Teresa Ruiz

Teresa Ruiz López, born on December 21, 1988, in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico, is a Mexican-American actress whose career spans film, television, and theater. She rose to prominence with her portrayals of complex characters, earning international recognition and multiple Best Actress awards. Her commitment to her craft is demonstrated by her status as a Lifetime Member of the prestigious Actors Studio, an honor she achieved after being invited by Martin Landau in 2013, who then became her mentor. Ruiz’s early work built a foundation for her later successes, showcasing her versatility across various genres and platforms.

Ruiz is widely known for her role as Isabella Bautista, a Mexican drug cartel leader, in the first two seasons of the Netflix series “Narcos: Mexico” (2018-2020). Her performance in the series garnered critical acclaim, solidifying her reputation as a powerful actress. She also appeared in Sony’s “Father Stu” (2022) opposite Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson, where she played the role of Carmen. Additionally, she starred in the A24 x Netflix series “MO” (2022-2025), co-written and executive produced by Ramy Youssef, acting alongside series creator Mo Amer. Her filmography includes roles in “The Marksman” (2021) with Liam Neeson and the Mexican-Argentine drama “Noise” (2022), which won the Spanish Cooperation Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

Throughout her career, Ruiz has accumulated several Best Actress awards. These include the Prix d’Interprétation Féminine at the Amiens International Film Festival in France, the India Catalina in Colombia, the Silver Mayahuel at the Guadalajara International Film Festival, and Mexico’s Academy Award, the Ariel, all for her work in Gerardo Tort’s “Round Trip” (2009). Beyond acting, Ruiz was an Executive Partner of the production company Machete, which won the Caméra d’Or at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival in 2010 for the film “Año Bisiesto.” Her work continues to include diverse projects, such as the upcoming independent feature “Wrong Reasons” alongside Fred Armisen, David Koechner, and Kevin Smith, and roles in upcoming projects like “The Blue Mauritius” and “Coyote.”