Alexa PenaVega

Born in Miami, FL, Alexa PenaVega spent her very early childhood on her father's ranch in Ocala, FL. At the age of 4, PenaVega's family relocated to California. PenaVega was a child actress, featured in movies like "Twister" (1996), and in a number of television series, like "Evening Shade" (CBS 1990-94), "ER" (NBC 1994-2009), "Chicago Hope" (CBS 1994-2000) and "Life's Work" (ABC 1996-97).

In 2001 PenaVega was cast as Carmen Cortez in "Spy Kids" (2001), a children's movie about the two children of a pair of secret agents, who must save their parents from danger. The film was directed by Robert Rodriguez, and co-starred Daryl Sabara, Antonio Banderas, and Carla Gugino. The film did so well that a sequel was made the very next year, "Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams" (2002). Critical reception for that second film was so positive that a third movie was planned, "Spy Kids 3: Game Over" (2003). Following her work in the Spy Kids franchise, PenaVega appeared in several TV movies including "Odd Girl Out" (2005), "Walkout" (2006) and various other television and film projects. In 2015 it was announced that PenaVega would compete on the 21st season of the dance competition show "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC 2005- ). Her husband Carlos PenaVega announced that he would also compete.