Kate del Castillo

Kate del Castillo is a Mexican-American actress whose career spans decades and continents, establishing her as a prominent Latina performer in both Latin American and Hollywood entertainment. Del Castillo began her acting career as a child, but gained widespread recognition with the telenovela "Muchachitas," which elevated her profile in Mexico. She went on to become the leading ingénue of nine telenovelas, including "Ramona" and "La Mentira," with her work airing in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Del Castillo's transition to American audiences marked a significant turning point in her career. After relocating to Los Angeles, she was cast as Rosario, an undocumented immigrant, in "Under the Same Moon," a Spanish-language film that achieved a major box office opening in the United States. She received the Imagen Best Actress Award for her performance. Del Castillo also earned critical acclaim for her role as a Bolivian dancer in "American Visa," receiving Best Actress awards at film festivals in Spain and Brazil, as well as a Best Actress nomination at the Ariel Awards, Mexico's equivalent to the Oscars.

Her portrayal of Teresa Mendoza in the Telemundo series "La Reina del Sur" solidified her status in Spanish-language television. The series broke ratings records and became one of Telemundo's most-watched programs, leading to a sequel and widespread streaming success on Netflix. Del Castillo expanded her Hollywood presence with roles in major productions, including "No Good Deed," "The 33," and "Bad Boys for Life." She also starred in the Netflix political thriller series "Ingobernable," portraying the fictional First Lady of Mexico, Emilia Urquiza. Del Castillo appears in Fox's dramatic series "The Cleaning Lady."

Beyond screen acting, Del Castillo made her off-Broadway debut in the Audible Theater production of Isaac Gomez's play "The Way She Spoke," earning nominations for the Drama Desk, Drama League, and Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play. She is the first Mexican actress to be nominated for three theater awards in New York. Del Castillo has also founded her own production company, Cholawood Productions, with a focus on increasing diversity in film and television. She is the author of the novel "Tuya," based on her screenplay.

In addition to her artistic work, Del Castillo is active in advocacy and humanitarian efforts. She has served as Ambassador for the Mexican Commission on Human Rights to combat human trafficking, is a spokesperson for PETA, and has received numerous humanitarian awards, including the key to the City of Los Angeles. The City of Miami has also honored her with a key to the city for her contributions to the Latino community and the entertainment industry. Del Castillo's personal journey, which includes leaving her country and starting anew in the United States, reflects her resilience and commitment to her craft. Her work across languages and cultures continues to influence contemporary film and television.