Sonia Manzano was born and raised in the vibrant city of New York, which would later play a significant role in her career and personal experiences. She was born on June 12, 1950, in New York City. Known for her iconic role as Maria, Sonia Manzano graced our screens as a beloved character on the long-running children’s show “Sesame Street” for more than four decades. Sonia Manzano played Maria on “Sesame Street” for over 40 years.