Xochitl Gomez

American actress (born 2006)

Xochitl Gomez (/ˈsoʊtʃi/ SOH-chee;[1][2] born April 29, 2006) is an American actress. She began acting at age five, performing in local musical theater productions and student films. Gomez made her professional debut in 2018 in Raven's Home. She starred in the Netflix comedy series The Baby-Sitters Club (2020), and gained wider recognition for playing America Chavez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). In 2023, she became the winner on season 32 of Dancing with the Stars.

Early life

Gomez was born on April 29, 2006,[3][4] in Los Angeles, California.[5] Her mother is a set decorator for films, while her father is a construction worker.[6] Gomez is of Mexican descent;[7][8][9] her father is from Mexico. She was raised in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and moved to Echo Park at age five. She grew up with "a lot of Mexican influences" since her friends and babysitter were Mexican, and her parents spoke Spanish at home. Gomez stated that she feels she has "lived in both worlds and that has shaped who [she is] as a person". She has attended public school her entire life.[10]

Gomez took her first musical theater class at age five and began acting in a local production of The Little Mermaid. Gomez continued with musical theater until she was 12 years old, performing in 22 full-length musicals.[10][11] She also acted in student films. Gomez has cited musical theater as a reason she is passionate about acting.[10] Jennifer Lawrence's performance as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games film series inspired her to pursue a professional acting career.[12] Gomez attended auditions around Los Angeles every day after school for several hours. At times, she would attend four or five daily, an experience she found "crazy". Gomez secured her first parts in commercials at age ten. She found it difficult to book roles because "you would have to be the younger version of an actor or the kid of a famous actor", but she did not resemble any actors. However, Gomez felt her performances in student films helped people notice her talent.[10] She began studying martial arts, including wushu,[13] at the age of 11 to bolster her acting resume.[6][14]

Career

Gomez made her onscreen debut in 2018 on the Disney Channel sitcom Raven's Home. She also starred in Shadow Wolves (2019),[15] for which she won a Young Artist Award for Supporting Teen Artist.[16] In March 2020, Gomez joined the cast of The Baby-Sitters Club, an adaptation of Ann M. Martin's novel series of the same name, as Dawn Schafer.[17] Released on Netflix on July 3, 2020, the show garnered critical acclaim.[18] Entertainment Weekly stated: "Gomez delivers Dawn's social-justice-themed dialogue with heartfelt frankness."[19] In March 2021, Netflix recast her role for the show's second season due to scheduling conflicts with Gomez filming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022).[20]

Gomez starred as America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.[21][22][23] She was 13 when she first auditioned for the role of then-18-year-old America in February 2020.[14][24] The character was later re-written as a younger teenager. Gomez did martial arts, kickboxing, and stunt training for "every other day for hours", hoping to "blow [the casting directors'] minds" in a potential callback.[14] Six months after her initial audition, Gomez received a callback and did a screen test with Stephen Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch.[14][25] She was cast two days later.[25] Aged 16 at the time of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness's release, Gomez was one of the youngest actors to portray a superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.[26] The film was a commercial success, grossing over $955 million worldwide.[27] Its critical reception was mixed,[28] but Gomez was praised for her role,[29][30] with Empire writing she "brings impressive warmth and feeling".[31] In August 2022, she was cast in the science fiction thriller film Ursa Major alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead.[32]

In 2023, Gomez became a contestant on season 32 of Dancing With the Stars, paired with pro dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy.[33] At 17 years old, Gomez was the youngest celebrity to appear that season.[33] On the December 5 season finale, Gomez and Chmerkovskiy won first place and were awarded the inaugural Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.[34] Gomez and Chmerkovskiy finished the season at the top of the leaderboard with a perfect score of 120 out of 120 for the final two weeks of the competition.[35] In 2024, she joined the tour Dancing with the Stars Live.[36]

Personal life

Gomez is dyslexic.[10] She marched in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and at the 2017 Women's March.[37][38]

Filmography

Key
ClockC Denotes productions that have not yet been released

Film

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2019 Shadow Wolves Chucky [15]
2021 Boob Sweat Francis Short film; credited as Xochitl Gomez-Deine [38]
2022 Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness America Chavez [38]
TBA Ursa Major Natalie Post-production [32]

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2018 Raven's Home School Journalist 2 episodes [15]
2019 You're the Worst Eclipse Kid Episode: "The Pillars of Creation" [39]
2020 Gentefied Young Ana Episode: "Brown Love" [39]
The Baby-Sitters Club Dawn Schafer Main role (season 1) [12]
2023 Dancing with the Stars Herself Winner of season 32 [40]

Accolades

Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2020 Young Artist Award Supporting Teen Artist Shadow Wolves Won [41]
2022 Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards Best Female Youth Performance (Under 21) Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Nominated [42][43]
Digital Spy Reader Awards Rising Star Nominated [44][45]
Forbes 30 Under 30 Hollywood & Entertainment — Listed [46][47]
2024 People's Choice Awards The Competition Contestant of the Year Dancing with the Stars Nominated [48]

References

  1. ^ "Netflix's The Baby-Sitters Club Cast Reveals Who's the Best Secret Keeper and More | Superlatives". Seventeen. July 3, 2020. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  2. ^ "Learn to Braid with Xochitl Gomez 😀 The Baby-Sitters Club | Netflix Futures". Netflix. August 12, 2020. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  3. ^ Gomez, Xochitl [@_xochitl.gomez] (April 29, 2021). "It's a covid quinceañera!!! Not gonna get me down! 🎂🎈🛹#quinceañera #coivdbirthday #15 #unpocoloco". Retrieved July 18, 2023 – via Instagram.
  4. ^ Jackson, Angelique (May 3, 2022). "'Doctor Strange 2' Star Xochitl Gomez Explains Why She 'Might Cry' Watching Her MCU Debut as America Chavez". Variety. Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  5. ^ "Quién es Xóchitl Gómez, la actriz de América Chávez en "Doctor Strange 2"". El Comercio Peru (in Spanish). May 6, 2022. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Villarreal, Yvonne (November 3, 2022). "Trolls came for rising star Xochitl Gomez. Then she took matters into her own hands". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  7. ^ Gomez, Albert (December 16, 2020). "Xochitl Gomez will play the first film version of supergirl America Chavez in the next Doctor Strange movie". Al Día. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  8. ^ Gibson, Kelsie (May 17, 2022). "Doctor Strange 2's Xochitl Gomez on Bringing More Latina Representation to the MCU: 'I'm Really Happy'". People. Archived from the original on August 9, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  9. ^ Leishman, Rachael (July 22, 2020). "INTERVIEW: Xochitl Gomez Talks Baby-Sitters Club and Dawn!". The Mary Sue. Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  10. ^ a b c d e Gomez, Xochitl (May 2, 2022). "Xochitl Gomez on Embracing Her Own Power in New Marvel Film". People en Español (Interview). Interviewed by Lena Hansen. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  11. ^ "5 facts about 'Doctor Strange 2' star Xochitl Gomez". South China Morning Post. May 9, 2022. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Nemiroff, Perri (August 29, 2022). "Xochitl Gomez on Choosing Between Baby-Sitters Club and Doctor Strange 2". Collider. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  13. ^ Gomez, Xochitl (July 29, 2022). "Interview: Xochitl Gomez Reflects on Doctor Strange 2, Entering the MCU". ComingSoon.net (Interview). Interviewed by Tyler Treese. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d Coggan, Devan (May 5, 2022). "Meet America Chavez: Xochitl Gomez on joining the MCU with 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  15. ^ a b c Caruso, Skyler (May 9, 2022). "Get to Know Xóchitl Gomez, Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Breakout Star". People. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  16. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 16, 2022). "'Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness' Actress Xochitl Gomez Adds Hyperion". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  17. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (March 12, 2020). "'The Baby-Sitters Club': Momona Tamada, Shay Rudolph, Xochitl Gomez, Malia Baker And Sophie Grace Set For Netflix Adaptation Of YA Book Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 9, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  18. ^ "The Baby-Sitters Club: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  19. ^ Baldwin, Kristen (June 29, 2020). "Netflix's 'The Baby-Sitters Club' is feel-good fun". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  20. ^ Fuentes, Tamara (March 18, 2021). "Exclusive: Kyndra Sanchez Joins "The Baby-Sitters Club" Season 2 as Dawn Schaefer". Seventeen. Archived from the original on March 18, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  21. ^ Kroll, Justin (October 16, 2020). "'Doctor Strange 2': 'Baby-Sitters Club' Star Xochitl Gomez Joins Benedict Cumberbatch In Next Installment". Deadline. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  22. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (October 16, 2020). "'Doctor Strange' Sequel Casts 'Baby-Sitters Club' Star Xochitl Gomez". Variety. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  23. ^ Couch, Aaron (October 16, 2020). "'Doctor Strange 2' Enlists 'Baby-Sitters Club' Star Xochitl Gomez". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  24. ^ Jirak, Jamie (May 5, 2022). "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Star Xochitl Gomez Details Six-Month Audition Process". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  25. ^ a b Wong, Benedict; Gomez, Xochitl (May 5, 2022). "'Doctor Strange 2' Stars Benedict Wong and Xochitl Gomez Discuss On-Screen Superhero Partnership And Real-Life Friendship". The Hollywood Reporter (Interview). Interviewed by Brian Davids. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  26. ^ Lambe, Stacy (May 6, 2022). "'Doctor Strange' Star Xochitl Gomez on Representation: 'It's Really Important That People Feel Seen' | Entertainment Tonight". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  27. ^ "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  28. ^ "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness". Metacritic. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  29. ^ Gilchrist, Todd (May 3, 2022). "Doctor Strange offers a meandering, messy multiverse". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  30. ^ Bisset, Jennifer; Lumb, David; Little, Morgan; Gonzalez, Oscar; Panecasio, Steph; Benjamin, Adam (June 9, 2022). "Marvel's 'Doctor Strange 2' Global Review: 'Vaguely Disappointing'". CNET. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  31. ^ Jolin, Dan (May 4, 2022). "Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness". Empire. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  32. ^ a b Roxborough, Scott (August 30, 2022). "'Doctor Strange' Breakout Xochitl Gomez, 'Birds of Prey' Star Mary Elizabeth Winstead Join 'Ursa Major' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  33. ^ a b "'Dancing with the Stars' season 32: Meet the celebrity cast ahead of tonight's premiere". Good Morning America. September 26, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  34. ^ Goldstein, Joelle (December 5, 2023). "Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Finale: See Who Won the Inaugural Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy". People. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  35. ^ Schepp, Calie (December 5, 2023). "Dancing With the Stars finale recap: The season 32 winner is..." Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  36. ^ Hogan, Kate (January 20, 2024). "'DWTS' Champ Xochitl Gomez Shares Personal Photos from Her Time on Tour with Val Chmerkovskiy". People. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  37. ^ Spencer, Ashley (July 3, 2020). "'The Baby-Sitters Club' was always progressive. Now, Netflix's version is empowering a new generation". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  38. ^ a b c Martinez, Kiko (May 10, 2022). "5 Things to Know About Xochitl Gomez aka Marvel's America Chavez". Remezcla. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  39. ^ a b Gomez, Xochitl (July 29, 2022). "Xochitl Gomez Interview: Doctor Strange 2 Home Release". Screen Rant (Interview). Interviewed by Brad Curran. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  40. ^ Reed, Sabrina (September 27, 2023). "DWTS 2023 cast: Xochitl Gomez age, Instagram and everything to know about the DWTS contestant". Fansided. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  41. ^ "Young Artist Awards | 2020 Nominees". Young Artist Foundation. Archived from the original on April 27, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  42. ^ Neglia, Matt (December 11, 2022). "The 2022 Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) Winners". Next Big Picture. Archived from the original on December 12, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  43. ^ Anderson, Erik (December 12, 2022). "2022 Las Vegas Film Critics Society awards: 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' wins six". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  44. ^ Rowan, Iona (December 20, 2022). "The Digital Spy Reader Awards 2022 full results". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on December 23, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  45. ^ Rowan, Iona (December 26, 2022). "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cleans up at the Digital Spy Reader Awards 2022". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on September 3, 2023. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  46. ^ "Forbes 30 Under 30 2022: Hollywood & Entertainment". Forbes. Archived from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  47. ^ "Xochitl Gomez". ¡Hola!. October 4, 2022. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  48. ^ "2024 People's Choice Awards: Complete List of Nominees". E! Online. January 11, 2024. Retrieved January 13, 2024.

External links

  • Xochitl Gomez at IMDb
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