The cast of Heroes is growing by the week.

Aside from fairly well-known actors such as David Anders and Dianna Agron, one of the new stars will be Dania Ramirez. Here's her background:

Ramírez was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She dreamed of acting since her childhood, reenacting Spanish soap operas for her family as she grew up.

Dania was discovered by a modeling scout while working in a New York City convenience store at the age of 15 and was cast in a small part in a soda commercial. Years later, she decided to pursue acting seriously and studied at the Actor's Workshop in New York City.

After completing a degree at Montclair State University in New Jersey, Ramirez moved to Los Angeles. She was an extra in the HBO film Subway Stories (1997), where she met filmmaker Spike Lee who later cast her in his film, She Hate Me (2004).

Other credits for this actress? She appeared as Potential Slayer Caridad in the final episodes of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer; as Callisto in the film X-Men: The Last Stand (2006); and as Blanca Selgado (AJ Soprano's new love interest) in the sixth season (part one) finale of The Sopranos.

During the 2007 off-season, it was announced that Ramirez was tapped to portray new character Maya Heroes. It's unclear right now just what power she will possess.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.