Ana de la Reguera: Versatile Mexican Actress Bridging Cultures in Film and Television
Mexico City, January 8, 2026 – Ana de la Reguera, a prominent Mexican actress born in Veracruz, has built a distinguished career spanning telenovelas, Hollywood blockbusters, and independent films, earning acclaim for her roles in projects like Army of the Dead and Narcos.
Early Career and Rise in Mexican Entertainment
Ana de la Reguera began her acting journey in the late 1990s, studying at institutions like Televisa’s Center for Artistic Education and TV Azteca’s CEFAC. She made her television debut in the 1996 telenovela Azul and quickly gained recognition in Mexican soaps such as Gitanas, Todo por amor, and Desencuentro. Her film debut came in 2000 with Por la libre, which earned her nominations for Best New Actress. In 2003, she starred in the comedy Ladies’ Night alongside Ana Claudia Talancón, a box-office hit that won her multiple awards, including the Latin America MTV’s Favorite Actress Award and the CANACINE Best Actress prize.
Breakthrough in Hollywood and International Projects
De la Reguera’s Hollywood breakthrough occurred in 2006 with Nacho Libre, where she played Sister Encarnación opposite Jack Black. She followed this with roles in Cop Out (2010), Cowboys & Aliens (2011), and Everything, Everything (2017). Her television work expanded internationally, including recurring roles in Royal Pains, Eastbound & Down, and Twin Peaks: The Return. She portrayed Elisa Álvarez in Narcos (2015) and Marisol Silva in Goliath (2018-2021). In 2021, she starred in Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead as Maria Cruz and The Forever Purge as Adela, showcasing her range in action-horror genres.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
In recent years, de la Reguera has diversified into producing, executive producing series like Ana (2020), which she also starred in and wrote. She appeared in ¡Que viva México! (2023) and voiced Ambassador Turais in Elio (2025). Upcoming projects include Un Hombre por Semana (2026), where she serves as associate producer and actress, and Twelve Moons (2025), among others. Her work continues to highlight themes of identity, resilience, and cultural crossover.
Key Facts: Filmography and Awards
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | Ladies’ Night (2003), Nacho Libre (2006), Cowboys & Aliens (2011), Everything, Everything (2017), Army of the Dead (2021), Elio (2025) |
| Notable TV Series | Narcos (2015), Twin Peaks: The Return (2017), Goliath (2018-2021), Ana (2020) |
| Awards | CANACINE Best Actress (Backyard, 2009; Ladies’ Night, 2003), Imagen Award for Best Actress (Backyard, 2009), MTV Movie Awards Mexico Favorite Actress (Ladies’ Night, 2003), Diosa de Plata (multiple wins) |
| Height and Birth | 1.60 meters; Born April 8, 1977, in Veracruz, Mexico |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ana de la Reguera best known for?
She is best known for her roles in Mexican telenovelas, Hollywood films like Nacho Libre and Cowboys & Aliens, and series such as Narcos and Goliath. Her performance in Backyard earned her critical acclaim and awards.
Has Ana de la Reguera won any awards?
Yes, she has won several, including the CANACINE Best Actress for Backyard and Ladies’ Night, the Imagen Award for Best Actress, and MTV’s Favorite Actress for Ladies’ Night. She has also received nominations for roles in films like Cop Out and Nacho Libre.
What are her upcoming projects?
De la Reguera is set to appear in Un Hombre por Semana (2026) and has completed work on Twelve Moons (2025). She continues producing and acting in diverse projects.