María Victoria Eugenia Guadalupe Martínez del Río Moreno-Ruffo launched her professional career in 1980 with a role in the telenovela Conflictos de un Médico. Based in Mexico City, she established herself as a primary figure in Mexican television, building a filmography that spans four decades and includes dozens of starring roles across the genre.
Early Television Career
Ruffo's initial television appearances occurred under the direction of Ernesto Alonso. Following her work in Conflictos de un Médico and Al Rojo vivo, she transitioned to leading roles. In 1983, she starred in La fiera, produced by Valentín Pimsteín. She subsequently appeared in Juana Iris in 1985 and the title role in Victoria in 1987. Her prominence grew significantly with the 1989 production of Simplemente María, another project helmed by Pimsteín.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Leading Roles in the 1990s and 2000s
Throughout the 1990s, she continued to anchor major telenovelas, including Capricho in 1993, Pobre niña rica in 1995, and Vivo por Elena in 1998. The turn of the century brought further projects, notably Salvador Mejía's Abrazame muy fuerte. In 2005, she starred in La madrastra alongside César Évora. In 2007, she acted in the Telemundo production titled Victoria. Her 2008 credits include En nombre del amor, where she portrayed Macarena.
Diversification and Recent Work
In 2010, she was recognized as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in Latin America. Later that year, she starred in Triunfo del amor. Following this, she turned her focus toward theater, including a production of Dulce Pajaro de Juventud. She earned the 31st TVyNovelas Award for Best Lead Actress for her role in the 2012 production Corona de lágrimas. In 2019, she shifted toward the comedy genre with her performance in Cita a Ciegas.
Personal Life and Public Service
Ruffo is the sister of Gabriela Ruffo and Marcela Ruffo. She has a son, José Eduardo Derbez, from a previous relationship with Eugenio Derbez. In 2001, she married Omar Fayad, a Mexican politician who served as the Governor of Hidalgo. She became a mother to twins, Victoria and Anuar, in 2004. During her marriage to Fayad, she performed duties as the First Lady of Pachuca and supported his successful senatorial campaign.
Fast facts
- Born: 31 May 1962, Mexico City
- Occupation: Stage, television, and film actor; presenter
- Nationality: Mexico
- Spouse: Omar Fayad
- Children: José Eduardo Derbez, Victoria Fayad, Anuar Fayad
- Genre crossover: Comedy in 2019
Questions readers ask
What was Victoria Ruffo's first major lead role?
She starred as Natalia Ramirez in the 1983 telenovela La fiera.
Did Victoria Ruffo ever participate in politics?
Yes, she served as the First Lady of Pachuca while her husband, Omar Fayad, held the position of mayor and later governor.
