Manolo Cardona is a renowned 49 year old Colombian actor and director widely celebrated for his starring role in the Netflix global hit Who Killed Sara and his portrayal of Eduardo Sandoval in Narcos Based in the United States and Latin America he has transitioned from a teen heartthrob in telenovelas to a powerhouse producer with his company 11 11 Films and TV Most recently Cardona has made headlines for his directorial debut and his involvement in high budget international thrillers that continue to captivate American audiences This profile explores his journey from Popayan to Hollywood his net worth in 2026 and his evolution as a leading man in the streaming era His recent projects include new cinematic ventures and major brand collaborations that solidify his status as a cross cultural icon and a leader in the global entertainment industry which makes him a trending topic for fans seeking information on his latest career moves and personal achievements in May 2026
Manolo Cardona remains one of the most influential figures in the Latin American entertainment industry continuing to dominate headlines in 2026 with his latest directorial ventures and starring roles in global streaming hits. Whether you know him as the vengeful Alex Guzman or the charismatic Eduardo Sandoval his impact on modern television is undeniable.
People Also Ask About Manolo Cardona
Who is Manolo Cardona? Manolo Cardona is a highly successful Colombian actor producer and director known for his work in both Spanish and English language media. He gained international fame through series like Narcos and Who Killed Sara.
Is Manolo Cardona in a new movie in 2026? Yes he is currently starring in the action thriller The Last Ransom and has directed a new feature film scheduled for late 2026 release.
How did Manolo Cardona become famous? He started as a model in Colombia before starring in hit telenovelas. His role in El Cartel de los Sapos brought him to the attention of international audiences and critics.
What is Manolo Cardonas height? Manolo Cardona stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall making him a commanding presence on screen.
Does Manolo Cardona have children? Yes he has two children Gael and Guadalupe with his wife Valeria Santos.
What production company does Manolo Cardona own? He co owns 11 11 Films and TV which has produced numerous successful projects for platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Is Who Killed Sara getting a new season? As of 2026 the series has concluded its main storyline but Cardona continues to collaborate with the same creative teams on new projects.
This deep dive into Manolo Cardonas current era reveals a man at the height of his creative powers. No longer just an actor for hire Cardona has become a creator in his own right shaping the stories that the world consumes. His ability to navigate the nuances of the US market while remaining deeply rooted in his Colombian heritage has made him a unique and indispensable figure in the 2026 media landscape.
Manolo Cardona has become one of the most recognizable faces in the global streaming landscape especially for audiences in the United States who have followed his transition from a Latin American heartthrob to an international powerhouse. This article is structured to provide a comprehensive look at his career trajectory his personal milestones and his current status as a filmmaker in 2026. By organizing the content into a chronological biography followed by a deep dive into his latest projects and answering the most frequent search queries we ensure that readers get a complete picture of why Cardona remains a central figure in modern entertainment.
Born Manuel Julian Cardona Molano on April 25 1977 in Popayan Colombia Manolo was raised in a family that valued culture and education. At the age of 14 he moved to Cali and was discovered by a modeling agency which led to his first steps in the spotlight. However his true passion was acting. He moved to Bogota to study and soon landed his first major role in the popular series Padres e Hijos. This early exposure paved the way for his breakout moment in the late 1990s when he became a staple of Colombian television. His transition to the big screen happened shortly after with films like Rosario Tijeras which showcased his ability to handle gritty and complex characters.
The mid 2000s marked a turning point as Cardona sought to expand his reach beyond Colombia. He starred in the massive hit El Cartel de los Sapos playing the role of Martin Gonzalez which earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a leading man in the narco drama genre. This success opened doors in the United States where he appeared in the USA Network series Covert Affairs and later in the blockbuster Pacific Rim Uprising. However his most significant global breakthrough came with the Netflix series Who Killed Sara which became a worldwide phenomenon and one of the most watched non English series on the platform. His portrayal of Alex Guzman made him a household name for millions of American subscribers.
In addition to his acting prowess Cardona has built a formidable reputation as a producer and director. Alongside his brothers he founded 11 11 Films and TV a production company that has been instrumental in creating high quality content for major networks and streaming services. In recent years specifically leading into 2026 he has focused on directing with his debut feature receiving praise at various international film festivals. His filmography includes top works such as Who Killed Sara, Narcos, El Cartel, Pacific Rim Uprising, and the 2023 thriller Death on the Border. These projects highlight his range from high octane action to deep psychological drama.
Personal life has always been important to Cardona who has been married to Valeria Santos since 2012. The couple has two children Gael and Guadalupe and they frequently share glimpses of their family life and philanthropic efforts on social media. Despite his fame Cardona has avoided major controversies maintaining a professional and respected image in the industry. As of May 2026 his net worth is estimated to be in the range of 10 to 15 million dollars reflecting his dual success as a talent and a business owner in the entertainment sector.
Today Cardona is focused on his latest project titled The Last Ransom a high stakes action film that he both stars in and executive produces. He is also a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and uses his platform to support various social causes in Latin America. His legacy is one of a bridge builder who helped mainstream Spanish language content for a global audience while proving that a Colombian actor can dominate any genre from telenovelas to Hollywood blockbusters.
Question: What is Manolo Cardona doing now in 2026? Answer: As of May 2026 Manolo Cardona is balancing his time between acting in new international thrillers and directing projects for his production company 11 11 Films. He is currently promoting his latest film and expanding his production reach into the US market.
Question: How old is Manolo Cardona? Answer: Manolo Cardona was born on April 25 1977 making him 49 years old as of 2026.
Question: Who is Manolo Cardonas wife? Answer: Manolo Cardona is married to Valeria Santos a journalist and the niece of former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. They have been married since 2012.
Question: What was Manolo Cardonas breakthrough role? Answer: While he was famous in Colombia for Padres e Hijos his international breakthrough is widely considered to be El Cartel de los Sapos followed by the global hit Who Killed Sara.
Question: Does Manolo Cardona speak English? Answer: Yes Manolo Cardona is fluent in both Spanish and English which has allowed him to take on roles in Hollywood productions like Pacific Rim Uprising and Covert Affairs.
Question: What is Manolo Cardona net worth in 2026? Answer: His estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately 10 to 15 million dollars stemming from his extensive acting career and his successful production company.
Question: Where does Manolo Cardona live? Answer: He splits his time between Mexico City Bogota and Los Angeles depending on his filming and production schedule.
Question: What is 11 11 Films and TV? Answer: It is a production company founded by Manolo Cardona and his brothers Juancho and Francisco which produces television series and movies for the international market.
Global star of Netflix Who Killed Sara, Breakthrough performance in El Cartel de los Sapos, Co founder of 11 11 Films and TV, Notable role in Narcos as Eduardo Sandoval, Successful transition to directing and producing, International appeal in both Spanish and English language media