Though she is one of the newest members of the The Viewcast, joining Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O’Donnell and Nicolle Wallace, viewers will recognize actress, artist and activist Rosie Perez from the screens both big and little, as well as charitable events and causes that are dear to her heart.

Perez was born Rosa Maria Perez on Sept. 6, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York. On paper, her early years sound pretty tough.

Perez became a ward of the state when she was a 3-year-old and grew up in foster care until she was 8. She moved in with relatives at the time, but was still considered a ward of the state until she was 12 years old.

Life stabilized a bit after that. Perez attended Grover Cleveland High School in Queens and began living the life of a young adult in New York. A troubled relationship with her mother, Lydia, created two of Perez’s most notable features - a speech impediment and a love of dance.

Dance, she has reported, was an escape for her and way to express her feelings. When she was young, she enrolled in an instructional dance program for inner city youth.

Once graduating from Grover Cleveland, Perez moved west to attend college. Her hope was to become a marine biologist, but a chance encounter with director Spike Lee would change all that.

Dancing and acting career
While in L.A., Perez and some friends, presumably, went out on the town one night. While at a club, Perez was approached by director Spike Lee.

After meeting, Lee offered her a part in his independent film, Do the Right Thing. In the film, she plays Tina.

Her Do the Right Thing role launched her acting career - unexpectedly and somewhat accidently. She appeared in two films soon after - Untamed Heart and White Men Can’t Jump. Her big screen career led to a job as choreographer for a dance group, the Fly Girls, who appeared on the comedy sketch show In Living Color. Perez would continue her career as a choreographer, creating moves for Janet Jackson, Bobby Brown and others.

Social activism
Perez is well known for her social activism and charitable contributions. She often focuses on issues important to Puerto Ricans and Puerto Rican rights. She serves as the chair of the artistic board for Urban Arts Partnership, an arts education organization.

Becoming a talk show host
In September 2014, Perez was selected as a new co-host of The View on ABC. The daytime talk show had undergone a complete makeover during the previous summer, parting ways with two of its hosts and retaining only one, Whoopi Goldberg. Rosie O’Donnell and Nicolle Wallace complete the new cast.

"I am beyond thrilled, honored and completely surprised that I've been asked to joinThe View," Perez said after the announcement. "Knowing that I'll be in the company of Whoopi, Rosie and Nicolle, three very smart and engaging women that I have an immense amount of respect for, makes it even more unbelievable. The opportunity to connect with our nation's audience on a daily basis... icing on the cake! Very happy."

Fast Facts

• Her autobiography is titled Handbook for an Upredictable Life: How I Survived Sister Renata and My Crazy Mother, and Still Came Out Smiling
• Acted on Broadway in Terrence McNally’s Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune.
• Was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Fearless.
• Is a boxing fan
• Was the voice of Click on Go, Diego, Go!
• Was married to director Seth Zvi Rosenfeld for a short period of time.
• Is presently married to artist Eric Haze