Maria Canals is a Hispanic actress and performer who was born on September 28, 1966 in sunny Miami, Florida. She went on to pursue higher learning at the University of Miami’s drama school, from where she received her degree in Theater. Canals has worked extensively in both Los Angeles and Miami, in a career spanning numerous television series and films. Among the shows she has worked on are 21 Jump Street, The Proud Family, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. She has also acted in movies such as America’s Sweethearts and The Master of Disguise. Canals is well-known to comic book fans for playing the role of Hawkgirl, Shayera Hol, in the seminal animated series Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited. She also worked on the critically acclaimed video game Grim Fandango.

Theresa Russo is portrayed by Maria Canals in the Disney Channel Original television series Wizards of Waverly Place. She is the wife of Jerry, and the mother of Justin, Alex, and Max. While she is a mortal human and possesses no magical abilities of her own, she encourages her children as they discover themselves and their powers, as well as their Latino heritage. She helps run the Waverly Place Sub Shop together with Jerry.




(Photo courtesy of Disney)