Gael García Bernal
Mexican actor and director internationally known for his roles in films like 'Y Tu Mamá También,' 'The Motorcycle Diaries,' and 'Babel.' He won a Golden Globe for his performance in the Amazon series 'Mozart in the Jungle.'
Biography
Gael García Bernal was born on November 30, 1978, in Guadalajara, Mexico. His parents, Patricia Bernal and José Ángel García, were involved in the entertainment industry as an actress/model and an actor/director, respectively. This early exposure influenced García Bernal's career path. He was educated at Edron Academy in Mexico City and later trained in acting at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, enhancing his skills and gaining a global view on cinema.
García Bernal's big break was his role in Alejandro González Iñárritu's film Amores perros in 2000. This launched his involvement with the Mexican New Wave cinema movement. His performance in Alfonso Cuarón's Y tu mamá también (2001) made him a star in Latin American cinema. He furthered his career with roles in Pedro Almodóvar's Bad Education (2004) and Walter Salles' The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), where he played Che Guevara. This role earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role and confirmed his status as a serious international actor.
His career grew with his role in Babel (2006), also directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. García Bernal transitioned well to television with his Golden Globe-winning role as conductor Rodrigo De Souza in Amazon's Mozart in the Jungle (2014-2018), showing his talent across different media. Recently, he has ventured into mainstream roles while staying true to his artistic roots, voicing characters in Pixar's Coco (2017) and starring in Marvel's Werewolf by Night (2022) on Disney+.
Beyond acting, García Bernal is a producer and a promoter of Latin American cinema. With fellow actor Diego Luna, he co-founded Canana Films, a company that supports independent filmmakers and diverse storytelling from Mexico and Latin America. His impact goes beyond entertainment; he was listed among Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2016. The New York Times honored his artistic contributions, ranking him 25th in their list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century in 2020, securing his role as a key figure of his generation.
Before Fame
Growing up in a family involved in Mexican theater and film, García Bernal was introduced to acting early on. His parents' work in the entertainment industry gave him a glimpse into both the craft and business side of performance. As a teenager, he acted in Mexican telenovelas, gaining hands-on experience with cameras and learning the basics of screen acting.
Studying at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London was a key step in his development as an international actor. This experience sharpened his technical skills and introduced him to various theatrical traditions and methods. When he returned to Mexico in the late 1990s, he became part of a new wave in cinema that would transform Latin American film and elevate Mexican cinema on the global stage.
Key Achievements
- Won Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy for Mozart in the Jungle (2016)
- Received BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for The Motorcycle Diaries (2005)
- Co-founded Canana Films production company with Diego Luna, promoting Latin American cinema internationally
- Named to Time magazine's annual Time 100 most influential people list (2016)
- Ranked 25th in The New York Times' list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century (2020)
Did You Know?
- 01.He learned to ride a motorcycle specifically for his role as young Che Guevara in The Motorcycle Diaries, spending weeks training to authentically portray the iconic journey across South America
- 02.García Bernal is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Italian, which has enabled him to work with directors from multiple countries without requiring dubbing
- 03.He turned down several Hollywood blockbuster roles in the early 2000s to focus on independent and art house films that aligned with his artistic vision
- 04.His production company Canana Films was named after a small Mexican town, reflecting his commitment to representing authentic Mexican stories and locations
- 05.He performed his own singing in several films, including Bad Education, showcasing vocal abilities developed during his theater training in London
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Globe Awards | — | — |
| Marcello Mastroianni Award | — | — |
| Trophée Chopard | — | — |