Yalitza Aparicio is a Mexican actress who gained international recognition for her role in the Academy Award-winning film Roma (2018), directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Her breakout performance not only earned her global fame but also paved the way for greater visibility for Indigenous Mexican talent in Hollywood. Aparicio’s rise to stardom is a story of perseverance, and she has become an influential voice in both the entertainment industry and social justice causes. This article will explore Yalitza Aparicio’s ethnicity, career, family background, net worth, relationships, and more.
Yalitza Aparicio Early Life and Ethnicity
Yalitza Aparicio was born on December 11, 1993, in Tlaxiaco, a small town located in the Mixtec region of Oaxaca, Mexico. She comes from a mix of Indigenous backgrounds, as her family is of Mixtec origin, an Indigenous group native to southern Mexico. Her ancestry plays a significant role in her identity, and she has expressed pride in her heritage, especially given the underrepresentation of Indigenous people in mainstream Mexican media and Hollywood.
Aparicio’s upbringing was deeply influenced by her roots, and she has openly spoken about the challenges faced by Indigenous people in her community. Growing up in a relatively small, rural town, she was exposed to traditional customs and language. Her family was not involved in the entertainment industry, and she initially had no ambitions to become an actress. Instead, she was interested in becoming a teacher, which aligns with her educational background.
Yalitza is fluent in both Spanish and the Mixtec language, which is a testament to her connection with her roots. Her emergence as an actress in mainstream cinema has also brought attention to the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and cultures in the global media landscape.
Yalitza Aparicio Biography and Career
Early Life and Education
Yalitza Aparicio was raised in a modest family. Her mother is a schoolteacher, and her father worked as a construction worker. Despite their humble beginnings, Aparicio’s parents encouraged her to pursue education, and she was able to attend school in Oaxaca City. She later moved to Mexico City to study education at the Universidad Tecnológica de la Mixteca.
Before her rise to fame in Hollywood, Aparicio had little to no experience in acting. She was not part of any theater or film school, and her acting debut was entirely by chance. In 2017, while studying for her degree in early childhood education, Aparicio was discovered by casting agents looking for a lead actress for Roma. She had been visiting her sister in Mexico City when the casting director, who had been searching for an Indigenous woman for the film, saw her and immediately felt that she was perfect for the role.
Breakthrough Role in Roma (2018)
Yalitza Aparicio’s breakthrough came with the release of Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma in 2018. The film, which tells the story of a domestic worker named Cleo in 1970s Mexico City, is a semi-autobiographical reflection of Cuarón’s childhood. Aparicio was cast as the protagonist, Cleo, despite having no previous professional acting experience. Her portrayal of Cleo was lauded for its authenticity, emotional depth, and natural performance, which was especially remarkable for a debut role.
The film was an instant critical success, winning numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Cinematography and Best Foreign Language Film. Roma was also nominated for several Oscars, including Best Director and Best Actress. Aparicio herself received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Cleo, earning nominations for Best Actress at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, among others.
Her role in Roma is not only significant for her career but also for the representation of Indigenous Mexicans in film. At the time of the film’s release, Aparicio became one of the few Indigenous actresses to be nominated for an Academy Award, helping break barriers for marginalized communities in the entertainment industry.
Post-Roma Career
After Roma, Yalitza Aparicio became an international figure. Following the film’s success, she used her platform to advocate for social justice issues, particularly the rights of Indigenous people, women, and marginalized groups. Aparicio has been vocal about the challenges that Indigenous women face in Mexico, as well as the need for better representation in the media.
While she did not immediately take on many acting roles after Roma, Aparicio became a well-known public figure, working with various international brands and speaking out on issues of race, gender, and inequality. In 2019, she was invited to speak at prestigious events such as the United Nations and the World Economic Forum.
Aparicio’s career post-Roma has been a blend of activism, education, and occasional acting. She was invited to star in Nuestra Madre (2019), a drama about a mother looking for her missing son, where she portrayed a completely different character from Cleo. Although the film was not as widely known as Roma, it further showcased her acting range.
Future Projects
Yalitza Aparicio’s future in acting continues to look bright, as she has received offers for various roles. However, her focus seems to be equally on her advocacy work. In 2020, she became a spokesperson for various charitable organizations supporting Indigenous rights and women’s empowerment. She is also interested in educational projects, reflecting her initial passion for teaching.
As of now, Aparicio has not starred in a major project that matches the cultural impact of Roma, but she has continued to receive attention from filmmakers and is expected to return to the big screen in the near future. She has expressed that her priority remains to use her platform to elevate Indigenous voices and ensure that their stories are told.
Yalitza Aparicio Net Worth
As of 2025, Yalitza Aparicio’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million to $3 million. While this may seem modest compared to some Hollywood stars, it is a significant amount for an actress who entered the industry with no prior experience and came from a humble background.
A substantial part of her income comes from her acting roles, particularly her breakthrough performance in Roma. Additionally, Aparicio has made money through brand endorsements, sponsorships, and public speaking engagements. She has also become an ambassador for various brands and social causes, which has contributed to her growing net worth.
It is important to note that Aparicio’s earnings are not just limited to acting. Her work in advocacy, education, and social justice initiatives has given her a diverse range of income sources. Moreover, she has expressed interest in using her wealth and influence to create opportunities for Indigenous people in the entertainment industry.
Yalitza Aparicio Personal Life: Age, Height and Weight, Husband, Boyfriend, and Children
Age, Height, and Weight
Yalitza Aparicio was born on December 11, 1993, which makes her 31 years old as of 2025. She stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm). While her weight has fluctuated over time, Aparicio has always maintained a healthy figure. She has been praised for her natural beauty and down-to-earth demeanor, which helped her stand out in the entertainment industry.
Husband and Boyfriend
As of now, Yalitza Aparicio is not married and has not publicly discussed being in a relationship. While she has a large following of admirers, she tends to keep her personal life private, focusing instead on her career and advocacy work. Given her relatively low-key public image, there is no indication that she is currently in a romantic relationship.
It is worth noting that, like many public figures, Aparicio’s personal life has become the subject of public speculation. However, she has not made any significant statements regarding her love life and seems to prefer keeping that aspect of her life private.
Children
Yalitza Aparicio has no children as of 2025. She has been very focused on her career and activism, and there have been no reports suggesting that she plans to start a family in the near future. However, she has made it clear that her work in advocating for women’s and Indigenous rights remains her top priority.
Yalitza Aparicio House and Car Collection
House
Yalitza Aparicio resides in Mexico, where she has maintained a relatively low-profile lifestyle compared to other celebrities. Given her rising fame and net worth, she has invested in properties that reflect her success, but she has not made details about her home widely public. Aparicio has expressed that she prefers to live a simple life, staying close to her roots in Oaxaca and only occasionally traveling for work.
She is known to value her privacy and has not flaunted any extravagant real estate acquisitions, which is in line with her humble background and her commitment to representing her Indigenous heritage authentically.
Car Collection
Yalitza Aparicio has not been particularly public about her car collection, and there is no detailed information available about her vehicles. Unlike some celebrities who showcase their luxury cars, Aparicio has maintained a modest and humble lifestyle, which is evident in her approach to her personal possessions.
It is likely that, like many other successful figures, she drives a practical car suited for her needs rather than indulging in luxury automobiles.
FAQs
Q: What is Yalitza Aparicio’s ethnicity?
A: Yalitza Aparicio is of Indigenous Mixtec descent from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Q: What is Yalitza Aparicio’s net worth?
A: Yalitza Aparicio’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million as of 2025.
Q: How old is Yalitza Aparicio?
A: Yalitza Aparicio was born on December 11, 1993, making her 31 years old as of 2025.
Q: Is Yalitza Aparicio married?
A: No, Yalitza Aparicio is not married and has not publicly discussed being in a relationship.
Q: Does Yalitza Aparicio have children?
A: No, Yalitza Aparicio does not have children.
Q: What is Yalitza Aparicio’s height and weight?
A: Yalitza Aparicio is approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall. Her weight has fluctuated but she maintains a healthy figure.
Q: Where does Yalitza Aparicio live?
A: Yalitza Aparicio lives in Mexico, where she has kept a relatively private and modest lifestyle.
Q: Does Yalitza Aparicio have a car collection?
A: There is no information available about Yalitza Aparicio’s car collection, as she is known for her humble lifestyle.
Conclusion
Yalitza Aparicio’s journey from a small town in Oaxaca to becoming an international film star is nothing short of inspiring. Her rise to fame through Roma has broken barriers for Indigenous representation in cinema and has sparked conversations about diversity, social justice, and the power of storytelling. While her career continues to evolve, Aparicio’s commitment to her roots and her advocacy work remain central to her identity. She is an important figure not only in the entertainment industry but also in the global movement for equality and representation.
