katie barberi

Katie Barberi embarked on her acting career at a young age, displaying an early talent for performance. By the age of eight, she had already participated in the Children’s Chorus of The Nevada Opera Company, appearing in productions of “Macbeth” and “La Boheme.” Her professional acting journey commenced promptly at age ten in Los Angeles, securing roles in television, film, and theater, with her debut project being Lillian Hellman’s “Watch on the Rhine.” Her early professional path included starring roles in three Disney films: “Spooner,” “Appearances,” and “Not Quite Human II,” collaborating with notable actors such as Robert Urich, Ernest Borgnine, and Alan Thicke. She also made guest appearances in network television with Jason Bateman in “It’s Your Move” and with Michael Landon in his final made-for-TV movie, “Us.” At fifteen, she acted opposite Anthony Newley and Mackenzie Astin in the film “The Garbage Pail Kids Movie.” These early experiences provided a foundational understanding of the industry and honed her craft, preparing her for a diverse and extensive career.

In 1994, Katie Barberi relocated to Mexico City, a pivotal move that significantly expanded her career in Spanish-language productions. There, she gained prominence as a sought-after telenovela star, featuring in popular series such as “Alguna Vez Tendremos Alas” alongside Kate del Castillo, “El Privilegio de Amar,” “Por Tu Amor,” and “Salomé” for Televisa. Her success extended to Telemundo, where she starred in major hits like “Doña Bárbara” and “Eva La Trailera,” working with Edith Gonzalez and Vanessa Bauche. She also appeared in “Bella Calamidades” and “Mi Corazon Insiste” with Jen Carlos Canela and Ana Layevska. A significant turning point was her three-season, 200-episode portrayal of Úrsula in the Nickelodeon Latin America series “Grachi,” a role she reprised for four seasons in the Nickelodeon prime-time series “Every Witch Way.”

Barberi has consistently balanced her work in Latin American productions with roles in United States television and stage. Her recent U.S. television credits include starring and guest roles in “Burn Notice” with Sharon Gless, the pilot for USA Network’s “The Arrangement,” and “The Blexicans” alongside Rick Najera and Marla Gibbs. She also played Brenda McKinney in Season 8 of “Chicago Fire.” Her stage career is equally notable, with appearances in productions like the rock opera “Dracula,” “Equus,” and “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” She received critical acclaim for her role in “Sweet Fifteen” at the San Diego Repertory Theatre in 2006. More recently, she returned to the stage for “Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars” at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago (2018) and the world premiere of “The Abuelas” at Victory Gardens (2019). In 2022, she realized a long-standing aspiration by starring as Camila in Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.” That same year, she filmed the post-apocalyptical short film “Power Day” and an untitled series for Paramount Plus, showcasing her ongoing commitment to diverse projects. Barberi also played an active role as a member of the SagAftra negotiating committee for the first Spanish-speaking television contract in U.S. history.