A Spark Born in Tabasco
Martha Higareda’s story begins in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, where she was born on August 24, 1983. Growing up in a household filled with creativity—her mother an actress, her father blending art with therapy, and her sister Miriam also destined for the stage—Martha’s path into the arts seemed almost inevitable. By the time she was 14, she had already decided to pursue acting professionally, moving to Mexico City to chase her dream.

Even as a teenager, she juggled academics with theater, enrolling at El Tecnológico de Monterrey while performing in plays on weekends. Alongside her schooling, she trained in jazz, flamenco, tap, and folklore dance, giving her an expressive physicality that would later enhance her screen presence. Her ambition and determination were already setting her apart.

Early Stardom: Mexico’s Sweetheart
Martha Higareda’s rise to fame started on television in the late 1990s when she appeared as a host on Disney Channel’s Zapping Zone. But her breakthrough came in 2002 with the film Amar te Duele. Playing Renata, she delivered a heartfelt performance that resonated deeply with audiences, quickly making her a household name in Mexico. The role earned her the Silver Goddess Award and cemented her status as “The Mexican Sweetheart.”

She followed up with roles in films like Siete Días (2005) and Sexo, Amor y Otras Perversiones (2006), both of which earned her critical acclaim. In Fuera del Cielo (2007), she received a nomination at the Mexican Academy Awards. Each project showcased her ability to portray vulnerability, passion, and strength, proving she was more than just a rising star—she was an actress capable of carrying films on her shoulders.

Video : LOCALE Magazine Cover, Features Martha Higareda

Crossing Borders: From Mexico to Hollywood
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Martha Higareda set her sights on Hollywood. Her U.S. debut came with Borderland (2007), a thriller that showed she could hold her own in English-language cinema. It wasn’t long before she started landing bigger opportunities.

In 2010, she wrote and produced her own indie film, Te Presento a Laura, which dominated the Mexican box office for ten weeks. That same year, she appeared in Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball, proving her versatility by playing a seductive yet lethal assassin. But her Hollywood breakout arrived with Netflix’s sci-fi hit Altered Carbon (2018), where she played detective Kristin Ortega—a fearless, layered role that allowed her to showcase both her toughness and her emotional depth.

Her bilingual fluency gave her an edge, allowing her to seamlessly transition between Mexican cinema and Hollywood projects. Roles in McFarland, USA (2015) alongside Kevin Costner and No Manches Frida (2016), a comedy smash hit, highlighted her range and ability to captivate audiences across cultures.

Breaking Barriers and Owning Her Story
Martha Higareda’s journey has not been without obstacles. Like many Latinas in Hollywood, she encountered typecasting and limited opportunities. Instead of waiting for doors to open, she built her own. Through writing and producing projects like Casese Quien Pueda (2014) and the Mexican adaptation of 3 Idiots (2017), she created stories that celebrated her heritage and gave her roles worth playing.

Her career embodies resilience—when faced with stereotypes, she chose reinvention. Martha often says her success comes from surrounding herself with the right people, a reflection of her collaborative and determined spirit. By creating her own opportunities, she not only shaped her career but also paved the way for future Latino actors in international cinema.

Video : MARTHA HIGAREDA, materializadora de sueños | La entrevista con Yordi Rosado

Life Beyond the Spotlight
Off-screen, Martha Higareda lives with the same passion she brings to her roles. She married actor Cory Brusseau in 2016, and as of 2025, she is engaged to entrepreneur Lewis Howes. She is also a devoted mother, balancing family with a thriving career.

Her love for animals is evident—she’s a proud dog mom and vocal supporter of animal rights. Outside of acting, she enjoys yoga, hiking, surfing, and snowboarding. Her personal life radiates energy, optimism, and balance, making her relatable to fans who admire not only her career but also her grounded nature.

Philanthropy is another pillar of her life. Martha advocates for women’s rights and education, often using her platform to amplify causes close to her heart. With millions of followers on Instagram, she shares not just glamorous snapshots but also motivational messages and personal reflections, connecting with her audience on a deeper level.

A Star Still Rising: Current and Future Projects
Martha Higareda continues to prove she’s far from done. In recent years, she’s starred in Queens on the Run (2023), bringing her comedic timing to a global audience. She’s producing fresh content through her company Neverending Media, focusing on innovative stories that challenge stereotypes.

Her upcoming projects, including The Dutchman and The Astronaut, promise to highlight her emotional depth and versatility. Rumors of new Netflix collaborations have fans buzzing, especially after her standout role in Altered Carbon. Beyond acting, she’s expanding her creative reach into scriptwriting and producing, ensuring her influence in entertainment will only grow.

Conclusion: A Trailblazer Who Inspires Across Borders
Martha Higareda is more than just a talented actress—she’s a force of nature. From her early breakout in Amar te Duele to her Hollywood success in Altered Carbon and No Manches Frida, she’s proven her versatility and determination time and again. Facing challenges with grit, she carved her own path by writing and producing, all while staying connected to her roots.

Her life off-screen—devoted mother, passionate animal lover, and philanthropist—adds layers to her legacy. Today, at 42, she continues to inspire audiences in Mexico, the U.S., and beyond. Martha Higareda’s journey is a reminder that true stardom comes not just from beauty or talent, but from resilience, authenticity, and the courage to keep pushing forward.