Kate Del Castillo

One of Mexico's most acclaimed and popular actresses, Kate del Castillo broke through in America as a result of her award-winning performance in the hit movie "Under the Same Moon," which is to date the highest grossing Spanish-language theatrical release in U.S. history.

del Castillo made her acting debut in 1978 when she took part in a film called "The Last Escape." She became well known in 1991 when she starred as Leticia in "Muchachitas," a telenovela airing in several Latin American countries. In 1995 she appeared in the music video "Fuego de Noche, Nieve de Día" by Ricky Martin. In 2002 and 2003, she embarked on an international tour alongside Argentine actor Saul Lisazo with the play "Cartas de Amor" (Love Letters). In November 2007, she was named one of the "Stars of the Year" and in 2011 one of the "25 most influential women" and "50 most beautiful" by People en Español magazine. In 2006, Del Castillo starred in the film "Bordertown," which became her first role in Hollywood. Later, in 2011, she starred as Teresa "La Mexicana" Mendoza in "La Reina Del Sur," a role that skyrocketed her fame across Latin America. Del Castillo has also appeared in advertising campaigns for L'Oréal and Ford. The History Channel also named her Network Spokesperson for Hispanic Heritage Month in 2007.

Del Castillo received various accolades for her critically acclaimed performance as a Bolivian dancer in "American Visa" including several "Best Actress” awards. In the United States, the movie premiered at the AFI Film Festival in Los Angeles, to a sold-out crowd. Del Castillo returned to her theater roots in Mexico for a sold-out eight week theatre run in the two character David Harrower play "Blackbird." She won the "Best Actress" award from the Theatre Critics Association in Mexico. Among her many US awards, del Castillo received the "Outstanding Performance in a Motion Picture" award for her performances in "Trade" and "Under the Same Moon" by the National Hispanic Media under the umbrella of the National Latino Media Council. She won the Imagen "Best Actress" award for "Under the Same Moon."

In 2009, del Castillo was appointed Ambassador for the Mexican Commission on Human Rights and the following year she helped launch the Blue Heart Campaign in order to raise awareness and fight human trafficking.