If you’ve spent any time watching the breakout hit Jury Duty, you probably recognize Maria Russell. She played Inez De Leon, the high-energy, slightly intense juror who seemed to always have an opinion on, well, everything. Honestly, she was one of those characters who made you wonder if the show was actually scripted or if they just found the most eccentric person in Los Angeles and gave her a seat in the jury box.
But here is the thing. Maria Russell movies and tv shows cover way more ground than just that one viral mockumentary. She’s been around for years. You’ve likely seen her face in a dozen different procedurals, comedies, and even horror flicks without even realizing it was the same person. That’s the hallmark of a great character actor—they blend in until they suddenly stand out.
From Soap Operas to Supernatual Thrillers
Most people don’t realize Maria has deep roots in the classic Hollywood grind. She’s done the "procedural rounds," which basically means if there’s a show with an acronym for a title, she’s probably been on it. We're talking CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Minds, and Major Crimes.
One of her more steady gigs was in the soap world. She had recurring stints on General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful. In General Hospital, she played Officer Gallagher (and sometimes a Ferncliff Guard). It’s that kind of reliable, "I know that face" work that builds a career. She also popped up in Teen Wolf as Deputy Vargas. If you’re a fan of Beacon Hills, you know those deputies didn't exactly have the easiest time, but Maria brought a groundedness to a show that was literally about teenage werewolves.
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The Comedy Breakthrough: Tacoma FD and Jury Duty
While she’s great at playing tough-as-nails officers, comedy is where Maria Russell really shines. If you haven't seen Tacoma FD, go find it. She plays Lt. Salazar, and she’s a riot. She plays off the Broken Lizard crew (the guys behind Super Troopers) with this assertive, "don’t mess with me" energy that fits the firehouse vibe perfectly.
Then came Jury Duty. This show changed the game for her.
Playing Inez De Leon required a very specific set of skills. She had to stay in character for weeks, 24/7, while interacting with Ronald Gladden, the only person who didn't know the whole thing was a prank. That takes serious improv chops. You can’t just read lines; you have to live the character. When the cast won the Spirit Award for Best Ensemble in 2024, it was a huge "finally" moment for a lot of people who had been following her career.
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A Quick Look at Her Most Notable Roles:
- Jury Duty – Inez De Leon (The role that made everyone Google her name).
- Tacoma FD – Lt. Salazar (Comedic gold).
- Lights Out – Officer Gomez (Proving she can handle big-budget horror).
- Why Women Kill – Sandy (Playing a boozy, wealthy diva).
- Teen Wolf – Deputy Vargas (A fan favorite for the supernatural crowd).
- The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window – Beth Halloran.
Beyond the Screen: The Latina Christmas Special
It would be a mistake to only talk about her TV work. Maria is a massive force in the Los Angeles theater scene. She’s one of the creators and stars of The Latina Christmas Special. It’s this hilarious, heartfelt show that has played Off-Broadway and at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. It’s basically about three friends navigating the holidays with their intense but loving families. It’s a "Mexiuanian" thing—Maria is half Mexican and half Lithuanian—and she leans into that unique cultural blend in her writing and performance.
She’s also a trained dancer. We're talking professional-level salsa, Latin ballroom, and even ballet. This physicality shows up in her acting. She has this "presence" that fills the room, whether she’s playing a cop or a bridesmaid.
Why Maria Russell Matters Right Now
In an industry that often tries to box actors into one "type," Maria has refused to stay put. She’s a "Mexiuanian" woman who can lead a comedy, die in a horror movie, or keep a straight face in a massive social experiment like Jury Duty.
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What most people get wrong is thinking she just "appeared" out of nowhere in 2023. No. She’s been putting in the work since the early 2000s. She’s worked with everyone from Chuck Norris (she’s a karate practitioner) to James Marsden.
If you want to dive deeper into her work, I’d suggest starting with Jury Duty for the laughs, then checking out Lights Out for the scares. It’s a wild ride through a filmography that is only getting bigger.
Actionable Insight: If you’re a fan of character-driven comedy, keep an eye on Maria’s upcoming projects like In Flight. She’s moved into producing and more lead roles, which is exactly where she belongs after years of stealing scenes in the background. Check out her social media for updates on The Latina Christmas Special tour dates if you’re in California or New York—it’s a must-watch during the holidays.