Carmen Villalobos

Fresh off two major acting awards, the Colombian star returns to the role that made her famous while exploring new possibilities for her career.

OCTOBER 21, 2026 1:13 PM EDTOCT 21, 2026, 1:13 PM EDT

Carmen Villalobos has played many memorable characters throughout her career, but her performance in Netflix’s La huésped brought her a particularly special recognition. In April 2026, the Colombian actress took home two Premios India Catalina: Best Leading Actress and Favorite Actress.

She got the recognition after her portrayal of Sonia, a mysterious woman with dangerous intentions, in the psychological thriller that premiered in September 2025 alongside Laura Londoño. It was a darker role for an actress audiences have loved for more than two decades.

Carmen Villalobos during the red carpet for the Premios Platino 2026 at Parque Xcaret on May 9, 2026 in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Carmen became a household name in 2008 when she first played Catalina Santana in Sin Senos No Hay Paraíso. The role made her a favorite among audiences across Latin America and the United States, and she has returned to the character several times over the years.

This November 16, she’ll step back into Catalina’s world for a new season of Sin Senos Sí Hay Paraíso. Nearly two decades after first playing her, Carmen has spoken about the special connection she feels to a character who has grown and changed alongside her.

Carmen has also become a familiar face on Spanish-language television. Since 2022, she has hosted Telemundo’s Top Chef VIP. The show recently wrapped its fifth season, once again showcasing Carmen’s talent as a television host. In 2026, she also appeared as a presenter at the Platino Awards in Mexico and will return to the Billboard Latin Music Awards on October 22 alongside Javier Poza, two years after hosting the ceremony in 2024.

Away from the cameras, Carmen has been enjoying a different kind of change. In her September 2026 digital cover interview with ¡HOLA! Américas, the actress spoke candidly about learning to set boundaries, appreciate her independence and make more time for herself. “Today, I’ve made myself a priority in my life," she shared. At 43, she feels more comfortable with herself and the decisions she makes.

She’s also considering a new role behind the scenes. Carmen revealed to ¡HOLA! that she hopes to produce her first television series and has already been discussing the possibility with a writer. After so many years bringing characters to life, she’s curious about what it would be like to help develop a story from the beginning. For now, she’s enjoying everything her career has brought her, with no shortage of ideas about where it could go next.