Barbara Mori

Biography

Barbara Mori was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, to a Uruguayan father, Carlos Mori, and a Japanese-Mexican mother, Yuriko Mori. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Mexico, where she was raised. Growing up in Mexico City, Barbara’s multicultural background enriched her life, allowing her to fluently speak Spanish and understand the complexities of both Latin and Japanese cultures.

Mori initially had an interest in dancing and modeling. She pursued a career in modeling as a teenager, working with various fashion brands. Her early exposure to the entertainment industry led to her eventual transition into acting.

Career Beginnings:

Barbara Mori's first significant break came when she was cast in the popular Mexican telenovela "Al Norte del Corazón" (1997). Though the show wasn’t a major hit, it was the stepping stone for her burgeoning acting career. Mori’s talent caught the attention of casting directors, and she quickly began landing more prominent roles.

Her role in the telenovela "Mirada de Mujer" (1997) is often credited as the one that truly helped her gain recognition in the industry. She portrayed Patricia "Pato" Arizmendi, a character who navigates complex family dynamics. Her performance showcased her ability to bring depth to her roles and solidified her position as a rising star in Mexican television.

Rise to Fame:

Barbara Mori’s career truly skyrocketed with her role in the telenovela "Rubí" (2004). She played the title character, Rubí Pérez, a beautiful but manipulative woman who is determined to escape her humble beginnings. The show became a massive success, both in Mexico and internationally, and turned Barbara into a household name. "Rubí" was particularly famous for its portrayal of complex relationships and intense drama, which Barbara embodied with powerful performances.

The success of Rubí opened many doors for Mori. She became one of the most sought-after actresses in Latin America, and her career shifted from television to film.

Transition to Film:

In 2010, Barbara Mori made her Bollywood debut with the film "Kites", directed by Anurag Basu. She starred opposite Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan in this romantic drama. Kites was an international project, with a mix of Bollywood and Hollywood-style filmmaking. 

Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film garnered attention for its bold storytelling and Barbara Mori’s portrayal of Natasha, a woman torn between love and duty. Her performance in the film was praised, and she became one of the first Latin actresses to break into Bollywood cinema, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Following Kites, Barbara continued to expand her filmography with projects in both Mexico and abroad. Some of her notable films include:

"Los Infierno" (2010), a Mexican drama film.

"The Last Race" (2011), an action-thriller in which she showcased her versatility as an actress.

Despite these efforts, Barbara's film career didn’t always reach the same heights as her telenovela successes, but she remained a popular and respected figure in the entertainment world.

Filmography Highlights:

Telenovelas:

"Al Norte del Corazón" (1997)

"Mirada de Mujer" (1997)

"Rubí" (2004)

"Amor Mío" (2005)

"La Casa de al Lado" (2011)

Films:

"Kites" (2010)

"Los Infierno" (2010)

"The Last Race" (2011)

"Apuesta por un Amor" (2010)