Patrick Criado

Patrick Criado de la Puerta is a Spanish actor who has become one of the most recognizable faces of contemporary Spanish television and cinema. Born on 23 September 1995 in Madrid, he grew up in the lively neighbourhood of La Elipa, where his early fascination with storytelling led him to audition for television roles while still a child. His first on‑screen appearance came in 2005 with a guest spot on the historic drama Amar en tiempos revueltos, a performance that marked the beginning of a prolific career spanning more than a decade and a half. The following year he secured a role in the series Con dos tacones, and by 2007 he made his feature‑film debut as Simón in 13 Roses, showcasing a maturity beyond his years. The breakthrough arrived in 2009 when he was cast as the aristocratic and cunning Nuño de Santillana in the adventure series Águila Roja, a part that propelled him to national popularity at the tender age of fourteen. Throughout his teenage years he continued to balance school and work, appearing in the acclaimed series Mar de plástico and Unauthorized Living, and demonstrating a versatile range that would become his trademark.

In recent years Patrick Criado has solidified his status as an award‑winning performer. His portrayal of Efraín in La gran familia española (2013) earned him a Goya nomination for Best New Actor, while his gritty turn as Rafael, the son of Berlin, in Money Heist Part 5 (2020) introduced him to an international audience. The historical drama The Red Virgin (2024) saw him embody Abel Vilella, a role that garnered an Actors and Actresses Union Award for Best Film Actor in a Secondary Role. He has also been honoured with two Actors and Actresses Union Awards and a Feroz Award, underscoring his critical acclaim. In May 2025 it was reported that he would join Pedro Almodóvar’s forthcoming project Bitter Christmas, signalling a continued trajectory toward high‑profile collaborations. With a career marked by steady growth, diverse characters, and continual recognition, Patrick Criado remains a dynamic and influential figure in Spanish entertainment.