Venezuelan actress Gabriela Spanic is recognized for her work as a model, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of twins, Paola and Paulina, in the Mexican TV hit La Usurpadora (1998).
Early Life & Education
Gabriela Elena Španić Utrera was born on December 10, 1973, in Caracas and grew up in Ortiz. Her parents are Casimiro Spanic, who is Croatian, and Norma Utrera, who is Venezuelan. She has a twin sister named Daniela Spanic, a younger sister named Patricia, and a younger brother named Antonio.
She attended Andrés Bello Catholic University in Caracas for one year to study Psychology but later decided to focus on her acting career.
Gabriela Spanic’s Movies
In 1992, Spanic’s professional journey began with her participation in the Miss Venezuela 1992 competition. She represented her hometown, Guárico, and utilized this opportunity to kickstart her acting career. She landed roles in Venezuelan soap operas like Morena Clara, where she played the antagonist Linda Prado.
In 1994, Spanic landed her inaugural leading role in the telenovela Como Tu Ninguna. The show lasted for two years and quickly became popular. It became one of the most popular novels in the country and was successful around the world.
Following her role as Amaranta in Todo por tu Amor (1997), Spanic relocated to Mexico and starred in La Usurpadora (1998), playing the twin characters of Paola and Paulina.
The telenovela achieved global success, airing in over 125 countries and becoming one of the most beloved in the Spanish-speaking community. Notably, La Usurpadora was the first telenovela to receive more than 20 points in the TV ratings among American audiences.
In 2000, Gabriela Spanic was a co-host for the final OTI Festival that took place in Acapulco. She also appeared in various productions by Televisa, including Por Tu Amor (1999) and La Intrusa (2001), before making the switch to Telemundo. There, she had leading roles in La Venganza (2002), Prisionera (2004), and Tierra de Pasiones (2006).
In 2005, Spanic received the Orquidea Award for her successful career as an actress and also earned the esteemed FAMAS Award for her role in Tierra de Pasiones.
Five years later, she collaborated with Televisa once more, playing the villainous character in Soy tu Dueña. Since 2011, Spanic has been under contract with TV Azteca and has acted in Emperatriz (2011), La Otra Cara del Alma (2012), and Siempre tuya Acapulco (2014).
Personal Life
In 1996, Gabriela Spanic tied the knot with her co-star Miguel de León, who was unlike any other. However, the two separated in 2003. Years later, in 2008, Spanic gave birth to her son, Gabriel de Jesús, with her former partner.
Net Worth
According to reports, Gabriela Spanic’s net worth is around $10 million. She gained recognition for her performances in popular telenovelas like Por Tu Amor and Tierra de Pasiones. Additionally, she made headlines in Venezuela after getting involved in a public dispute with her twin sister, fashion model Daniela Spanic.
