Masiela Lusha gained early recognition by securing the role of Carmen Lopez on the ABC sitcom George Lopez, a performance that earned her two consecutive Young Artist Awards. Born in 1985 in Tirana, Albania, she established a multifaceted career in the United States as a television and film actor, as well as a published poet and author.
Early Life and Migration
Lusha was born to Max and Daniela Lusha. In 1990, she and her family left Albania as refugees, moving through Budapest and Vienna before settling in Michigan at age seven. She reunited with her great-uncle, Dr. Joseph H. Alli, a World War II army colonel and official with the Department of Veterans Affairs. English became her fourth language, following Albanian, Hungarian, and German.
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After beginning her career with modeling and local theater in Michigan, Lusha was discovered by a Hollywood agent. Her television debut occurred in 2000 on the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, followed by a film debut in A Father's Love. Her primary breakthrough came in 2001 when she was cast as Carmen Lopez on the ABC sitcom George Lopez. She remained with the production until 2007, simultaneously voicing the character Nina for the PBS series Clifford's Puppy Days.
Literary and Humanitarian Pursuits
Lusha is an active author who has published five books of poetry, including Inner Thoughts, Drinking the Moon, Amore Celeste, The Call, and The Living Air. She also wrote the novel The Besa and two children's books, including Boopity Boop Writes Her First Poem. Beyond her artistic work, she serves as an advocate for UN Women and has acted as a goodwill ambassador for both the World Assembly of Youth and Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale.
Film and Television Expansion
Following her tenure on George Lopez, Lusha appeared in various films and television projects. Her filmography includes Sony Pictures’ Blood: The Last Vampire and the SyFy movie Sharknado: The 4th Awakens, where she acted alongside David Hasselhoff and Ian Ziering. Other cinematic roles include appearances in Time of the Comet, Kill Katie Malone, and Dragonfyre. Her academic background includes studies at Burbank High School, Glendale Community College, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Tirana
- Citizenship: United States and Albania
- Known for: George Lopez
- Poetry collections: 5
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
What was Lusha's breakthrough television role?
She gained significant recognition playing Carmen Lopez on the ABC sitcom George Lopez, for which she won two Young Artist Awards.
Is Masiela Lusha involved in humanitarian work?
Yes, she serves as an advocate for UN Women and has been a goodwill ambassador for the World Assembly of Youth and the charity Sentebale.
Achievements
- Notable work: George Lopez
- Notable work: Blood: The Last Vampire
- Educated at University of California, Los Angeles, Burbank High School and Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
- Worked as actor, poet and writer
