Angie Cepeda, born Angélica María Cepeda Jiménez in the vibrant city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, back in August 1974, has certainly made a name for herself in the world of acting. Interestingly, she wasn’t the first in her family to step into the spotlight—her older sister, Lorna Paz, had already paved the way, gaining recognition for her role in the beloved Colombian series “Yo Soy Betty la Fea” (RCN, 1999–2001), which later inspired the American hit “Ugly Betty” (ABC, 2006–2010). Inspired by her sister’s success, Angie Cepeda began her own journey in the entertainment industry during the early ‘90s.
Her first onscreen appearances were in popular Colombian telenovelas such as “Crónicas de una Generación Trágica” (“Chronicles of a Tragic Generation”) on Channel A in 1993, followed by a role in “Candela” on Channel 1 from 1994 to 1995. These early roles helped lay the foundation for what would become a diverse and compelling career. Angie Cepeda then gained wider attention with her performance in “Pantaleón y las Visitadoras” (“Captain Pantoja and the Special Services”) in 2000. This film, based on the acclaimed novel by Peruvian literary giant Mario Vargas Llosa, was even submitted by Peru as its official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards®, though it didn’t receive a nomination.
Making the leap to English-language cinema, Angie Cepeda starred in “Love for Rent” (2005), where she portrayed a Colombian college student navigating life’s challenges in the U.S., ultimately agreeing to become a surrogate mother—a role that showcased her emotional depth and range. In 2007, she took on another significant adaptation, this time bringing the character of Widow Nazareth to life in “Love in the Time of Cholera,” drawn from Gabriel García Márquez’s timeless novel. It was yet another example of how Angie Cepeda continues to choose roles rooted in rich Latin American storytelling.
She returned to English-language films with “A Night in Old Mexico” (2013), playing a complex character—a prostitute—opposite legendary actor Robert Duvall. Their onscreen chemistry led to another collaboration, this time in “Wild Horses” (2015), which Duvall not only starred in but also directed. Throughout her career, Angie Cepeda has demonstrated remarkable versatility, moving seamlessly between languages, cultures, and genres. And as Angie Cepeda continues to take on new challenges, her impact on both Latin and international cinema remains undeniable.
Angie Cepeda has been part of several memorable projects throughout her career, but one that truly stands out is Encanto (2021), which happens to be her highest-rated movie. On the other hand, she also appeared in Wild Horses (2015), a film that, while perhaps not as well-received, still showcases her range as an actress. Angie Cepeda’s performances, whether in her most celebrated or less acclaimed roles, continue to reflect her dedication to her craft.