Eugenio Derbez

Biography

Eugenio Derbez, born Eugenio González Derbez on September 2, 1961, in Mexico City, Mexico, is a prolific actor, comedian, director, producer, and screenwriter who has achieved massive success in both Latin American and Hollywood entertainment. Known for his keen comedic timing, endearing characters, and ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, Derbez has transitioned from a beloved figure in Mexican television to an internationally recognized talent.

Early Beginnings and Mexican Stardom: Derbez inherited a passion for acting from his mother, the renowned actress Silvia Derbez. He began his career at an early age, appearing as an extra in telenovelas at just 12 years old. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he steadily built his presence in Mexican television. He was a regular on shows like "Cachún cachún ra ra!" and "Anabel," and gained widespread recognition for hosting the variety show "Al Derecho y al Derbez" in the early 1990s.

A true comedic force, Derbez created, wrote, directed, and starred in several highly popular sketch comedy and sitcoms for Televisa, including "Derbez en Cuando," "XHDRBZ," and "La familia P. Luche." The latter, a surreal family sitcom that ran for many years, became one of Univision's longest-running and most successful shows, solidifying his status as a comedic icon in Mexico and across Latin America. His unique style, often incorporating wordplay, double meanings, and relatable characters, resonated deeply with audiences.

Crossover Success and Hollywood Recognition: While a superstar in the Spanish-speaking world, Derbez began to set his sights on Hollywood. He appeared in various American films and TV shows, gradually building his English-language portfolio. His breakthrough came with the 2013 film Instructions Not Included, which he co-wrote, directed, and starred in. This heartwarming comedy became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in the U.S. and worldwide, earning over $100 million and proving his universal appeal.

Following this success, Derbez continued to take on diverse roles in Hollywood, including comedies like How to Be a Latin Lover (2017) and Overboard (2018), as well as family films such as Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) and voice roles in animated features like The Book of Life and The Angry Birds Movie 2. He also lent his voice to the Latin American Spanish dub of beloved characters like Donkey in the Shrek franchise and Mushu in Mulan.

Producing and Critical Acclaim: Beyond his acting, Derbez is a savvy producer through his company, 3Pas Studios, which he co-founded with Ben Odell. The company focuses on telling stories that celebrate diversity and have universal appeal, producing successful content for various platforms, including the Apple TV+ series Acapulco and the reality series De Viaje Con Los Derbez.

In 2021, Derbez garnered significant critical acclaim for his poignant performance as a music teacher in the Apple TV+ film CODA. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Derbez, as part of the cast, received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. This role showcased his dramatic depth and earned him further recognition in the industry. His more recent film, Radical (2023), based on a true story, also received positive reviews, with Derbez winning an Imagen Award for Best Actor.

Awards and Legacy: Eugenio Derbez has received numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple TVyNovelas Awards, Imagen Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016. Variety recognized him as the "#1 most influential Latin American male in the world" in 2014.

Eugenio Derbez's journey is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and ability to connect with audiences across cultures. He has not only entertained millions but also played a significant role in bridging the gap between Latin American and Hollywood entertainment, paving the way for more diverse storytelling and representation.