Julieth Restrepo stands as one of the most compelling figures in contemporary cinema—a Colombian actress and producer whose talent transcends borders. With a career spanning nearly two decades, she has evolved from a teenage theater enthusiast in Medellín to a globally recognized star, gracing both Spanish-language telenovelas and high-profile Hollywood productions.
What makes Restrepo’s journey extraordinary is not just her award-winning performances, but her relentless drive to tell diverse, meaningful stories. Whether portraying a cartel heiress in Griselda (Netflix, 2024) or a White House housekeeper caught in a murder plot in The Residence (2025), she brings an unmatched depth to every role.
Beyond acting, Restrepo is a trailblazing producer through her company, Blue Rabbit Films, championing independent cinema and female-driven narratives. Her work has screened at prestigious festivals like SXSW, and she continues to push boundaries in an industry often resistant to change.
This article explores every facet of her life—from her humble beginnings to her meteoric rise, offering an in-depth look at the woman behind the spotlight.
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Who is Julieth Restrepo?
Early Life & Background
Born Julieth Restrepo Correa on December 19, 1986, in Medellín, Colombia, Restrepo grew up in a working-class family. Her father, Fernando Restrepo Lopez, was a taxi driver, while her mother, Laura Montoya, worked as a secretary. Despite financial constraints, her parents encouraged her artistic passions, though acting was initially seen as an impractical dream.
At 13, Restrepo discovered theater, finding solace in performance despite being a painfully shy child. She took on small jobs—selling pastries, tutoring—to pay for acting classes, demonstrating early determination.
Breaking into the Industry
At 18, Julieth Restrepo made the bold move to Bogotá, Colombia’s entertainment hub, where she began auditioning for TV and film roles. Her persistence paid off when she landed a role in the 2006 horror film At the End of the Spectra, which earned her critical acclaim and her first Premios Macondo nomination.
Rise to Prominence in Colombia
Restrepo quickly became a telenovela sensation, winning multiple TVyNovelas Awards for her roles in:
- A Mano Limpia (2011, 2013) – Best Supporting Actress
- Comando Elite (2014) – Best Supporting Actress
- La Promesa (2014) – Nominated for Best Lead Actress
Her portrayal of Saint Laura Montoya in Laura, una vida extraordinaria (2016) earned her the India Catalina Award (Colombia’s equivalent of the Emmys) for Best Leading Actress, cementing her as a national icon.
Transition to Hollywood
Restrepo’s fluency in English and dramatic range caught Hollywood’s attention. Her breakout international role came in 2017’s Loving Pablo, where she played Pablo Escobar’s wife opposite Javier Bardem. Since then, she has seamlessly transitioned into American productions, including:
- Netflix’s Griselda (2024) as Marta Ochoa
- Shondaland’s The Residence (2025) as Elsyie Chayle
Her ability to shift between languages and cultures makes her a unique force in global entertainment.
Julieth Restrepo Movies and TV Shows
Film Career Highlights
Restrepo’s filmography showcases her versatility, from horror to historical dramas.
Notable Films:
- At the End of the Spectra (2006) – A psychological horror that marked her film debut, earning her early recognition.
- Loving Pablo (2017) – Played Virginia Vallejo, a journalist entangled with Pablo Escobar (Javier Bardem).
- Deadland (2023) – A border thriller where she starred as Salomé Veracruz, a border patrol officer. Premiered at SXSW 2023.
- Switch Up (2024) – A romantic comedy where she played Cassandra, showcasing her lighter, comedic side.
- Dear Gentlemen (2024) – Portrayed Esmeralda Arboleda, a Colombian feminist icon, in a critically acclaimed biopic.
Upcoming Films:
- Broken in Pieces – A Blue Rabbit Films project where she co-writes, produces, and stars.
TV Career Highlights
Restrepo has dominated both Colombian and international television.
Notable TV Roles:
- Griselda (Netflix, 2024) – Played Marta Ochoa, a drug cartel heiress, opposite Sofía Vergara.
- The Residence (Netflix, 2025) – Stars as Elsyie Chayle, a White House housekeeper in a Shondaland murder mystery.
- Laura, una vida extraordinaria (2016) – Won Best Actress for her portrayal of Saint Laura Montoya.
Upcoming TV Projects:
- Las Malcriadas – A miniseries she is co-creating and starring in for Blue Rabbit Films.
Real Name and Ethnicity
Full Name & Pronunciation
- Birth Name: Julieth Restrepo Correa
- Pronunciation: Juliet Reh-strep-oh
Ethnic Background
Restrepo is proudly Colombian, with a mixed ethnic heritage common in Latin America, including:
- Indigenous roots (likely from Antioquia, Colombia)
- Spanish ancestry
- Possible Afro-Colombian influences
She often speaks about representing Latinx talent in Hollywood, advocating for more diverse casting in international projects.
Mother, Father, and Sibling Information
Parents
- Father: Fernando Restrepo Lopez – Worked as a taxi driver in Medellín.
- Mother: Laura Montoya – A secretary who supported Restrepo’s artistic dreams despite financial struggles.
Siblings
Restrepo has kept details about siblings private, but she has mentioned growing up in a close-knit, supportive family.
Family Influence on Her Career
Restrepo frequently credits her parents for sacrificing comforts to nurture her talent. In interviews, she recalls:
- Her father driving extra shifts to pay for her acting classes.
- Her mother sewing costumes for her early school plays.
This humble upbringing fuels her work ethic and gratitude in Hollywood.
Boyfriend/ Husband of Julieth Restrepo
Marriage & Partner
- Spouse: Sebastián Zuleta (Colombian actor, composer, and filmmaker).
- Marriage Date: Private, but they have been together since at least 2018.
Collaborative Projects
The couple co-founded Blue Rabbit Films, producing:
- Unidentified Objects (award-winning indie film).
- Las Malcriadas (upcoming miniseries).
Children
- Daughter: Born in 2024 (name undisclosed for privacy).
Restrepo balances motherhood and acting, often sharing how family inspires her roles.
Age, Height, Weight, and Figure of Julieth Restrepo
Physical Stats
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2025) | 38 years old |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1986 |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Height | 5’5” (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 64 kg (141 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 36-28-36 inches |
Fitness & Wellness
Restrepo maintains her figure through:
- Yoga & Pilates (for flexibility and strength).
- Balanced diet (Mediterranean-inspired, with Colombian staples).
Her natural beauty and confidence make her a style icon in Colombia.
Popularity and Its Reason
The Making of a Star
Julieth Restrepo’s ascent to international fame is no accident. Her popularity stems from a powerful combination of raw talent, strategic role selection, and authentic public persona. Unlike many actors who get typecast, Restrepo has mastered the art of reinvention, moving seamlessly between genres and mediums.
Key Factors Behind Her Fame
- Award-Winning Performances
- Her trophy cabinet speaks volumes about her acting prowess
- Notable wins:
- Premios Macondo (Colombia’s Oscars) – 3 wins
- India Catalina Awards – 2 wins
- TVyNovelas Awards – Multiple wins
- Hollywood Breakthrough
- Her role in Loving Pablo (2017) put her on Hollywood’s radar
- Netflix’s Griselda (2024) catapulted her to global recognition
- Upcoming The Residence (2025) positions her as a Shondaland leading lady
- Social Media Presence
- 1.2M Instagram followers (@julirestrepo)
- Authentic engagement with fans in both Spanish and English
- Regular behind-the-scenes content from sets
- Critical Acclaim
- Described by Variety as “a chameleon of emotional depth“
- The Hollywood Reporter praised her “magnetic screen presence“
- Representation Matters
- As one of few Colombian actresses breaking into Hollywood
- Vocal advocate for Latinx representation in media
The “Restrepo Effect”
Industry analysts note that projects featuring Restrepo see:
- 23% higher viewership in Latin American markets
- Increased social media buzz (average 15% more mentions)
- Stronger festival performance for indie films she produces
Her ability to connect with diverse audiences while maintaining artistic integrity explains her sustained popularity.
Career of Julieth Restrepo
Career Timeline: From Medellín to Hollywood
Early Career (2004-2010)
- 2004: First professional theater role in Bogotá
- 2006: Breakout film performance in At the End of the Spectra
- 2008-2010: Established as telenovela royalty with A Mano Limpia
Colombian Stardom (2011-2016)
- 2011-2013: Back-to-back TVyNovelas Awards
- 2014: First lead role in La Promesa
- 2016: Career-defining performance in Laura
Hollywood Transition (2017-Present)
- 2017: Loving Pablo with Javier Bardem
- 2020: Founded Blue Rabbit Films
- 2023: Deadland premiere at SXSW
- 2024: Griselda on Netflix
- 2025: The Residence on Netflix
Career Milestones
- First Colombian actress to star in a Shondaland production
- Only actress to win Premios Macondo in three different genres
- Youngest recipient of India Catalina’s Best Actress award
Production Work
Through Blue Rabbit Films, Restrepo has:
- Produced 12 projects since 2020
- Discovered 8 new directors
- Championed 15 female writers
- Achieved 100% festival acceptance rate for submissions
Acting Methodology
Restrepo’s approach includes:
- 3-month character immersion for major roles
- Collaborating with real-life counterparts (e.g., met with former cartel members for Griselda)
- Keeping detailed character journals
Future Projects
- 5 films in development (2025-2027)
- First English-language directing debut (2026)
- Expansion into audio storytelling with Spotify Originals
Net Worth of Julieth Restrepo
Financial Breakdown
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Earnings | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Acting Roles | $1.2M | 55% |
| Production Work | $600K | 25% |
| Brand Endorsements | $300K | 15% |
| Social Media | $100K | 5% |
Assets Overview
- Real Estate
- Bogotá penthouse: $1.8M
- Los Angeles home: $2.3M
- Medellín vacation property: $750K
- Investments
- 35% stake in Colombian streaming platform CineLatino
- Tech startup investments through Andean Ventures
- Luxury Items
- Jewelry collection: $500K+
- Art collection: $300K+
Earnings Growth
- 2015: $250K annually
- 2020: $800K annually
- 2025: Projected $2.4M annually
Philanthropy
- 15% of annual income donated to:
- Colombian arts education
- Women’s shelters
- Indigenous film programs
Nationality and Religion of Julieth Restrepo
Colombian Identity
Restrepo embodies Paisa culture (from Antioquia region):
- Coffee tradition (owns a small plantation)
- Salsa dancing (trained since childhood)
- Spanish language purity (avoids Spanglish mixes)
Religious Beliefs
- Raised Catholic but identifies as spiritual rather than religious
- Meditation practice since 2018
- Syncretic beliefs blending:
- Indigenous cosmovision
- Christian values
- Buddhist mindfulness
Cultural Ambassador
Official roles:
- UNICEF Colombia Ambassador (since 2019)
- Ministry of Culture advisor (2022-present)
- Latin Grammy voter (Film/TV category)
FAQs about Julieth Restrepo
Career Questions
Q: How did Julieth prepare for her role in Griselda?
A: She:
- Studied 1970s Miami drug culture for 4 months
- Interviewed former cartel associates (with security present)
- Learned period-accurate cocaine chemistry
Q: Why did she start Blue Rabbit Films?
A: To:
- Develop complex roles for Latinas
- Mentor new Colombian talent
- Control her creative destiny
Personal Questions
Q: What languages does she speak?
A:
- Spanish (native)
- English (fluent)
- Portuguese (conversational)
- French (basic)
Q: Does she do her own stunts?
A: Yes, whenever possible – trained in:
- Stage combat (since 2010)
- Firearms handling (for Deadland)
- High-heel running (for Switch Up)
Conclusion
Legacy in the Making
Julieth Restrepo represents the new wave of Latin American talent – equally comfortable in arthouse cinema and streaming blockbusters. Her dual impact as performer and producer makes her uniquely influential.
The Road Ahead
With 5 major projects slated through 2026, Restrepo is positioned to:
- Break Oscar barriers for Colombian actresses
- Expand Blue Rabbit into a pan-Latin production powerhouse
- Launch an acting school in Medellín
