Rosa Salazar (born July 16, 1985) is an American actress who has worked across television, film and motion-capture performance. She first gained attention through recurring and guest roles on network and cable series and later reached wider visibility with parts in several young-adult franchises and a lead performance in a major science-fiction feature.

Career overview

Salazar's early screen work included appearances on episodic television and in independent productions. She is known to general audiences for television roles such as on the ensemble family drama Parenthood and for a part in the first season of the FX series American Horror Story. Her career progressed into larger studio films in the mid-2010s.

Breakthrough film roles

On film, Salazar appeared in The Divergent Series: Insurgent as Lynn and joined the Maze Runner franchise as Brenda, a character she played across multiple sequels. She achieved a higher profile when cast in the title role of Alita in the science-fiction film Alita: Battle Angel, a performance that combined traditional acting with extensive motion-capture techniques.

Approach and notable aspects

Salazar's work spans conventional screen acting and performance capture, requiring both physicality and vocal nuance. Reviews and commentary on her performances have highlighted her expressiveness in roles that demand emotional intensity and adaptability across genres, from horror and drama to action-oriented science fiction.

Selected filmography

  • The Divergent Series: Insurgent — Lynn
  • The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials and The Death Cure — Brenda
  • Alita: Battle Angel — title role (performance capture and voice; co-stars included Christoph Waltz)
  • Television highlights: Parenthood, American Horror Story

Salazar continues to work in film and television, often selecting parts that allow a mix of character-driven scenes and physical performance. Her move into a leading motion-capture role marked a notable point in her career and illustrated how contemporary actors bridge traditional and digital performance methods.