David Castillo, Jonathan on ‘Aida’
Time keeps moving and children grow; the math is simple and unforgiving. No one escapes the pull of fame, not even young heroes who shine early in movies and series. When youngsters stun audiences with precocious talent, it becomes a defining moment in their lives that lingers long after the credits roll.
The following pages explore the current status of boys and girls who carried important roles in fiction from a very young age, reaching notable popularity far too soon. Spanish television has plenty of examples, including series that required young actors to rely on translators due to language differences: Los Serranos, El Internado, Aída, Cuéntame and others have spotlighted this phenomenon.
David Castillo, Jonathan on ‘Aida’
Jonathan’s disappearance into the fairy tale world of Madrid’s legendary neighborhood where Aída is set left a lasting impression. The young actor breathed life into a pivotal character between 2005 and 2014, witnessing growth nearly every week on screen. Now approaching thirty, David Castillo has evolved but remains devoted to acting, continuing to pursue the craft with dedication.
More recently, he has appeared in Netflix and Disney+ productions, including portraying Nacho in Besos al aire (2021) and Santi in El tiempo que te doy, a project he is still involved with this year. The End is a Disney+ production that adds to his expansive repertoire.
Natalia Sánchez at Teté ‘Los Serranos’
This actress, now 32, rose to undeniable fame for her role in Los Serranos and later starred in national hits such as Amar en tiempos revueltos. Living in Madrid, she shares a life with Catalan partner Marc Clotet, forming a family with whom she has two children.
From Madrid, she builds a life with her partner Marc Clotet and their two children. Her professional journey continued with roles in various acclaimed projects and ongoing collaborations within the Spanish entertainment scene.
Her relationship with Víctor Elías, who played Guille, remains strong. They forged a lasting friendship when they were children on set, and the bond endures beyond the series.
Víctor Elías as Guille in ‘Los Serranos’
As Diego’s younger brother, he has grown into a singer, musician, and producer for the series, while sustaining a personal relationship with singer Ana Guerra, known from Operación Triunfo 2017. He currently serves as music director for Vive-Premios Dial and has collaborated with artists such as Pablo López, Ana Guerra, Sofia Ellar, Stool, and Dani Fernández.
There are family ties that have caused some friction in the past. A relative of Queen Letícia, Elías’ mother’s side is connected to royal circles. Although public records note strained moments in the past, current life shows a more distant relationship with certain family members. The broader message: fame can shape family dynamics as much as it shapes careers.
Carlota Boza, ‘minicuqui’ in ‘La que se avecina’
Carlota Boza became famous for her portrayal of Amador’s daughter Carlota in La que se avecina. Now 21, she continues to stay connected to acting, appearing in projects such as The Duchess and The Mysteries of Laura.
She has also built a substantial following as a YouTuber, amassing over 195,000 subscribers on her channel and more than 500,000 followers on Instagram, where her influence extends beyond the screen.
Carlota Garcia, Paula in ‘El Internado’
The Madrid-born actress, now 22, is best known for Paula Nova in the hit series Internado. She also portrayed Paula’s mother, Irene Espí, in recurring flashbacks. Her ongoing work includes appearances in other serials and even video games connected to the broader TV universe.
She has maintained ties with the acting world, participating in shows such as Tell Me How and Medical Center, continuing to broaden her portfolio and reach across media formats.
Ricardo Gómez in Carlitos Alcántara ‘Tell me how it is’
Ricardo Gómez brought Carlitos Alcántara to life in Tell Me How It Is, spanning 17 years from 2001 to 2018 as the character grows from childhood to adolescence on screen. The arc remains a landmark in Spanish television for its portrayal of early fame and its effects on a young actor.
Gómez’s acting career stays vibrant across fiction and theatre. He tackled roles such as José in 1898: The Last of the Philippines and earned a Goya nomination for Best New Actor. He has been involved in projects like Living Without Permission, El Padre de Caín, and is set to lead Route, a new Atresplayer production where he will portray Sento.