Danay Garcia was born and raised in Cuba. She studied ballet and gymnastics from the age of five until she was 14. She started modeling at age 15 and performed in the Cuban theater until she turned 18. Garcia escaped Cuba by way of Mexico and arrived in Los Angeles in 2003, just one month before turning 19.

Prison Break marked Garcia's first television series regular role. She can be seen in the independent feature From Mexico with Love and co-starred in the drama Danika, opposite Marisa Tomei, Regina Hall and Craig Bierko. Additionally, Garcia has guest starred on CSI: Miami.