Maria Canals-Barrera portrays Connie Torres, a professional caterer who takes a job at a prestigious summer camp for aspiring musicians so her talented daughter Mitchie can attend at a discounted rate, in Disney Channel's Original Movie "Camp Rock." She also stars as the sharp-witted mother of three teenagers in Disney Channel's hit sitcom "Wizards of Waverly Place."
A 2002 Alma Award-winner for her role in the television series "Brothers Garcia," Canals-Barrera also starred in the Telemundo series "Marielena" and "Corte Tropical" for Univision. Canals-Barrera starred on "The Tony Danza Show," and guest starred on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "George Lopez," "The Loop," "Popular," "Veronica's Closet," "Caroline in the City" and "Almost Perfect." She had recurring roles in "Beggars & Choosers" for Showtime and the critically acclaimed PBS series "American Family." Canals-Barrera is also the voice of "Hawkgirl" in the animated series "The Justice League" and is the voice of Sunset Boulevardez in Disney Channel's acclaimed animated series "The Proud Family."
On the big screen she appeared in "Master of Disguise" and "My Family/Mi Familia" with Edward James Olmos, Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales.
On stage, she appeared at the Mark Taper Forum in "Changes of Heart" for which she received an Ovation Award nomination. Her other stage work includes roles in "Chilean Holiday," "Hedda Gabler," "A Touch of the Poet," "Mixed Blessings," "The House of Blue Leaves" and "The Glass Menagerie."
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Canals-Barrera earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Miami. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. Her birthdate is September 28.
"Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam" airs on September 18 at 09:00 AM only on Disney Channel - DStv 303.