Latin American Music Awards - Season 2021© GettyImages

Gaby Espino

The Venezuelan actress, model and presenter is an unstoppable force in the entertainment industry.


SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 8:58 AM EDT

Before she was known for hosting and acting, Gaby Espino was recognized as one of the most beautiful women in her home country of Venezuela. Gaby has had a career that has spanned decades and remains one of the most prominent figures of Venezuela while also managing to build an international career.

Gaby entered the spotlight from a young age, in the year 1995 with the show “Nubeluz.” She was 22 years old. Since 1997, Gaby started getting opportunities in a variety of telenovelas, among them ‘Guerra de Mujeres’ and ‘Las Gonzales,’ where she played the lead. These shows were some of the most prominent programs in Venezuela, elevating her status as an icon that people from different countries wanted to work with.

2019 Billboard Latin Music Awards   Show© GettyImages

Her recognition landed her the lead role in Luis Fonsi’s music video, ‘Imaginame Sin Ti.’ The video was shot in Venezuela and was pivotal for his successful musical career, which has made him into an international superstar, with songs alongside Daddy Yankee, Marina Diamandis, and Justin Bieber.

Gaby later then starred in the telenovela ‘Rebeca,’ where she played the antagonist and got to show off a new set of skills. She had her film debut with ‘La Mujer de Mi Hermano,’ a Peruvian and Mexican production based on a novel written by Jaime Bayly. The movie premiered in festivals and debuted in the U.S. box office with over 1 million dollar gross on its opening weekend, an unlikely feat for a Spanish film in the U.S. market during that time period.

Gaby later relocated to the U.S., starring in telenovelas from Telemundo. These shows, like ‘Santa Diabla’ were shot in Miami and were specially developed for a Latino audience. Afterward, she’s played key roles in ‘Señora de Acero’ and has hosted the Miss Universe pageant. She made an appearance in ‘Betty in N.Y.’ demonstrating how much of an icon she’s become for Latinos that live in the U.S.

© GettyImages

Gaby has two kids, Oriana, with her first husband Cristobal Lander, and Nickolas, with Jencarlos Canela.