Actress, mother, and entrepreneur. That's how Elizabeth Gutierrez describes herself to her followers on social media, who've known her through the years thanks to her lengthy career in the public eye, which began in 2003 with the reality show "Protagonistas de Novela."
Elizabeth's story can't ignore her Mexican roots. While born in Los Angeles, California, her father is from Jalisco, and her mother is from Durango. Elizabeth grew up as the youngest of her family, having seven older siblings. When she was five years old, her family moved back to Mexico, returning to the US five years later. Her future could have been a different one, but in 2002, it pointed her towards the entertainment world when she got cast in the second season of the beloved reality TV show, "Protagonistas de Novela." She didn't win, but Elizabeth became one of the season's most memorable characters.
In 2005, she made her debut in telenovelas, acquiring roles in "Isabella" and "Olvidarte Jamas." She also starred in "Acorralada," alongside David Zepeda and William Levy. Her first starring role came in 2008, in the telenovela "Amor Compartido," where she acted alongside Jose Angel Llamas and Zully Montero. She continued to star in various productions and in 2011 was cast in "Mira Quien Baila," ending up as the fourth finalist.
"I was the baby of the family because I was the youngest. I love coming from such a big and united family. My daughter is the youngest of 20 nieces and nephews, and they've all developed a super close bond."
In 2012, Elizabeth took a break from acting to focus on what mattered most to her: becoming a mother. Following a long-term relationship with William Levy, whom she met in 2002 on the set of "Protagonistas de Novela," the couple welcomed their first child, Christopher, in 2006. In 2010, they welcomed their daughter Kailey.
Elizabeth's relationship with Levy has had its ups and downs. In an interview with HOLA! Americas, she revealed that she was ready to move on and focus on her kids, who are now 15 and 19. "While I'm working, I'm always present. Maybe not physically, like before, but I'm connected to them. They know they can count on their parents for anything. My kids are always my priority," she said.
"My kids are always my priority, but I want them to see this other side of me, the professional side of me that they don't know."
After a few years away from sets and the spotlight, Elizabeth Gutierrez is ready for her comeback. In recent months, she's announced a string of exciting projects, including "Velvet: El Nuevo Imperio," a telenovela based on the beloved Spanish series "Velvet." Produced by Telemundo, it stars Yon Gonzalez and Samantha Siqueiros, featuring a string of notorious guest stars like Prince Royce and more.
Over the past year, Elizabeth has also served as a guest host for programs like "Despierta America" and "Desiguales."