| Title | Year(s) | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barney & Friends | 2008 | Natalia | Children’s television series |
| Jane the Virgin | 2014–2017 | Teenage Jane | The CW series |
| The Night Shift | 2015 | Naomi | NBC medical drama |
| Colony | 2016 | Sam | USA Network science fiction series |
| Ben 10 | 2016–2020 | Gwen Tennyson (voice) | Cartoon Network animated series |
| Craig of the Creek | 2018–2024 | Stacks (voice) | Cartoon Network animated series |
| Victor and Valentino | 2019–2022 | Cristina (voice) | Cartoon Network animated series |
| The Last Kids on Earth | 2019–2020 | June (voice) | Netflix animated series |
| Lowriders | 2016 | Isabel | Feature film |
| Coco | 2017 | Rosa Rivera (voice) | Pixar animated film |
| Student Body | 2022 | Jane Shipley | Horror film |
Conclusion
Montse Hernandez has established herself as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, seamlessly transitioning between live-action roles and voice acting. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the diverse characters she has portrayed, from teenage Jane in Jane the Virgin to voicing Gwen Tennyson in Ben 10. As she continues to explore new genres and expand her repertoire, Montse remains a dynamic and influential figure in both film and television.