Manuela Velasco

Manuela Velasco Díez, born on 23 October 1975 in Madrid, Spain, is a celebrated Spanish actress and television presenter whose career spans more than four decades. Growing up in a family linked to the entertainment world—her aunt being the renowned actress Concha Velasco—she entered the industry as a child, landing her first film role at age twelve in Pedro Almodóvar’s cult classic Law of Desire (1987). From those early steps she cultivated a reputation for versatility, moving fluidly between cinema, television and stage, and earning the respect of directors and audiences alike. Over the years she built an impressive résumé, but it was her breakthrough as Ángela Vidal, the intrepid TV reporter in the groundbreaking found‑footage horror franchise REC (2007‑2014), that cemented her status as a leading figure in contemporary Spanish cinema. Her performance in the first installment garnered a Goya Award for Best New Actress in 2008, highlighting her ability to convey fear, determination and humanity under extreme conditions. Beyond the horror genre, Velasco demonstrated her range by starring in the sci‑fi adaptation La chica de ayer (2009), portraying the period‑spanning Eugenia de Molina, duchess of Monfragüe, in the historical drama Águila Roja (2010), and delivering memorable comic timing in the popular sitcom Aída (2012). From 2014 to 2016 she inhabited the glamorous world of Velvet as Cristina Otegui, adding a touch of elegance to the series’ intricate love‑stories. Her stage work includes the theatrical adaptation of Todo es mentira (2016) and the critically praised play Bajo terapia (2017), where she shared the spotlight with notable Spanish actors. Throughout her career, Velasco has also contributed as a television host, notably presenting Cuatrosfera on Cuatro in 2005, proving her adaptability across media formats. Today she continues to act, present, and inspire a new generation of performers, embodying the dynamic spirit of Spain’s entertainment industry.