What Happened to Daya in Orange is the New Black?
by Mathelene
Updated Jun 05, 2023
What Happened to Daya In Orange is the New Black?
Throughout the earlier seasons, Daya is portrayed as a central character. She is introduced as a young inmate who becomes involved in a romantic relationship with a prison guard named John Bennett, which eventually leads to her pregnancy. Daya gives birth to a baby girl while in prison.
As the series progresses, Daya becomes entangled in the illegal activities within Litchfield Penitentiary. She becomes a part of the prison's drug trade, led by her mother, Aleida Diaz. Daya struggles with addiction and the consequences of her actions. In later seasons, Daya's character takes a darker turn.
She becomes more involved in criminal activities and takes on a leadership role in the prison gang known as the "Dominican gang." Daya's behavior becomes increasingly violent and unpredictable as she gains more power and influence within the inmate community.
However, during the sixth and seventh seasons, the consequences of her actions catch up with her. Without revealing specific spoilers, Daya faces significant challenges and personal struggles. Her storyline explores the harsh realities of prison life, addiction, and the consequences of one's choices.
Who Plays Young Daya in Orange is the New Black?
In Orange is the New Black, the show utilizes flashbacks to provide insight into the characters' pasts. In one such flashback, viewers are introduced to a 14-year-old Daya Diaz, and what may come as a surprise is that the young Daya is played by none other than Dascha Polanco's own daughter, Dasany Kristal Gonzalez.
Dasany's appearance as the younger version of her mother's character is her sole credit. It is currently uncertain whether she intends to pursue acting beyond this role. Nonetheless, her portrayal of the teenage Daya has been widely regarded as a remarkable start to her acting career.
The revelation of Dasany's involvement in the series generated considerable excitement among "Orange is the New Black" fans. The fact that Dascha Polanco's own daughter portrayed her character's younger self added an intriguing layer of authenticity to the flashback scenes, further enhancing the viewing experience for many fans of the show.
Does Daya Die in Orange is the New Black?
In Season 7 of Orange is the New Black, Daya undergoes a significant transformation due to the aftermath of the Litchfield riot and her involvement in drug trafficking within the prison. As her mother, Aleida, returns to prison and discovers Daya's actions, their relationship becomes strained. In a tense scene, Aleida confronts Daya, eventually choking her after a heated exchange.
However, there's a twist to the story. According to Dascha Polanco, the actress who portrays Daya, her character actually survives the attack. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Polanco revealed that the writers assured her that Daya doesn't die but gets knocked out instead. The intention was to leave the viewers with the question of her fate.
This revelation brings a sense of relief to fans who have witnessed Daya's significant character development throughout the series. It opens up the possibility of Daya rediscovering her happier side in a post-"Orange is the New Black" world.
What Did Daya Do In Orange is the New Black?
In Orange is the New Black, Daya Diaz, portrayed by Dascha Polanco, undergoes various story arcs and engages in different activities throughout the series. Here are some notable actions and plot points involving Daya:
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Pregnancy and Motherhood: Daya starts the series as a pregnant inmate. She gives birth to a baby girl while incarcerated and faces the challenges of being a mother in prison.
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Romantic Relationships: Daya becomes involved in a romantic relationship with a prison guard named John Bennett. Their relationship becomes complicated as Bennett grapples with the ethical and legal implications of their connection.
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Involvement in the Drug Trade: Daya becomes involved in the illegal drug trade within Litchfield Penitentiary. She participates in smuggling and selling drugs, often working alongside other inmates.
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Power Struggles and Leadership: Daya's character evolves, and she gains influence within the inmate community. She joins the Dominican gang and becomes a prominent figure within the gang's hierarchy.
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Violent Acts and Consequences: Daya's involvement in criminal activities leads her down a darker path. She engages in violent acts, both as a means of asserting power and protecting herself. However, she also faces the consequences of her actions, both within the prison system and in her personal life.
Daya's character undergoes significant development and explores various themes such as motherhood, power dynamics, addiction, and the repercussions of one's choices in the prison environment. Watching the series will provide a comprehensive understanding of Daya's actions and their impact on her story.
Daya Orange is the New Black Real Name
Dascha Polanco, born on December 3, 1982, is a Dominican-American actress known for her roles in popular TV shows and movies. She gained significant recognition for portraying the character of Dayanara "Daya" Diaz in the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black." Polanco also played the role of Cuca in the 2021 film "In the Heights."
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Polanco moved to the United States at a young age and was raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Miami. She comes from a family of three children, with a brother and sister. Despite aspiring to be an actress from an early age, Polanco initially had doubts about auditioning due to her weight.
She completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at Hunter College and started working in the healthcare industry with the intention of becoming a nurse. However, her passion for acting led her to pursue it seriously. Polanco began her acting journey with minor roles in TV shows like "Unforgettable" and "NYC 22." In 2012, she landed her breakthrough role as Daya Diaz in the hit Netflix series "Orange is the New Black."
Her performance garnered acclaim, and she continued to portray Daya throughout the show's run, eventually becoming a series regular. Outside of Orange is the New Black, Polanco appeared in films such as "Gimme Shelter," "The Cobbler," "Joy," and "The Perfect Match." She also had recurring roles in TV series like "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story," "Russian Doll," and "When They See Us." In 2021, Polanco played Cuca in the film adaptation of "In the Heights."
Polanco is a mother of two children, a daughter and a son. Her daughter even portrayed a younger version of Polanco's character in "Orange is the New Black." In 2015, Polanco faced assault charges that were later conditionally dismissed.
What Happened to Daya In Orange Is The New Black? - FAQs
Dascha Polanco is known for her portrayal of Dayanara "Daya" Diaz in the Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black" and her role as Cuca in the film "In the Heights."
Dascha Polanco was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Yes, Dascha Polanco's daughter portrayed a younger version of her character, Daya, in the fifth season of "Orange Is the New Black."
Dascha Polanco is a mother of two children, a daughter, and a son.