Most people remember their first commercial break or their first on set experience; but for Mariana Vilchez, Peruvian native, her first memory of being on stage and falling in love with acting was while playing a dragonfly. “I believe I was the dragonfly 1 or 2” she remembers with a sweet smile.

At the time Vilchez was growing up in Trujillo, acting and art in general did not have an immediate outlet in schools. “If you wanted to pursue it, you had to take extra curricular activities outside of

!1

school, or join an academy” Vilchez assures. But then she was acting in various plays in Lima, where she also attended University.

Mariana Vilchez has been no stranger to performing. She once was a “Marinera” National champion. Marinera is a typical dance style in Peru, but she didn’t start acting until she decided to go to New York and study at The NYFA.

New York City really consolidated her desire to become an actor and pursue it professionally. As an actor and upcoming force in Hollywood, she delves deep into each and every character that she encounters, making a connection with the audience.

And then came HOLLYWOOD...

The only way to come to Hollywood was to get an 01 Visa, and every person that she came in contact with told her she would not be able to get it. That constant disbelief only sparked a stronger desire her to prove everyone wrong. Needless to say she got it.

Her fist role in the US was in a film called Aggregate directed by Tom Archdeacon, where she plays an immigrant dealing with rape and violence.

Recurring themes like love, the loss of love, betrayal and family are constant motivators in Mariana’s career. She recently worked in the film “El Bus”, as well as a film on Amazon called “A Wind In The Night”.

One of Vilchez’s strongest suits is her constant resilience and talent. Vilchez, believes that as an actor, she will be able to help other women get empowered and find their own voice. She feels proud of, and grateful to other Latin women that have paved the way. Women such as Salma Hayek and Rita Moreno. Mariana hopes she will be one of the women who will inspire younger generations to come.

Vilchez is repped by Mark Schumacher at Schumacher Management.