{{short description|American actress and author}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2019}} {{Infobox person | name = Masiela Lusha | image = Masiela Lusha as Goodwill Ambassador.jpg | caption = Lusha in 2014 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|10|23}} | birth_place = Tirana, PSR Albania | occupation = {{flatlist| * Actress * poet }} | alma_mater = University of California, Los Angeles (BA) | notable_works = ''Drinking the Moon''<br />''The Besa''<br />''Inner Thoughts'' | awards = 2 Young Artist Awards for Leading Young Actress in a Comedy and Drama | years_active = 1998–present | spouse = {{marriage|Ramzi Habibi|2013}} | children = 2 | signature = Masiela Lusha signature.png }}
'''Masiela Lusha''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|m|ɑː|s|i|ˈ|ɛ|l|ə|_|ˈ|l|uː|ʃ|ə}}; born October 23, 1985<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Oct18/0,4670,CelebBirthdays,00.html |title=Celebrity birthdays for the week of Oct. 22-28 |work=Fox News Channel |agency=Associated Press |date=October 22, 2006 |access-date=January 30, 2017}}</ref><!-- Turned 21 years old in 2006 -->) is an Albanian-born American actress and author. She gained recognition for playing Carmen Lopez on the globally syndicated ABC sitcom ''George Lopez'', a role that earned her two consecutive Young Artist Awards for Leading Young Actress in a Comedy or Drama. After transitioning into film, she starred in Sony Pictures’ ''Blood: The Last Vampire''. Lusha also starred alongside David Hasselhoff and Ian Ziering in SyFy's television movie ''Sharknado: The 4th Awakens''.<ref name="V-S:T4A">{{cite magazine |first=Laura|last=Prudom |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/sharknado-4-premiere-date-4th-awakens-syfy-1201743740/ |title='Sharknado 4' Sets Title and Premiere Date on Syfy |magazine=Variety |date=April 1, 2016 |access-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref>
Lusha made her acting debut in ''Summoning'' in 2001. That same year, she made her television debut in the Disney Channel series, ''Lizzie McGuire''. Lusha appeared as a main cast member in ''Clifford's Puppy Days'' (2003-2005) for PBS, and also appeared in ''Law & Order: Criminal Intent'', and ''Anger Management''. Lusha starred in movies comprising a variety of genres, including ''Cherry Bomb'' (2004), ''My Father's Eulogy'' (2007), ''Muertas'' (2007), ''Time of the Comet'' (2008), ''Ballad of Broken Angels'' (2009), ''Kill Katie Malone'' (2010), ''Dragonfyre'' (2013), ''The Architect'' (2014), ''Of Silence'' (2014), ''Fatal Instinct'' (2014), and ''Branded'' (2016).
In 2010, Lusha was appointed ambassador of Prince Harry's charity Sentebale.<ref name="sentebale.org">[http://sentebale.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/SentebaleAccounts2010.pdf ''Accounts''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512145618/http://sentebale.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/SentebaleAccounts2010.pdf |date=May 12, 2014 }}; PDF Download; Sentebale.org; October 2012</ref><ref name="latimes.com">{{cite web | url=http://www.latimes.com/tn-blr-masielalusha-20101027-story.html| title=Sharing passion for poetry| first=Joyce| last=Rudolph| work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 27, 2010}}</ref> In 2014, Lusha was made the World Assembly of Youth's goodwill ambassador. Lusha is an advocate for UN Women.<ref name="way.org.my">[http://www.way.org.my/files/Reports/2014/MIYD/MIYD14%20Report%20-%20FINAL.pdf ''MIYD''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523024148/http://www.way.org.my/files/Reports/2014/MIYD/MIYD14%20Report%20-%20FINAL.pdf |date=May 23, 2022 }}; PDF download; Way.Org;</ref><ref name="HuffPo">{{cite web | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/masiela-lusha-of-sharknado-4-blows-my-mind-with-this_us_5828f34fe4b057e23e31467f| title=Masiela Lusha of Sharknado 4 Blows My Mind with This Incredible Interview| first=Ilana| last=Rapp| date=November 13, 2016| work=The Huffington Post}}</ref>
Lusha has written five books of poetry, ''Inner Thoughts'', ''Drinking the Moon'', ''Amore Celeste'', ''The Call'', ''The Living Air;'' a novel, ''The Besa''; and two children's books.<ref name="filmref">{{cite web | url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/60/Masiela-Lusha.html| title=Masiela Lusha Biography (1985–)| website=Filmreference.com| access-date=September 2, 2009}}</ref> Lusha has written poetry and translated it into Albanian.<ref name="Tanoposki, B"/> She has translated poems and prayers by Mother Teresa.<ref name="Tanoposki, B">{{cite news |author=Tanoposki, B. |title=Shqiptarja e Hollivudit: Masiela Lusha vjen ne Tiane |date=April 14, 2007 |language=sq |newspaper=Panorama |location=Tirana |trans-title=Hollywood's Albanian: Masiela Lusha is from Tirana }}</ref><ref name="Muja">{{cite news |author=Muja, Elmira |title=Masiela lusha, shqiptarja qe u zbulua ne Michigan nga agjenti prej Californie |date=November 21, 2008 |language=sq |newspaper=Illyria |location=Tirana |trans-title=Masiela Lusha, Albanian who began in Michigan succeeds in California through an agent}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Lusha was born in Tirana, Albania,<ref name="filmref"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zhurnal.mk/content/?id=142281084427 |title=Shqiptarja Masiela Lusha përkrah Charlie Sheen |website=Zhurnal.mk |access-date=January 15, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314104411/http://zhurnal.mk/content/?id=142281084427 |archive-date=March 14, 2016 }}</ref> and is the child of Max and Daniela Lusha. Her mother was a magazine publisher.<ref name="Madden Cover/Section D">{{cite news | first= Mekeisha | last= Madden | title=Formal For One Night | page= Cover/Section D | date=May 1, 2004 | newspaper=The Detroit News | location = USA }}</ref> In 1990, Lusha and her family left Albania as refugees.<ref name="bl">{{cite web | last=Rudolph |first=Joyce |url=http://www.burbankleader.com/entertainment/tn-blr-masielalusha-20101027,0,7134384.story |title=Sharing passion for poetry |work=Burbank Leader |date=October 27, 2010 |access-date=June 1, 2011}}</ref> Upon leaving Albania, Lusha moved to Budapest and Vienna. In an interview in 2016, Lusha credits her early memories as a refugee for her lifelong humanitarian efforts.<ref name="mirit.com">{{cite web| url=https://www.mirit.com/masiela-lusha-beautiful-actress-inside-and-out/| title=Masiela Lusha - Beautiful Actress Inside and Out| website=Mirit.com| access-date=December 15, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601165927/https://www.mirit.com/masiela-lusha-beautiful-actress-inside-and-out/| archive-date=June 1, 2016| url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Childhood and adolescence in America === At the age of seven, Lusha moved to Michigan where she and her mother reunited with her great-uncle Dr. Joseph H. Alli. Dr. Alli was a colonel in the army during World War II, and chief of laboratories for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.<ref name="HuffPo"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3-Oro77nkE|title=Masiela Lusha - Her Mother is Best Friend, Mirit Hendrickson|date=May 5, 2016|publisher=Mirit.com|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> English was Lusha's fourth language, after Albanian, Hungarian, and German.<ref name="latimes.com"/> At the age of twelve, Lusha began a modeling career in Michigan. After a few months of professional modeling and acting in local theater plays, she was discovered by a Hollywood talent agent who held an open call in Detroit, Michigan. That following year, while acting in Los Angeles, Lusha became a published author with her first book of poetry, ''Inner Thoughts''.<ref name="Madden Cover/Section D"/>
==Literary career== 295px|thumb|right| Lusha signing copies of her book, in October 2010.
=== Early recognition (1997–2004) === As a poet, Lusha was recognized as one of the Top Ten Talented Poets of North America for her published work, and also received the public recognition of former President Bill Clinton.<ref name="Henerson 4–5">{{cite news | first= Samantha | last= Henerson | title=Masiela's Poetry Patterns | pages= 4–5 | date=October 30, 2006 | newspaper=Scholastic Magazine | location = USA }}</ref> Upon graduating high school, Lusha had published two collections of poetry.<ref name="Laguardia">{{cite news | first= Gina | last= LaGuardia | title= Masiela's Musings | page= 2 | date= October 2004 | newspaper= College Bound Teen | url= http://www.collegebound.net/content/article/masielas-musings/469/ | location= USA | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110928065614/http://www.collegebound.net/content/article/masielas-musings/469/ | archive-date= September 28, 2011 }}</ref> As of 2010, Lusha has since written seven books.<ref name="tolucantimes.info">[http://tolucantimes.info/section/inside-this-issue/young-author-makes-her-mark-in-the-world-of-children’s-literature/ Young Author Makes Her Mark in the World of Children’s Literature] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714183456/http://tolucantimes.info/section/inside-this-issue/young-author-makes-her-mark-in-the-world-of-children%e2%80%99s-literature/ |date=July 14, 2014 }} Tolucan Times</ref>
=== ''Drinking the Moon'', ''The Living Air'', a novel and children's books (2005–present) === From 2005 to 2010, Lusha wrote four poetry books.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.masielalusha.com/projects/moon.php |title=Official Masiela Lusha Literary Works – Drinking the Moon |publisher=masielalusha.com |access-date=June 1, 2011}}</ref> While filming ''George Lopez'', Lusha published her second book, ''Drinking the Moon'' <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorrancebookstore.com/drinkingmoon.html|title=Drinking the Moon|publisher=Dorrance Bookstore|access-date=May 7, 2016|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602123956/http://www.dorrancebookstore.com/drinkingmoon.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, Lusha wrote ''Boopity Boop Writes Her First Poem''. Lusha chose poetry as the subject matter for her children's book because, "While some mothers sing lullabies to their children, my mother read me poetry," she said. "And to this day, I associate my strongest and most insistent feelings with words lyrically organized on a page."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tolucantimes.info/inside-this-issue/young-author-makes-her-mark-in-the-world-of-children's-literature/ |title= Tolucantimes.info|website=tolucantimes.info |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810095207/http://tolucantimes.info/inside-this-issue/young-author-makes-her-mark-in-the-world-of-children%e2%80%99s-literature/ |archive-date=August 10, 2016}}</ref> In 2016, Lusha released her fourth book of poetry, ''The Living Air''.<ref name="HuffPo"/>
In an interview, Lusha revealed that she completed her novel, ''The Besa'', in one month, writing from 6 am until 8 pm every day while forgetting to eat. For her writing, Lusha also says, "In any art form, we have a responsibility to infuse a little color, compassion, movement into our society. Art cannot live in a void. It must impact, animate a little tug and pull in our world to stay alive and relevant."<ref name="HuffPo"/>
== Acting career ==
=== Career beginnings and early roles (1997–1999) === Lusha launched her career as a model and theater actress in Michigan. While residing in her hometown, Lusha's first theatrical role was a nonspeaking, background character in her school's production of ''Up and Away''.<ref name="ml">{{cite web|url=http://www.masielalusha.com |title=Masiela Lusha |publisher=masielalusha.com |access-date=June 1, 2011}}</ref> Upon entering the drama department, Lusha then portrayed the role of Cinderella in the play, ''The Last Dress Rehearsal'' and Belle in ''Beauty and the Beast''. She also portrayed an Oompa Loompa and a Tap-Dancing Box in the play, ''Charlie and the Chocolate Factory''.<ref name="Madden Cover/Section D"/> Soon after moving to California, Lusha was selected as the principle fashion model in a multinational Back-to-School J. C. Penney television campaign which aired in America and South America, and was cast in the Alanis Morissette music video "Hands Clean".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2013/10/seven-questions-with-masiela-lusha-of.html |title=Seven Questions with Masiela Lusha of George Lopez; Celebrity Week on Millionaire Nov. 4-8, 2013 |date=October 31, 2013 |website=Sitcoms Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210031306/http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2013/10/seven-questions-with-masiela-lusha-of.html |archive-date=February 10, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=February 10, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodsuccess.com/masiela_lusha_says.htm |title=Masiela Lusha says |publisher=hollywoodsuccess.com |access-date=June 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125151734/http://www.hollywoodsuccess.com/masiela_lusha_says.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2013 }}</ref>
=== Hollywood: ''George Lopez'' and breakthrough (2000–2007) === Then in 2000, it was Lusha's television debut with a guest appearance on the Disney Channel series ''Lizzie McGuire'' as the character Olivia in the episode "Last Year's Model". Lusha made her film debut in the 2000 film ''A Father's Love'' as Lisa, the lead who reminisces on her experiences with her father.
In 2001, she was picked to play Carmen Lopez on the newly developed ABC sitcom ''George Lopez''. Sandra Bullock and Bruce Helford were the show's executive producers.<ref>{{cite news | first= Michael | last= Schneider | title=Slayer of Stereotypes | page= A1-A14 | date=March 29, 2006 | newspaper=Daily Variety | location = Hollywood }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://ew.com/article/2003/03/14/whats-wrong-reality-tv-roundtable-talk/ | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | first=Lynette | last=Rice | title=When Reality Attacks | date=March 14, 2003 | access-date=July 28, 2011 | archive-date=October 21, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021202930/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20356896_430049,00.html | url-status=live }}</ref> After completing its 120th episode, the show reached global syndication and established Lusha as a TV veteran by the age of 20.<ref>{{cite news | first= Barry | last= Garron | title=Stand-Up Guise | page= 13 | date=April 28, 2006 | newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter | location = Hollywood }}</ref> That following year, the ''George Lopez'' show won an Emmy and was established as the second-longest-running sitcom in television history to star a Hispanic lead, after ''I Love Lucy''. In 2007, Lusha's character Carmen was written off the show due to "creative differences".<ref name="Madden Cover/Section C">{{cite news | first= Timothy | last= Turner | title=Cast Reunited | page= Cover/Section C | date=May 1, 2008 | newspaper=The Detroit News | location = USA }}</ref>
Lusha won two consecutive Young Artist Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Comedy and Drama for her portrayal as Carmen.<ref name="25thYAA">{{cite web|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms25.htm |title=25th Annual Young Artist Awards – Winners and Nominations |publisher=Young Artist Awards |access-date=June 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817061116/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms25.htm |archive-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> While working on ''George Lopez'', Lusha also voiced the role of Nina for four years on the PBS series ''Clifford's Puppy Days''.<ref>{{cite news | first= Joey | last= Terril | title=Tiger Beat Takes You Behind The Scenes: Masiela Lusha | page= 66 | date=April 2004 | newspaper=Tiger Beat | location = Los Angeles }}</ref> It has been reported that portraying the character of Nina introduced Lusha to children's entertainment, inspiring her to write a children's book in 2009.
=== International film roles and global recognition (2008–present) === 180px|thumb|right|upright|Lusha photographed at Warner Brothers Studios. In December 2009, Lusha joined the original cast of ''George Lopez'' for a televised reunion on ''Lopez Tonight''. During the live reunion taping, when asked about her experiences on the show, Lusha said: "it is the show that keeps giving. Every year it offers something to society and it offered something to each and every one of us. It brought us all together for a lifetime".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lopeztonight.com/george_lopez_sitcom_reunion.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215034112/http://www.lopeztonight.com/george_lopez_sitcom_reunion.php |url-status=usurped |archive-date=December 15, 2009 |title=George Lopez Sitcom Reunion December 15! |publisher=Lopez Tonight |access-date=June 1, 2011 }}</ref>
Lusha has since appeared as Mira on an episode of ''Law & Order: Criminal Intent''.<ref name="Tanoposki, B"/> At the suggestion of George Clooney, Lusha has also appeared in the Spanish language film ''Muertas'' (2008) in which she portrayed the main character Aracelli.<ref name="Muja"/><ref name="ml" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.masielalusha.com/projects/muertas.php |title=Official Masiela Lusha Muertas |publisher=masielalusha.com |access-date=June 1, 2011}}</ref>
[[File:Masiela Lusha and Ismail Kadare.jpg|230px|thumb|left|upright|Lusha with poet laureate Ismail Kadare during a press conference for the film ''Time of the Comet'']] Lusha also starred as Saint Agnes in the Albanian production of ''Time of the Comet'' (2008) based on the novel ''A Difficult Year'' by Ismail Kadare. Throughout the film, Lusha's dialogue was in a specific Albanian dialect. In the film, Lusha plays a catholic nun who falls in love with a Muslim rebel.<ref name="ml" />
Lusha portrayed the role of Sharon, the sword-wielding, vampire in disguise, in the Sony Pictures remake of the cult classic ''Blood: The Last Vampire'' alongside Jun Ji-hyun. The film was co-produced by French company Pathé and Hong Kong company Edko, the production company behind Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. In 2009, the film premiered in Japan and was released internationally by Sony Pictures.<ref name="filmref" />
In 2011, Lusha also starred in the films ''Katie Malone'' and ''The Architect''. In Katie Malone, she portrayed the role of Ginger, a premed college student who is tormented by the ghost of a slave girl. ''One Tree Hill'' actor Stephen Colletti and ''Superman'' star Dean Cain costarred in the movie. The film was released by American World Pictures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fangoria.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2383:exclusive-pix-a-comments-qkill-katie-maloneq&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=167 |title=Katie Malone director interview}}</ref> In ''The Architect'', Lusha acted alongside Stacy Keach.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lavaproduction.com/ |title=Home |website=lavaproduction.com}}</ref> In 2012, Lusha also starred in the film ''Of Silence'', alongside Muse Watson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/25867|title=Full Official Trailer for 'Of Silence' - Bloody Disgusting!|work=Bloody Disgusting!|date=August 15, 2011|access-date=January 15, 2016}}</ref>
In 2012, Lusha starred in the film ''Orc Wars'', portraying the role of Princess Aleya, the last remaining elven warrior.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://revistaalbaniac.blogspot.com/2012/05/masiela-lusha-foto-nga-xhirimet-e.html |title=albaniac : Masiela Lusha - Foto nga xhirimet e filmit te ri "Orc War" |publisher=Revistaalbaniac.blogspot.com |date=May 15, 2012 |access-date=July 6, 2013}}</ref>
Lusha re-teamed with ''George Lopez'' creator and executive producer Bruce Helford on the FX series ''Anger Management''. Lusha portrayed the love interest Molly in the episode "Charlie and Sean Fight Over A Girl".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/anger-management-2014/episode-50-season-2/charlie-and-sean-fight-over-a-girl/369429|title=Watch Anger Management Season 2 Episode 50: Charlie and Sean Fight Over a Girl - TVGuide.com|work=TVGuide.com|access-date=January 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://revistaalbaniac.blogspot.com/2014/02/masiela-lusha-ne-anger-management-te.html|title=Albaniac: Masiela Lusha ne "Anger Management" te Charlie Sheen|access-date=January 15, 2016}}</ref>
Lusha was cast as one of the leads in SyFy's ''Sharknado: The 4th Awakens'' and ''Sharknado 5: Global Swarming''. Lusha portrayed Gemini, the cousin of Ian Ziering's character, and niece of David Hasselhoff's character.<ref name="V-S:T4A" /><ref>{{cite web|first=Kimberly|last=Nordyke|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sharknado-4-gary-busey-cheryl-873829|title='Sharknado 4': Gary Busey, Cheryl Tiegs Join Cast of Syfy Movie|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 9, 2016|access-date=January 30, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newscult.com/these-are-the-faces-youll-see-in-syfys-sharknado-4/|title=These Are the Faces You'll See in Syfy's 'Sharknado 4'|work=Newscult|access-date=May 7, 2016|archive-date=March 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319134047/http://newscult.com/these-are-the-faces-youll-see-in-syfys-sharknado-4/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last1=Reid|first1=Tara|title=Sharknado 5: Global Swarming|date=January 1, 2000|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6298780/|last2=Rogers|first2=Anthony|access-date=March 16, 2017}}</ref>
In 2017, Lusha starred in the Lifetime film ''Forgotten Evil''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/forgotten-evil|title=Forgotten Evil {{!}} Lifetime|work=Lifetime|access-date=March 16, 2017}}</ref> In the film, she portrayed Renee / Jane Doe, a woman suffering from amnesia. Without a past, Renee is forced to face a new reality with emerging challenges. Re-teaming with ''Sharknado'' director Anthony C. Ferrante, it is reported that the role was written with Lusha in mind.<ref>{{Citation|last=CelebHaute Spot|title=Interview With Masiela Lusha|date=March 10, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Arma5C6fEo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/9Arma5C6fEo |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=March 16, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
==Humanitarian work and public service campaigns== [[File:Masiela Lusha with Datuk Seri Ir. Haji Idris bin Haron.jpg|220px|thumb|left|Goodwill Ambassador Masiela Lusha and WAY president, Idris Haron, attending a WAY event in 2014.]]
In a 2016 interview, Lusha credited her childhood memories as a refugee for the drive behind her efforts as a humanitarian. In the same interview Lusha noted that her earliest memory was on a bus with her mother, fleeing Albania. Because of numerous bomb threats targeted at the bus, an international organization provided volunteers to sit in the bus with the refugees, allowing the people to enter Hungary safely. Lusha stated that because of these experiences, "humanitarianism is the bedrock of [her] existence and identity."<ref name="mirit.com"/>
In 2010, Lusha was appointed Ambassador for Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale.<ref name="sentebale.org"/> The charity was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Africa in memory of their mothers, Diana, Princess of Wales, and Queen Mamohato of Lesotho. The cause helps vulnerable children in Lesotho, Africa through various grassroots efforts.<ref>http://sentebale.org/improving-the-lives-of-lesothos-children/{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Lusha was the spokesperson for Scholastic's Read for Life, and she has been involved in national PSA commercials and school readings across the country. Throughout her career, Lusha has promoted "the value of appreciating the written word". As the national spokesperson for the Great American Bake Sale, a hunger-relief program, Lusha visits local towns throughout the United States and supports food drives to help battle childhood hunger.<ref name="masielalushafoundation.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.masielalushafoundation.org/index.php |title=Masiela Lusha Foundation |publisher=Masiela Lusha Foundation |access-date=June 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223003348/http://www.masielalushafoundation.org/index.php |archive-date=December 23, 2008 }}</ref> For her role as a national spokesperson, Lusha promotes the importance of raising funds to help local communities.<ref name="masielalushafoundation.org" />
Lusha founded the Children of the World Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers food, shelter and education to families in deprived conditions. For Children of the World, she donated {{convert|10|acre|m2}} of land for a community center focused on rehabilitating families in need.<ref name="masielalushafoundation.org"/>
In the spring of 2013, Athgo International appointed Lusha as their Ambassador for Youth.<ref name="athgo.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.athgo.org/ |title=Athgo International |publisher=Athgo.org |access-date=July 6, 2013}}</ref> As an Ambassador, Lusha encouraged a dialogue between aspiring global entrepreneurs and Athgo's bodies of support such as the World Bank Group, the United Nations, and international universities. Lusha will participate with Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Dr. Hamadoun Touré, Secretary-General of ITU and vice-chairman of the Broadband Commission for Digital Development.
World Assembly of Youth appointed Lusha as their first Goodwill Ambassador. WAY co-operates with the UN and many of its special agencies, particularly with UNAIDS, UNEP, ILO, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO. As ambassador, Lusha promoted diverse causes concerning the global youth, such as improving gender equality, promote the democratic participation, increase inter-ethnic respect and to foster inter-cultural and international understanding and cooperation.<ref name="way.org.my"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.way.org.my|title=World Assembly of Youth|publisher=World Assembly of Youth}}</ref>
==Personal life== During the filming of ''George Lopez'', Lusha was reportedly privately schooled on set.<ref name="ml" /> Lusha graduated from Burbank High School at the age of 15. She later attended Glendale College, in Southern California, graduating with an AA degree and transferring to UCLA as a junior at the age of 18. While at UCLA, Lusha majored in Creative Writing.<ref name="Henerson 4–5"/><ref name="ml" /> She also earned a degree from FIDM, and credits her education when designing and sewing her own clothes on the red carpet.<ref name="HuffPo"/>
In 2012, Lusha began dating financier Ramzi Habibi. In July 2013, it was announced that the two were engaged.<ref name="youtube1">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahFMwZrHg6c |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/ahFMwZrHg6c |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Masiela Lusha |publisher=YouTube |date=June 7, 2013 |access-date=July 6, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On December 28, 2013, the couple married on Wanaka Peak in Queenstown, New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.larsson.co.nz/celebrity-wedding-queenstown/|title=Celebrity Wedding Queenstown Masiela Lusha & Ramzi Habibi's Wedding|access-date=December 4, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204200141/https://www.larsson.co.nz/celebrity-wedding-queenstown/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The couple has 2 children, a son, born in February 2018,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.panorama.com.al/2014/01/11/masiela-lusha-ju-rrefej-dasmen-time-romantike-pak-dite-para-vitit-te-ri/ |title=Masiela Lusha: Ju rrëfej dasmën time romantike pak ditë para Vitit të Ri | Gazeta Panorama ONLINE |access-date=January 21, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118173324/http://www.panorama.com.al/2014/01/11/masiela-lusha-ju-rrefej-dasmen-time-romantike-pak-dite-para-vitit-te-ri/ |archive-date=January 18, 2014 }}</ref> and a daughter born in October 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/masielalusha/p/CUm9gyDF_mq/ |title=ďźďźĄďźłďźŠďźĽďźŹďźĄ . on Instagram: "Happy 1st Birthday little bird đ&#x;Ś˘đ&#x;Ľ° we love you to infinity and back, sweet girl đ&#x;'Ť đ&#x;"¸: @304photos"? |publisher=Instagram.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-05}}</ref>
==Bibliography==
===Poetry collections=== * ''Inner Thoughts'' (1999) * ''Drinking the Moon'' (2005) * ''Amore Celeste'' (2009) * ''The Call'' (2010) * ''The Living Air'' (2016)
===Collected prose and novels=== * ''The Besa'' (2008)
===Children's books=== * ''Boopity Boop! Writes Her First Poem'' (2010) * ''Boopity Boop! Goes To Hawaii'' (2010)
== Filmography ==
===Film=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2000 |''Father's Love'' |Lisa | |- |2002 |''Las muertas de Juarez'' |Aracelli | |- |2004 |''Cherry Bomb'' |Kim | |- |2008 |''Time of the Comet'' |Agnes | |- |2009 |''Blood: The Last Vampire'' |Sharon | |- |2009 |''Ballad of Broken Angels: Harmony'' |Rox | |- |2010 |''Kill Katie Malone'' |Ginger | |- |2012 |''{{sortname|The|Architect|nolink=1}}'' |Iliriana | |- |2013 |''Dragonfyre'' |Princess Aleya | |- |2014 |''Of Silence'' |Annabelle | |- |2014 |''Fatal Instinct'' |Melissa Gates | |- |2017 |''Branded'' |Donna | |}
===Television=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2001 |''Lizzie McGuire'' |Friend |Episode: "Last Year's Model" |- |2002–2007 |''George Lopez'' |Carmen Lopez |Main role (seasons 1–5) |- |2003–2005 |''Clifford's Puppy Days'' |Nina Flores |Recurring voice role |- |2006 |''Law & Order: Criminal Intent'' |Mira |Episode: "Blasters" |- |2014 |''Anger Management'' |Molly |Episode: "Charlie and Sean Fight Over a Girl" |- |2016 |''Sharknado: The 4th Awakens'' |Gemini |Television film |- |2017 |''Forgotten Evil'' |Renee / Jane Doe / Veronica |Television film |- |2017 |''Lopez'' |Herself |Episode: "George Dates His Daughter" |- |2017 |''Sharknado 5: Global Swarming'' |Gemini |Television film |- |2018 |''The Last Sharknado: It's About Time'' |Gemini |Television film |- |2019 |''My Best Friend's Christmas'' |Bella Vega |Television film; also known as ''Christmas Sweethearts'' |}
==Awards== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Award ! Category ! Work ! Result ! Refs |- |2003 |Young Artist Award |Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actress |''George Lopez'' |{{won}} |style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="24thYAA">{{cite web|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms24.htm |title=24th Annual Young Artist Awards – Winners and Nominations |publisher=Young Artist Awards |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818202739/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms24.htm |archive-date=August 18, 2016}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2004 |Young Artist Award |Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role – Young Actress |''Clifford's Puppy Days'' |{{nom}} |style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="25thYAA" /> |- |Young Artist Award |Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actress |''George Lopez'' |{{won}} |style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="25thYAA" /> |}
==References== {{reflist|2}}
==External links== {{Sister project links |wikt=no |commons=Masiela Lusha |b=no |n=no |q=Masiela Lusha |s=no |v=no |species=no |d=no |display=Masiela Lusha}} * {{IMDb name|1126641|Masiela Lusha}} * [http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2013/10/seven-questions-with-masiela-lusha-of.html Seven Questions with Masiela Lusha] at Sitcoms On Line
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Lusha, Masiela}} Category:1985 births Category:20th-century Albanian poets Category:20th-century American actresses Category:20th-century American poets Category:21st-century Albanian actresses Category:21st-century Albanian poets Category:21st-century American actresses Category:21st-century American poets Category:21st-century American translators Category:Albanian emigrants to the United States Category:Albanian television actresses Category:Albanian women poets Category:American child actresses Category:American film actresses Category:American television actresses Category:Glendale Community College (California) alumni Category:Living people Category:Actors from Tirana Category:Writers from Tirana Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni Category:21st-century Albanian women writers Category:20th-century American women poets Category:21st-century American women poets