Background
Diaz was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Diaz was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
She studied under noted acting teacher, Stella Adler, and at the Actors Studio in New York City.
Diaz, known for roles in film, television and stage, co-founded the Screen Actors Guild"s Ethnic Minorities Committee in 1972. Her film credits included Born on the Fourth of July in 1989, Sister Acting in 1992, Sister Acting 2: Back in the Habit in 1993, Nick of Time in 1995, First Watch in 2003 and Oh Baby! in 2008. On television, Diaz appeared in the short-lived 1975-1976 Columbia Broadcasting System television series, Popi, which starred Hector Elizondo.
Popi which aired on Columbia Broadcasting System for eleven episodes, was one of the first television series on American network television to feature a Hispanic theme and cast.
Her other television credits included guest roles on Saint Elsewhere, All in the Family and The Twilight Zone. In 1991, she played Desi Arnaz"s mother, Dolores (Mother Arnaz), in the television movie, Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter, on Columbia Broadcasting System. Also appeared in a Hawaii Five-0 (the original show, as both Rita Salazar and Maria Ramos) in the episode "A Bullet for El Diablo" (first aired 11-13-73).
Diaz co-founded the Screen Actors Guild Ethnic Minorities Committee in 1972 with Henry Darrow, Carmen Zapata and Ricardo Montalban. Actress Miluka Rivera, who serves on the Screen Actors Guild Ethnic Minorities Committee called Diaz a "gifted performer, a union Latino rights activist and a loving friend.".
