Mariela Garriga: Rising Cuban Actress Conquering Hollywood and Global Cinema

An inspiring journey from Havana to the Mission: Impossible franchise

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Mariela Garriga is a talented Cuban actress whose journey from the streets of Havana to the glamorous world of international cinema is nothing short of remarkable. Known for her beauty, versatility, and natural talent, Mariela has built a career that reflects passion, determination, and hard work. She has become a global star with a growing reputation in both European and Hollywood film industries.

Her role in the Mission: Impossible franchise brought her into the international spotlight, making her a household name among movie lovers. Beyond acting, Mariela is also a producer and writer, using her creativity to tell powerful stories that transcend cultural boundaries. This article dives deep into her life, career, and achievements, offering insights into what makes her one of the most exciting Cuban actresses of this generation.

Quick Bio

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Mariela Garriga
Date of Birth	1989
Birthplace	Havana, Cuba
Age (2025)	36 years
Nationality	Cuban, Italian, American
Ethnicity	Italian, English, Spanish, French
Height	5′7″ (170 cm)
Spouse	Stefano Mongardi
Education	Michael Rodgers Acting Studio, Terry Schreiber Studio, The Actors Studio
Career Start	2009 – Milan, Italy
Breakthrough Role	Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Net Worth (2025)	$1.5 million
Notable Works	Bloodline, Nightmare Cinema, Mission: Impossible films, Close to Me, When Nobody Sees Us

Early Life and Background

Mariela Garriga was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1989. Growing up, she initially dreamed of becoming an archaeologist. However, her artistic talents and love for performing arts gradually shaped her path toward entertainment. At just 13 years old, Mariela began appearing in TV commercials and music videos, which provided her with early exposure to the world of media and performance.

Her natural grace and hard work earned her a place in the Cuban Television Ballet after a demanding six-month selection process. This experience gave her the discipline and skills that would later define her as a performer. From a young age, Mariela demonstrated incredible focus and ambition, qualities that have guided her throughout her career.

Personal Life

Mariela is married to Stefano Mongardi, an Italian web entrepreneur. She keeps her personal life private, choosing to focus on her work and artistic contributions. Despite her growing fame, Mariela remains humble and deeply connected to her Cuban roots.

Start of Career

Mariela’s professional journey began as a dancer and model in Cuba. In 2009, a modeling agent discovered her talent, which led her to move to Milan, Italy. While modeling gave her a platform to express her artistry, Mariela’s true passion was acting.

Determined to perfect her craft, she enrolled in the Michael Rodgers Acting Studio in Milan. Later, she moved to New York City to study at the Terry Schreiber Studio and The Actors Studio, two of the most prestigious acting schools in the world. This international training equipped her with the skills needed to compete on a global stage.

Italian Film and Television Career

In Italy, Mariela quickly established herself as a rising star. She appeared in several popular Italian films and television series, gaining attention for her versatility and screen presence.

Notable Italian Films:

Gli uomini d’oro – Role: Gina
Chi m’ha visto – Role: Sally

Famous TV Series:

I delitti del Barlume
Inspector Coliandro
Horror Vacui
L’Alligatore

These projects helped her build a strong foundation and showcased her ability to bring diverse characters to life.

Hollywood Breakthrough

Mariela’s big break came when she transitioned to Hollywood. She quickly landed significant roles in films and TV shows that introduced her to American and international audiences.

Hollywood Films:

Bloodline (2018) – A gripping thriller produced by Blumhouse.
Nightmare Cinema (2018) – A horror anthology that highlighted her acting range.

American Television:

Recurring roles in NCIS: Los Angeles, Law & Order: SVU, and NCIS.
Paramount+ biopic series Bosé.

These performances solidified her reputation as a Cuban actress with a global appeal, capable of taking on both dramatic and action-packed roles.

Global Recognition with Mission: Impossible

Mariela’s career reached new heights when she joined the Mission: Impossible franchise alongside Hollywood icon Tom Cruise. She played Marie, a mysterious and captivating character, in:

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)

Her performance received widespread praise, propelling her into the international spotlight and proving her ability to thrive in high-stakes, blockbuster productions.

Recent Projects (2024–2025)

Mariela continues to expand her portfolio with a mix of international projects:

Close to Me (Muori di lei): An Italian thriller released March 18, 2025.
When Nobody Sees Us (Cuando nadie nos ve): A Spanish-language Warner Bros./Max series that premiered on March 6, 2025.
The Osha Rule (La Regla de Osha): A supernatural horror film set to release on October 3, 2025.

These projects demonstrate her versatility and commitment to challenging, dynamic roles.

Producer and Writer

Mariela is not only an actress but also a storyteller behind the scenes.

She created and produced E.L.I Project, a short documentary raising awareness about environmental crimes and endangered species.
She founded MG Studio Productions Inc., her own production company, focused on developing powerful, culturally relevant narratives.

Net Worth and Income

By 2025, Mariela Garriga’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. Her primary sources of income include acting in films and television, modeling, producing, and writing projects. Her growing career continues to increase her financial and professional success.

Conclusion

Mariela Garriga’s journey from a young Cuban dancer to an internationally recognized actress is a story of perseverance, talent, and global vision. Her role in the Mission: Impossible franchise cemented her place in Hollywood, while her independent projects highlight her commitment to meaningful storytelling.

As a Cuban actress, Mariela represents the perfect balance of artistry and determination. With each new project, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide and pave the way for future generations of performers.