A young boy named Manuel Vega, also known as “Manu Vega”, was born in 1993. His father, Felipe Vega, is a filmmaker, and it was through his father’s films that Manuel’s passion for dramatic art was ignited. At the tender age of 11, Manuel had the opportunity to participate in one of his father’s movies, titled Women in the Park, which awakened his curiosity for the world of acting.
As Manuel grew older, his interests expanded beyond acting. At 16, he embarked on a modeling career, catching the attention of renowned brands like Armani and Calvin Klein, becoming an exclusive world image for the latter in Europe. His striking looks and talent attracted esteemed photographers such as Mario Testino, Chesko López, and Rudy Martínez. His face graced the pages of prestigious magazines like Vogue, GQ and Esquire, propelling him further into the spotlight.
The beginning of his career in the world of cinema
However, Manuel’s journey was not limited to the glamorous world of modeling. After living in vibrant cities like Paris, Milan, and New York City, he felt the calling to pursue academic training. At 19, he gained admission to the Royal Higher School of Dramatic Art (RESAD), where he honed his skills and completed a 4-year degree with honors.
While still studying, Manuel began to make waves in the Spanish audiovisual industry. Balancing his time between classes and the screen, he appeared in popular Spanish series such as Secretos de Estado, El Continental, and Cupido, gradually carving out a niche for himself in the captivating world of Spanish television.
In 2020, an exciting new chapter unfolded as Manuel decided to take a leap of faith and move to Los Angeles. Signing with CESD Talent, an esteemed company led by the prominent agent Carlos Carreras, marked a significant turning point in his career. With the support of his new team, Manuel’s international journey began to take flight.
Hollywood beckoned, and Manuel Vega was ready to conquer the silver screen. He starred alongside acting legends like Ron Perlman in The Caddy, sharing the screen with remarkable talents in projects like The Deal featuring Oscar Jaenada and Maite Perroni, Lobo Feroz with Javier Gutiérrez, Juana Acosta, and Adriana Ugarte, and With the Years I Have Left alongside Regina Blandón and Aislinn Derbez.
But Manuel’s ambitions knew no bounds. He also ventured into the Latin American market, leaving his mark on television with captivating performances in series such as The Game of Keys and Heirs by Accident. The world watched in anticipation as he showcased his versatility and charisma across different mediums.
Today, Manuel Vega finds himself at a crossroads, straddling the vibrant cities of Los Angeles, Mexico, and Spain. As he awaits the release of several highly anticipated film projects, the next chapter of his story is yet to be written. One thing is certain – his passion, talent, and unwavering determination will continue to drive him towards even greater heights in the mesmerizing world of entertainment.
Modelling came into my life rather by accident. I was ordering food at a fast food restaurant near my flat when a woman came up to me and tried to talk to me…. she asked if she could take some pictures of me.
Dear Mr. Vega, thank you very much for accepting our interview. You started modelling when you were 16 years old. Do you have some memorabilia from that time?
First of all, thank you very much for your time. It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s funny because modelling came into my life rather by accident. I was ordering food at a fast food restaurant near my flat when a woman came up to me and tried to talk to me….
I was not exactly the easiest kid to deal with at the time, and as you can imagine, I thought she was messing with me when she asked if she could take some pictures of me because I was “very good looking”. She said she was a photographer and was working on her new portfolio, and for some reason I finally agreed, hahahaha. Long story short, we went to a hotel, she took the photos and nothing weird happened. She sent me the photos and I used them on my social media, nothing else happened until 3 months later I got a call from Fernando Merino from UNO Models. He told me that he had seen the photos somewhere and wanted to meet me. I still remember the first meeting with him.
He said I could earn some extra money as a model, and I found that a rather unpleasant offer, since modelling was not part of my plans. A week later I was walking at Madrid Fashion Week, and two weeks later I was in Milan between castings.
It was not until Virgil Abloh “exploded” with Off-White, Nike and LV that I really found a way to express myself through clothing. It was through his work that I fell in love with fashion.
Do you have some favourite designers and how would you describe your clothing style?
To be honest, I didn’t have a personal connection to fashion as a model. I liked high fashion brands because of the glamorous world they belong to, but not because I thought I belonged. It was not until Virgil Abloh “exploded” with Off-White, Nike and LV that I really found a way to express myself through clothing. I grew up in a neighbourhood where streetwear was my thing. It was through his work that I fell in love with fashion.
What do you think about the current neo-baby trend?
I think it’s always been a part of our lives and a pejorative term that I don’t like. Even if you are lucky enough to have someone who makes your life easier because they are well connected, I think at the end of the day you have to show what you are capable of or it’s not going to work out, no matter how good the relationships are.
What I like about my profession is that acting can be done anywhere and it’s based on the same premise: To convey feelings, emotions and stories through images.
You are both popular in the U.S. and Latin American entertainment worlds. What are the most exciting characteristics of these two worlds?
What I like about my profession is that acting can be done anywhere and it’s based on the same premise: To convey feelings, emotions and stories through images. However, the peculiarity of the film industry is really different. It’s a cultural thing. Not only do Americans have larger structures, but they have a different way of working with each other. People usually think they are very distant and cold when they work, but I think they are just more practical. Latinos and Hispanics have the same roots and the differences are minimal in that respect. But one of the things I enjoy most about my job is the fact that I can be in many different places, speaking different languages, but doing the same work.
Can you give us a little taste of your future projects?
I can’t say anything yet! It sounds like an excuse that all actors use, but it’s actually true. I just finished a film comedy with Vadhir Derbez for Disney and I’m preparing 3 more projects for this year. I am very, very excited about all these projects. I wish I could tell you more.
Movies are my passion and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Have you ever considered a plan B in your life? Is there anything else that really excites you besides acting?
I’m one of those people who think if you have a plan B, it’s because you are not 100% focused on the real thing. Acting is what makes me happy and makes me feel good. But if I had to pick something other than acting, it would still have to be something related to the film industry. Movies are my passion and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Is there an Italian director you would like to work with?
MANY! I know I can’t because they are no longer with us, but Vittorio De Sica…. I saw Ladri di biciclette as a kid, and that film is still one of my favourites. Fellini, Amarcord is also one of my all-time favourite films.Contemporary directors I admire and would love to work with are Guadagnino and Sorrentino. Who wouldn’t want to work with them, right? Ahahah.
What music are you listening to these days?
I’m always moving between different styles of music. I like classics like Stan Getz and Paco de Lucia, but also something modern like Polo & Pan and Michael Bibi. I listen to those every day now.
In the end, your life mantra.
Something I always tell myself that I got from Virgil Abloh. “Dreams come true when you are not sleeping”.
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