You probably know that feeling when a character walks on screen and suddenly the whole energy changes. That is the Jessica Marie Garcia effect. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on Netflix or Disney Channel over the last decade, you’ve definitely seen her, even if you didn't realize it at first. She has this wild ability to play the loudest, funniest person in the room while simultaneously breaking your heart with a single look.
Most people immediately point to her as Jasmine from On My Block. It’s a fair shout—she was incredible. But looking at the full list of Jessica Marie Garcia movies and tv shows, there is a much deeper story of a girl from Orlando who worked at Olive Garden while filming a Disney show and eventually became a voice for a whole generation of Latinx viewers.
The Breakthrough: From Huge to The Middle
Jessica didn't just wake up one day as a series regular on a Netflix hit. She put in the work. Her first real gig was back in 2010 on the ABC Family show Huge. She played Sierra, a recurring character at a weight-loss camp. It was a short-lived show, but it was honest.
Then came The Middle. If you blinked, you might have missed her, but she played Becky, a "wrestlerette." It was a small role, but it showed off her physical comedy. She was tough, a little scary, and absolutely hilarious. This was the blueprint. She was learning how to take characters that could have been one-dimensional "tough girls" and make them feel like real people you'd actually meet at a high school pep rally.
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The Disney Era: Willow Cruz and Liv and Maddie
For a lot of Gen Z, Jessica is, and always will be, Willow Cruz.
Liv and Maddie was a massive deal. Jessica played Maddie’s best friend and basketball teammate. Here’s the kicker: she was 26 when the show started, playing a teenager. By the time it ended, she was 30. You’d never know it because she brought so much youthful, chaotic energy to the role.
The relationship between Willow and Joey (the #Jillow ship) was a huge fan favorite. But beyond the comedy, Jessica has talked about how important that role was. She wasn't just the "sidekick." She was an athlete. She was confident. She was a girl who knew what she wanted. It’s one of those Jessica Marie Garcia tv shows that actually holds up because the chemistry between the cast was so genuine.
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The Jasmine Flores Phenomenon
If Liv and Maddie put her on the map, On My Block made her a superstar.
Let's be real: in the first season, Jasmine was supposed to be the "annoying" neighbor. She was the comic relief you weren't sure you liked yet. But something happened. Jessica took that character and added layers that weren't even on the page. By Season 2, she was a series regular. By Season 4, she was the emotional glue of the group.
Jasmine Flores wasn't just a loud girl with a scrunchie. She was a caretaker for her veteran father. She was a girl who used her confidence as a shield. Jessica’s performance in the series finale is still some of the best acting I’ve seen in a teen drama. It’s the crown jewel of Jessica Marie Garcia movies and tv shows because it proved she could carry the heavy, dramatic weight just as well as the punchlines.
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Key Roles You Might Have Missed
- How to Get Away with Murder: She played Rhonda Navarro. Seeing her go toe-to-toe with the world of Viola Davis was a huge "she’s arrived" moment.
- Diary of a Future President: As Camila, she played a character navigating her identity and family expectations. It was grounded and sweet.
- Avenge the Crows: A gritty indie film where she played Peaches. If you only know her from Disney, this will give you whiplash. It’s dark, and she stars alongside Danny Trejo.
- Betch: A sketch comedy show where she wasn't just an actress, but a writer too.
The Writing and the Future
One thing people get wrong is thinking she's just an actress. She's a creator. Her work on Betch proved she has a pen that’s just as sharp as her acting. She’s been very vocal about the lack of representation in Hollywood, especially for Afro-Latina and Latinx stories that aren't centered on trauma.
In 2025 and 2026, we’ve seen her move more into the "boss" phase of her career. She’s been appearing in guest spots like The Thundermans: Undercover and Erin & Aaron, but she's also leaning into motherhood and using her platform to talk about authenticity.
What to Watch First
If you're looking to dive into the Jessica Marie Garcia movies and tv shows library, don't just stick to the hits.
- Watch On My Block Season 2 & 3 specifically to see her character arc. It's masterclass level.
- Check out Diary of a Future President for a softer, more nuanced side of her acting.
- Find the "Rate-A-Rooney" episode of Liv and Maddie. It deals with body image and remains one of the most impactful things she’s ever filmed.
Jessica Marie Garcia isn't just another name in a credits roll. She’s a performer who refused to be put in a box. Whether she’s playing a wrestler, a basketball star, or a girl from Freeridge, she brings a level of soul that you just can't teach.
To stay updated on her latest projects, keep an eye on her production credits. She is increasingly moving behind the camera, which means the next great Latinx-led comedy might just have her name on the script. You should follow her social media accounts for real-time updates on her upcoming pilot developments, as she has hinted at several executive producer roles in the works for late 2026.