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Lana Parrilla is an actress who has captivated audiences with her dynamic and multi-layered performances on both the big and small screens. She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of the evil queen Regina Mills on the hit television series "Once Upon a Time," but her career spans far beyond this iconic role.
Parrilla was born on July 15, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York, and comes from a family of artists. Her father, Sam Parrilla, was a professional baseball player and her mother, Dolores Dee Azzara, an artist-painter. Parrilla's heritage is Puerto Rican and Italian.
Parrilla began her acting career in 1999, with a small role in the film "Very Mean Men." She went on to appear in a number of television shows, including "Spin City," "JAG," and "Six Feet Under," before landing her breakout role as the villainous Regina Mills on "Once Upon a Time" in 2011.
Parrilla's performance as Regina was praised for its complexity and depth. Her character was initially portrayed as a one-dimensional villain, but over the course of the series, Regina's backstory was explored, and viewers saw the pain and trauma that had led her to become the evil queen. Parrilla's ability to portray Regina's vulnerability and inner turmoil made her a standout on the show and earned her a large and devoted fan base.
Lana Parrilla has also appeared in a number of other television shows and films throughout her career like "Swingtown," "Miami Medical". In 2021, she starred in the second season of the Tv series "Why Women Kill". In 2020, she joined the cast of the film "The Tax Collector," and in 2022, in the film "Scrap", directed by Vivian Kerr. In 2022, she also executive produces the movie "Split at the Root."
In addition to her work as an actress, Parrilla is also a philanthropist and activist. She has worked with a number of organizations, including the Global Gift foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization that aims to create a positive impact on the lives of children, women and families who are in need, and the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC), which envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law.
She supports for many the years FINCA International, Face Forward LA and many more.
She's involved in The Trevor Project, which is a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. She has spoken out in support of LGBTQ+ rights and has advocated for a more inclusive society.
In addition to these organizations, Parrilla has supported several other causes, including cancer research, animal welfare, and environmental conservation. Her commitment to using her platform for good is a testament to her character and her desire to make a positive impact on the world.
In addition to her acting career and philanthropic work, Lana Parrilla is also an entrepreneur and founded her own brand called "Keep It Regal" in 2020.
"Keep It Regal" is a lifestyle brand that offers a range of products designed to inspire and empower women. The brand's mission is to encourage women to embrace their inner royalty and to live their lives with confidence, grace, and purpose.
The product line includes a variety of items, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jewelry, and other accessories. The designs are bold and inspirational, featuring slogans such as "Royalty Within", "Own Your Throne", and "Regal AF".
Parrilla is heavily involved in the development of the brand and has spoken about her passion for empowering women. She has said that she wants to create a community of women who support and uplift each other, and who are not afraid to embrace their power and their individuality.
In addition to promoting self-confidence and self-love, "Keep It Regal" is also committed to social responsibility. The brand has partnered with several non-profit organizations to support their causes.
Overall, "Keep It Regal" is a testament to Parrilla's creativity, vision, and commitment to empowering women. It is a brand that embodies her values and her desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Parrilla's career has been defined by her ability to bring depth and complexity to her roles, as well as her commitment to using her platform for good. She has inspired countless fans with her performances, and her dedication to making the world a better place is a testament to her character and the impact she has on the world.
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