Francia’s been a friend of Selena Gomez for a long time, though it seemed to many that Francia just came out of nowhere. But, Francia is a star in her own right. Her fans know her for the film Bring It On: All or Nothing and her role as Adrian in the TV series The Secret Life of the American Teenager. When the news hit that Francia donated her kidney to Selena Gomez, fans were shocked. Francia wanted to help Gomez, who has lupus, and was undergoing chemotherapy. Gomez needed a kidney, and her long-time friend gave her the incredible gift. The real truth is that they consider themselves to be sisters…much, much closer than friends.
Francia is a native of Los Angeles, and is of Mexican and Honduran descent. Her mother and father are Virginia Almendarez, and Renan Almendarez Coello, who also is well known in the Los Angeles community for his work as “El Cucoy” a radio personality. Francia describes her Hispanic culture as including family as life’s most important thing, and that is key to her act of love for Selena.
Francia was Ricky’s first onscreen kiss.
It happened during filming for Season 4 of The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Francia’s role as Adrain propelled her toward fame. She had to make out with the actor who played Ricky, Daren Kagasoff, all the time. She says the cast literally grew up together. They spent a lot of time together on set, but didn’t have much time together when they were part of the show. Making out aside; her favorite Hollywood crush for the longest time has been Tom Hardy.
Francia supports Unlikely Heroes; an anti-human trafficking organization.
She hopes to help teen girls, and raise more awareness concerning crucial issues such as sex trafficking. She said her mother is one of her biggest heroes; having been abused, her mother escaped Mexico to have a better life. Francia has two younger sisters, Irlanda and Iralia. She is fully aware that other teenagers their age are suffering. Francia’s main passion is representing the young girls who are “trapped in rooms” wondering if their lives will change. She noted that 27 million, more than ever in history, are currently enslaved in human trafficking.
Francia also supports DACA, the immigration group Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. She is well known among those who follow social media for her support of immigration. She has asked her followers to support her causes by contributing money to celebrate her birthday.
Francia is not a fan of horror films.
She had a significant role as Katherine in Chastity Bites, the comedy horror film. It’s the story of Countess Elizabeth Bathory who is killing the school’s virgins so that she can stay young. Katherine unwittingly believes that the Countess loves her. Francia described Katherine as a young woman confused with gender identity looking to the Countess for support. When at the theater, Francia said that she will be the first to scream if things get scary. She avoids horror movies at all cost.
Francia hated her nose growing up.
She said it’s the body part she hates the most. She also has always been skinny, and that has always bothered her. She wanted to be bigger, but realizes that no matter what she does she will always be small. She’s come to learn to love herself, and encourages others to love themselves as well.
Francia’s biggest dream is to make a dance film.
She’s studied tap, ballet, Polynesian and hip hop for more than 17 years. She also works out with her trainer at the gym to keep fit. She lifts weights because she likes to have “some guns”, and she usually finishes with some cardio. She’s also studied martial arts for 10 years, and holds a black belt in Kenpo karate. Her biggest dream is to make a dance film. She’s already make two skating films (The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream and The Cutting Edge: Fire and Ice), and hopes to tap into all her hobbies in future films.
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