Marian Rivera (born Marian Gracia Rivera on August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain) is a Filipina - Spanish actress and Commercial model. Her first TV role came in 2005 via TAPE Inc.'s afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako in the lead. However, her breakout role did not come until 2007 when she was cast for the title role in the Philippine remake of MariMar.
Biography
Marian Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain to Francisco Javier Gracia Alonso, who is Spanish, and Amalia Rivera, a Filipina from Cavite. When her parents separated 2 years after her birth, Rivera and her mom left Spain and flew back to her mother's hometown in the Philippines. However, her mother had to leave to continue her work commitment abroad that she was sent to her maternal grandmother, Francisca Rivera in Bacoor, Cavite.[2]
Rivera attended Saint Francis of Assisi College System where she spent her Elementary and High School years and De La Salle University-Dasmariñas for college. She had a 3-month practicum, after which she graduated with a degree in B.S. Psychology.
Career
Rivera first starred in an afternoon soap operas for TAPE Inc. and GMA Network including Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat and Pinakamamahal along with Oyo Boy Sotto.[3] Later GMA Network cast her into mother roles for the afternoon Philippine-Malaysian drama Muli with Alfred Vargas and Super Twins.[4]
In 2006, Rivera signed a contract for Regal Films that she was casted in the horror movie, Pamahiin along with Dennis Trillo and Iya Villania.[5]
In 2007, starred the title role of MariMar. It premiered on August 13, 2007 with a 36.6% rating.[6] Later, Rivera Awarded in GMMSF Inc. honoring her as Phenomenal TV Star in the 38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards.[7]
Rivera also starred in two MMFF movie entries such as Bahay Kubo and Desperadas.[8] In 2008, Rivera's starred her first leading lady movie with Richard Gutierrez in the hit blockbuster romantic-comedy My Best Friend's Girlfriend.
In 2008, Rivera plays the role of Dyesebel.[9] Dingdong Dantes, who was her leading man in MariMar, pairs up with Rivera as Fredo. Rivera plays as a beautiful young mermaid under the ocean. It aired on April 28, 2008.
Marian was also featured in Ogie Alcasid's video "Kung Sakali".
Marian was recently done a movie with Dingdong Dantes and her Desperadas co-star Iza Calzado, One True Love,[10] which did rate well in the box office. Then, she plays the role of "Nieves" in her title episode of Shake, Rattle & Roll X, an MMFF entry. Also, she works with singer and songwriter Ogie Alcasid along with Desperadas main stars, in the second movie of Desperadas"
For 2009, Rivera will star on Carlo J. Caparas' Ang Babaing Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang to be shown February.[11] Rivera will also star another GMA Films and Regal Entertainment co production movie with a new tandem of her and Dennis Trillo.
