Hunter Reese Peña

Hunter Reese Peña is an American actress, singer, and writer born to Mexican immigrant parents. Hunter grew up in the Central Valley in the state of California. Hunter plays "Ricky Vela," a brilliant keyboard player who initially refuses to join the Quintanilla family band (Selena y Los Dinos), but then later accepts. Throughout the course of the series Hunter's character becomes one of A.B. Quintanilla’s greatest collaborative songwriting partners, penning some of Selena's greatest hits. Among the Selena hits penned by Ricky are fan-favorites like No Me Queda Mas, Fotos Y Recuerdos, El Chico del Apartamento 512.

Hunter showed her commitment to the role of Ricky by gaining 60 pounds for her portrayal. Making her casting in Selena: The Series even more meaningful, Hunter revealed to Esquire Magazine: Mexico that Selena was her childhood hero.

Hunter is also known for her advocacy for trans people. Hunter uses her Instagram page to educate people and has a series in which she rates funny jokes that include trans people without punching down or including bigotry.

Filmography