The career of Fernando Colunga began in 1988 behind the scenes, where he worked as a stunt performer for Eduardo Yañez in the soap opera Dulce desafío. Since that start, he has built a career as a Mexican actor and television personality, maintaining dual citizenship in Mexico and the United States while studying at the Centro de Educación Artística de Televisa.
Early Roles and Education
After his initial stunt work, Colunga formally enrolled in the Centro de Educación Artística de Televisa in 1990 to train as an actor. His early television presence included appearances on the Mexican version of Sesame Street, as well as roles in shows such as The Web, Marked Time, and All of It. Throughout the early 1990s, he secured parts in telenovelas like Cenizas y diamantes, Madres egoístas, and Maria Mercedes. In 1994, he appeared in the film Bésame en la boca alongside Paulina Rubio.
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In 1995, Colunga portrayed Lieutenant Raul Gutierrez in the period piece Alondra, produced by Carla Estrada. His breakthrough occurred in 1995 and 1996 when he played Luis Fernando de la Vega in Maria la del Barrio, starring opposite Thalía. This role shifted his career toward international recognition. Subsequent successes included the 1997 telenovela Esmeralda and the 1998 production La Usurpadora, where he played Carlos Daniel Bracho.
Dramatic and Comedic Transitions
Colunga expanded his repertoire by balancing television work with stage theater, including productions like Original Sin Not and Death Trap, the latter of which he helped adapt. In 2003, he starred in the historical drama Amor real, playing Manuel Fuentes-Guerra, a role that earned him a Premios TVyNovelas for Best Actor. He later transitioned into romantic comedy with the 2012 series Porque el amor manda, which served as an adaptation of the 2011 show Secretary.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 March 1966, Mexico City
- Citizenship: Mexico, United States
- Education: Centro de Educación Artística de Televisa
- Occupations: Actor, model, civil engineer
- Notable Works: Maria la del Barrio, Amor real, Porque el amor manda
- Languages: Spanish, English
Questions readers ask
What is Fernando Colunga's professional background outside of acting?
He is trained as a civil engineer in addition to his work as an actor and model.
Did he receive any recognition for his acting?
Yes, he is a recipient of the Premios TVyNovelas, including the award for Best Actor for his role in Amor real.
