Selena Marie Gomez (born July 22, 1992) is an American actress, singer, songwriter, fashion designer, producer, and philanthropist. Gomez first began acting as a child star on the children's series Barney & Friends from 2002 to 2004. Following various guest appearances and cameos, Gomez was cast as the lead role in the Disney channelseries Wizards of Waverly Place in 2007.