Alexa Vega

**Alexa PenaVega**[1] (née **Vega**; August 27, 1988)[2] is an American actress and singer. She is known for her role as Carmen Cortez in the *Spy Kids* film series and Shilo Wallace in the film *Repo! The Genetic Opera* (2008). In 2009, she starred as the title character Ruby Gallagher in the ABC Family series *Ruby & the Rockits*. In 1996, Vega starred as young Jo Harding in *Twister*. She guest-starred in numerous television shows and films, including *ER*, *Follow the Stars Home*, *Ghost Whisperer*, and *The Bernie Mac Show*. She became known worldwide in 2001 for her role as "Carmen Cortez" in *Spy Kids*. The first *Spy Kids* film was a huge success, and subsequently two sequels, *Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams* and *Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over* were filmed. During the shooting of the three films, she performed most of her own stunts. In 2011, Vega appeared in the sequel, *Spy Kids: All the Time in the World* as a grown Carmen Cortez. In 2003, she was named one of that year's hottest teen celebrities in the July 2003 issue *Vanity Fair*. In 2004, Vega finished filming two films: *Sleepover* and *State's Evidence*. Then the following year she starred in the Lifetime television film entitled *Odd Girl Out* as a victim of cyber-bullying. She also filmed for another made-for-TV movie, *Walkout*. In June 2006, she finished filming *Remember the Daze*, which was released in limited theaters on April 2007. She also finished filming *Repo! The Genetic Opera*, which was released in 2008.[9] Vega was confirmed as the lead role in *Helix*, written and directed by Aram Rappaport, which began filming in Chicago in March 2008. Vega was originally cast in the 2009 Robert Rodriguez film *Shorts*, however, due to her being in Australia for the filming of *Broken Hill*, she had to be recast. She was replaced by Kat Dennings. She appeared on Broadway in *Hairspray*, as Penny.[10] In 2009, she played Ruby Gallagher on the ABC Family television sitcom *Ruby & the Rockits*, which also starred Patrick and David Cassidy.

Vega played Wick in the 2012 film *The Devil's Carnival*, a film from director Darren Lynn Bousman and screenwriter Terrance Zdunich, who previously worked with Vega in *Repo! The Genetic Opera*.[11] Throughout 2012, Vega starred in the independent thriller, *2br/1ba*, directed by Rob Margolies and co-stars with Spencer Grammer and Kathryn Morris. Vega also starred in the Lifetime Channel movie *The Pregnancy Project* and her animated film *The Clockwork Girl* was completed. Vega's film *The Mine*which was filmed in 2010 got a limited release/screening. Vega also voiced Christina in the animated series *Unsupervised* and had a guest role on *Royal Pains*. Vega played the young heroine in Aerosmith's music video "Legendary Child".[12]

Throughout 2013 and 2014, Vega appeared in the films *23 Blast*, *Machete Kills*, *Bounty Killer*, *Wicked Blood*, *The Remaining*, and *The Hunters*. She also guest starred on the *Big Time Rush* series finale "Big Time Dreams", playing herself. In 2015, Alexa appeared in *Do You Believe?* as Lacey.[13]

In fall 2015, Vega competed on the 21st season of *Dancing with the Stars*. Her husband, Carlos PenaVega was also competing that season.[14] She was paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas.[15] On November 9, PenaVega and Ballas were eliminated and finished the competition in 6th place.

She recorded three songs for the soundtracks while playing Carmen Cortez in the *Spy Kids* films alongside Tameez Orrie . She then released her debut single, "Isle of Dreams", to coincide with the release of the second film. She also released "Game Over", for the third film. Another song, "Heart Drive" featuring Bobby Edner, was also recorded for *Spy Kids 3*. She also has recorded songs for the movie *Repo! The Genetic Opera*, released in 2008.

Vega sang the song "Christmas is the Time to Say 'I Love You'" in the ABC Family film *Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe*. The track appears on the compilation album *Songs to Celebrate 25 Days of Christmas*, which was released on November 3, 2009 by Walt Disney Records. The music video for the song premiered during ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas.