Selena Gomez is an actress.
Alexandra Margarita `` Alex '' Russo is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place , portrayed by Selena Gomez . In Dubious Battle (film) . The film features an ensemble cast , consisting of Franco , Nat Wolff , Josh Hutcherson , Selena Gomez , Vincent D'Onofrio , Analeigh Tipton , Zach Braff , Bryan Cranston , Ed Harris , and Robert Duvall . Selena Marie Gomez ( [ səˈliːnə_məˈɹiː_ˈɡoʊmɛz ] ; [ seˈlena ˈɣomes ] ; born July 22 , 1992 ) is an American actress and singer . Having appeared in the children 's television series Barney & Friends while growing up , she rose to fame playing the role of Alex Russo on the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place ( 2007 -- 2012 ) .