Dascha Polanco: La Fama, Love Lost 🕊️, Young Grandma & Surviving It All

Dascha Polanco opens up like never before. She gets real about her journey from growing up in New York City with strong Dominican roots 🇩🇴🗽, to becoming a young mom chasing big dreams all while juggling school and work. Dascha shares how she landed her career-defining role on Orange Is the New Black, and for the first time, she speaks out about being a victim of domestic violence, revealing that she endured abuse even while living life in the spotlight as a TV star. She also reflects on the pain of losing her soulmate, Xtassy, who passed away unexpectedly 🕊️, and the newfound joy of becoming a young grandmother after her daughter welcomed a baby. From working under the legendary Martin Scorsese, acting alongside Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci, to now being a globally recognized actress, Dascha opens up about the highs and lows of fame, what keeps her grounded, and her next big chapter launching her career as a full-blown musical artist in 2025 🎤✨ This is an unfiltered conversation about resilience, reinvention, healing, and stepping into your power on your own terms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.