LaToya Tonodeo's journey to the small screen began long before she appeared in one of television's most talked-about crime dramas. The actress, model, and TikTok personality first performed in front of a camera as a pre-teen and spent more than a decade building the résumé that eventually led to her breakout role in the Power universe.
Who Is LaToya Tonodeo?
LaToya Tonodeo is an American actress and model best known for playing Diana Tejada in the Starz series Power Book II: Ghost. She is also a popular TikTok star who uses her platform to connect with fans. Over the years, she has become a fixture at industry events and is frequently praised for her performances.
Age, Nationality and Ethnicity
Tonodeo was born on 23 April 1997 in Los Angeles, California, which makes her 29 years old as of 2026. She is an American citizen by birth and comes from a mixed Hispanic and African-American background. Her name, LaToya, has Greek and Spanish origins and, according to cultural interpretations, means a flower that grows even in darkness or "the chosen one."
Growing up in LA left a lasting impression. In June 2024, she told Galore magazine: "Growing up in LA was dope. It was mostly sunny, I'm right by the beach, I'm connected to the culture, it's the entertainment capital, and has some of the most diverse food and people."
Career History
LaToya's passion for performing became evident at a young age. Her parents supported her early interest in acting, enrolling her in auditions and acting classes. She made her official debut at 12 in the 2009 television film Becoming Pony Boi, where she played a party girl. Years later, she recalled in an interview with Essence magazine in December 2021 how her talent stood out: "Whether I was brushing my teeth or cleaning up, like chores or whatever, I would always read the back of the toothpaste or the ingredients, and I acted out and mimicked the commercials that I saw. I didn't really understand what I was doing, but my mom and dad did."
After that initial exposure, she continued to take on small roles. In 2015, she appeared in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 as a lady in the casino and also landed roles in Dutch Hollow, The Last Straw, and the film The Perfect Match a year later. Her television credits expanded with appearances in The Fosters, The Head Thieves, and the crime drama The Oath.
The turning point came when she joined Power Book II: Ghost as Diana Tejada, the daughter of Monet Tejada, played by Mary J. Blige. The series, which ran from 2020 to 2024, gave Tonodeo a platform to showcase her range and made her a recognizable face in the Power franchise. Her character grows significantly over the seasons, and fans watched her evolve from a sheltered teenager into a more confident and calculating young woman.
Movies and TV Shows
According to LaToya Tonodeo's IMDb profile, she has appeared in ten productions since her debut in 2009. Her notable credits are listed below:
- Power Book II: Ghost (2020–2024) as Diana Tejada
- The Oath (2018–2019) as Tara Byrd
- The Head Thieves (2018) as Jordan
- The Fosters (2018) as Ashley
- The Perfect Match (2016) as a bridesmaid
- Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015) as a lady in the casino
- Dutch Hollow (2015) as Jasmine Pierce
- The Last Straw (2015) as Sonia
- Becoming Pony Boi (2009) as a party girl
Fiancé and Personal Life
LaToya Tonodeo is engaged to Arlen Escarpeta, a Belizean actor known for roles in Final Destination 5, Friday the 13th, Into the Storm, and Brotherhood. Reports indicate the couple has been together since around 2014. Based on a video shared on Tonodeo's Instagram, Escarpeta proposed in 2021. He was previously married to Benita Nall from 2011 to 2012.
The couple has made public appearances together, including at the Hennessy Arena NBA All-Star Weekend and the premiere of Lifetime's Whitney. Tonodeo identifies as Christian and straight, and currently resides in New York. She remains active on social media, particularly Instagram and Twitter, where she uses the handle @toyofficial. Her posts give fans a glimpse into her workouts, red carpet appearances, and personal milestones.
Height, Body Measurements and Net Worth
LaToya Tonodeo stands 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimetres) tall and weighs about 121 pounds (55 kilograms). Her body measurements are 34-28-37 inches (86-71-93 centimetres). She has brown eyes and black hair, a combination that has helped her stand out in both acting and modelling work.
Her successful acting career has translated into a solid net worth. According to PressInformant, Tonodeo has an estimated net worth of $2 million. This places her among the more financially successful young actors from the Power franchise.
What Is LaToya Tonodeo Doing Now?
In addition to promoting the season finale of Power Book II: Ghost, Tonodeo has been sharing workout routines on her Instagram page and encouraging her followers to participate in the 5 November elections. She is also set to appear at the 14th Annual Merge Summit alongside Toni Braxton, Andra Day, Ayo Davis, Tiffany Haddish, and Lemuel Plummer. The summit, hosted by Dr. Holly Carter, focuses on educating, uplifting, and motivating attendees to pursue their personal and professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Diana in Ghost? Diana is a teenager throughout the series, with her age ranging from 16 to 20 across the seasons.
Who plays Diana on Power? Diana Tejada is played by LaToya Tonodeo, an American actress, model, and TikTok star.
Did Diana lose the baby on Ghost? Yes, Diana loses her baby after being assaulted by Detective Lewis, also known as Felicia, on a street in New York.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Tonodeo dreams of taking on more complex roles. In a 2024 interview with Galore, she shared: "I'd love to play a Superhero. I know it comes with a lot of stunts, but I'm ready for it. I'd also love to play a dual character role like Edward Norton in Primal Fear. The layers, complexity, and weight he had to carry for that role was so inspiring."
With her breakout performance already behind her and several high-profile appearances on the horizon, LaToya Tonodeo remains one of the most-watched rising talents in entertainment today. Industry observers have described her as "the one to watch," and her continued presence in projects like Power Book II: Ghost ensures that her star is only set to rise further.
