Gael García Bernal has talent and looks

ARSÈNE YAO / Efe Agency
(Published Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 09:05AM)

Talent and looks are combined in the film history of México's Gael García Bernal whose performance in the movie 'Amores Perros,' directed by his fellow Mexican Alejandro González Iñárritu, launched him into fame.

García Bernal was born in an environment perfect for acting. His parents José Ángel García and Patricia Bernal were actors and they introduced him to the arts.

His first appearances in the small screen began in 1989 with his role as Peluche in 'Teresa,' a soap opera where Salma Hayek had the lead role, and then in 'El Abuelo y Yo' (Grandpa and I).

Jumping into the big screen

Brazilian filmmaker Héctor Babenco, director of the film 'El Pasado' (The Past), where García Bernal played the leading role, said he was "the most versatile actor of his generation."

García Bernal has worked in television, theater and film, which is, without a doubt, his great love.

'Amores Perros' not only launched him to international fame, but also made him the winner of an Ariel Award and a Silver Hugo Award in the Chicago Film Festival. The film received the critics' award at the Cannes Festival and it was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Film.

Suddenly, he not only had job offers, but also the need to purchase an agenda to keep phone numbers and keep track of his daily activities.

At the age of 29, García Bernal has starred in scores of films. Some of his outstanding roles were in 'Y Tu Mamá También' (And Your Mom Too), 'El Crimen Del Padre Amaro' (The Crime of Father Amaro), 'Diarios De Motocicleta' (The Motorcycle Diaries), 'La Mala Educación' (Bad Education), and 'Babel' -- all nominated for several awards.

His most recent project was in 2007 when he made his directorial debut with the film 'Deficit.'