Angélica Rivera facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Angélica Rivera
First Lady of Mexico
In role 1 December 2012 – 30 November 2018
President	Enrique Peña Nieto
Preceded by	Margarita Zavala
Succeeded by	Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller
First Lady of State of Mexico
In role 27 November 2010 – 15 September 2011
Governor	Enrique Peña Nieto
Preceded by	Mónica Pretelini
Succeeded by	María Irene Dipp
Personal details
Born	Angélica Rivera Hurtado (1969-08-02) 2 August 1969 (age 56) Mexico City, Mexico
Political party	Institutional Revolutionary Party
Spouses	José Alberto Castro ​ ​ (m. 1994; div. 2008)​ Enrique Peña Nieto ​ ​ (m. 2010; div. 2019)​
Children	3, including Sofía Castro
Residences	Mexico City, Mexico
Occupation	Actress (1988–2007; 2025–present)

Angélica Rivera Hurtado, born on August 2, 1969, is a famous Mexican actress and model. She is also known for being the First Lady of Mexico from 2012 to 2018. This was during the time her husband, Enrique Peña Nieto, was the President of Mexico.

During her time as First Lady, she also led the Advisory Council of the National System for the Integral Development of the Family (DIF). This organization helps families and children in Mexico. Angélica Rivera is well-known for her roles in many popular TV shows called telenovelas. One of her most famous roles was in the show Destilando Amor, which earned her the nickname "La Gaviota" (The Seagull).

Early Life and First Steps

Angélica Rivera was born in Mexico City, in a neighborhood called Azcapotzalco. Her father, Manuel Rivera Ruiz, was a doctor. She grew up with five sisters and one brother.

When she was a young woman, she met the famous actress Verónica Castro. Castro suggested that Angélica enter a beauty contest called "The Face of the Herald". Angélica won this contest in 1987, which helped start her career.

Her Acting Journey

Starting in Show Business

Angélica Rivera's career began when she was 17, right after winning "The Face of the Herald" contest. She first worked as a model. She appeared in a music video for the singer Luis Miguel. She also filmed commercials for TV and radio, including some for the United States and Japan.

Becoming a Telenovela Star

In 1989, Angélica got her first acting role in a TV show called Dulce Desafío. After that, she appeared in many other shows like Simplemente Maria and Mi Pequeña Soledad.

In 1991, she played a character named Silvana in Alcanzar una estrella II. Later, in 1995, she starred as Regina Villarreal in La Dueña. In 2003, she played a villain named Marcia in Mariana de la Noche.

Her biggest role came in 2007 when she starred in Destilando amor. She played a young woman named Gaviota who moves to the city for a better life. This role was very popular and led to her nickname "La Gaviota".

Role as First Lady

Rivera and Peng Liyuan, the First Lady of China, visit Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, a children's hospital in Mexico City.

Angélica Rivera became the First Lady of Mexico when her husband, Enrique Peña Nieto, was elected President. He served from December 2012 to December 2018.

As First Lady, she also became the President of the Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF). This is a public organization that works to improve the well-being of families in Mexico. In 2018, she helped open a special center called EnSeas. This center helps people with hearing problems and was designed to assist many thousands of people each year.

Public Discussion About a House

In 2014, there was a lot of public discussion about a house owned by Angélica Rivera. News reports suggested that the house was connected to a company that had received government contracts. This raised questions about fairness and proper conduct.

Angélica Rivera explained that she was buying the house with money she earned from her acting career. She also said she was planning to sell the house to avoid any misunderstandings. After this, she appeared less often in public.

Her Family Life

President at the National Palace balcony during the Grito Mexico, D.F. 15 de septiembre de 2013

Angélica Rivera first married producer José Alberto Castro in 1994. They had three daughters together, including Angélica Sofía. They divorced in 2008.

In 2010, Angélica married Enrique Peña Nieto, who was then the Governor of the State of Mexico. After this marriage, she announced that she would stop acting to focus on her family and her new role. She also became a stepmother to his three children.

When Enrique Peña Nieto ran for president in 2012, Angélica Rivera joined him at many events. She also shared videos about the campaign from her point of view. In February 2019, she announced that she and Enrique Peña Nieto were divorcing.

Film and TV Shows

Pope Francis and President Enrique Peña Nieto, accompanied by First Lady Angélica Rivera, held a meeting in the premises of the Presidential hangar following the Pope's arrival in Mexico.

Movies

Television Shows

Awards and Recognitions

Angélica Rivera has received special honors from different countries:

•  Denmark:
  • She was given the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog.
•  Portugal:
  • She received the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry.
•  Spain:
  • She was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III.
  • She also received the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic.

See also

In Spanish: Angélica Rivera para niños

• List of first ladies of Mexico
• List of heads of state of Mexico
• History of Mexico
• Politics of Mexico