Gonzalo Valenzuela: A Restless Creator On and Off the Stage
Gonzalo Valenzuela is far more than a television actor. He is a restless creator, driven by a deep devotion to theater and a life shaped by intense decisions. From his early beginnings in Chile to his professional expansion in Argentina, his career reflects a constant search for meaning, truth, and artistic risk—deeply influenced by personal experiences that transformed him both onstage and off.
The Beginning of an Uncompromising Path
Born in Santiago, Chile, on January 26, 1978, Gonzalo Valenzuela made it clear from the start that he wasn’t willing to follow a pre-established path. He studied acting at the prestigious Gustavo Meza Theater School, where he discovered that his connection with the arts would not be limited to acting alone. He aimed to be a complete creator, a living force on stage. Rather than chasing immediate fame, Valenzuela embraced the discipline of acting, emotional vulnerability, and the challenge of artistic exploration as the foundation of his journey.
Television as a Platform
Though theater has always been his anchor, Valenzuela first became widely known to the Chilean public through television. He made his screen debut in 2001 in the TVN soap opera Piel Canela, where his natural presence and charisma quickly set him apart. Not long after, he joined the regular cast of Canal 13, leading to breakout roles in major hits such as Machos (2003), where his portrayal of Adán Mercader positioned him as one of the most promising young actors in the country.
However, the visibility of television came with certain constraints. Valenzuela often expressed discomfort with the limitations of being typecast, and this tension propelled him to cross borders in search of new creative challenges.
Argentina: Growth, Bonds, and New Frontiers
In Buenos Aires, he found what he calls a second home. There, he developed an essential phase of his career not only as an actor but also as a theater producer. In 2005, alongside fellow Chilean actor Benjamín Vicuña, he co-founded the cultural space El Hijo, where they staged plays with deep artistic commitment, intentionally distancing themselves from commercial circuits. This phase was key in shaping his more introspective and politically engaged work.
In Argentina, Valenzuela also took part in popular TV series like Botineras (Telefe) and Socias, showcasing a versatility that defied the heartthrob image with which he was often associated.
Theater as a Place to Breathe
For Gonzalo Valenzuela, theater is not just a platform—it is a place of renewal and learning. In 2011, he founded the company Matucana 100, with the mission of producing contemporary and impactful theater. Productions such as Closer and Festen (La Celebración) demonstrated his commitment to daring material, complex characters, and bold aesthetics.
His work as both actor and producer has been praised by peers and critics alike. What sets him apart is not only his stage presence but his full engagement in the creative process—from selecting scripts to collaborating with directors and shaping rehearsal dynamics. He doesn’t act out of routine; he acts from a visceral need.
Private Life: Fatherhood and Transformation
Offstage, his personal life has also been marked by intensity, public exposure, and deep sorrow. He was in a long-term relationship with actress Juana Viale, with whom he had two sons. The births of Silvestre in 2008 and Alí in 2011 brought a new outlook on life. In various interviews, Valenzuela has shared that fatherhood taught him about time, patience, and dedication—lessons that also reshaped his approach to acting and work.
The death of his first son, Ringo, was a profound loss that forever changed his relationship with the public eye. Since then, he has chosen to guard his privacy, occasionally sharing personal