Who is María Valverde?
María Valverde is a renowned Spanish actress and filmmaker, known internationally for her powerful performances in Spanish and Hollywood films. She rose to fame at a very young age and is considered one of the most talented actresses of modern Spanish cinema.
She gained worldwide recognition through movies like “Three Steps Above Heaven”, “Melissa P.”, and “Exodus: Gods and Kings”. Over the years, María has evolved not just as an actress but also as a director and cultural artist, earning respect across global film platforms.
In recent years, she has also gained attention for her directorial debut documentary “El Canto de las Manos”, which received international recognition and premiered in the United States.
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | María Valverde Rodríguez |
| Profession | Actress, Director |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1987 |
| Age | 38 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Madrid, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Gustavo Dudamel |
| Profession of Husband | Music Conductor |
| Years Active | 2003 – Present |
| Famous For | Three Steps Above Heaven, Melissa P. |
| Net Worth | $3–5 Million (Approx.) |
María Valverde Early Life
María Valverde was born on March 24, 1987, in Madrid, Spain, in the Carabanchel district. She grew up in a middle-class family and showed interest in arts and performance from a very young age.
As a child, María was:
- Curious and expressive
- Passionate about acting
- Drawn towards theatre and films
Her natural talent and confidence helped her stand out early. She was discovered at the age of 16 and soon made her film debut, which changed her life completely.
María Valverde Education
María Valverde completed her schooling in Madrid. While she did not pursue a formal acting degree, she trained herself through:
- Acting workshops
- Theatre performances
- On-set learning
She learned acting practically by working with experienced directors and actors. Her early success helped her gain exposure at a young age, which shaped her acting career strongly.
María Valverde Family
María comes from a private and supportive Spanish family.
| Family Member | Details |
| Father | Not Publicly Known |
| Mother | Not Publicly Known |
| Siblings | Not Disclosed |
| Husband | Gustavo Dudamel (m. 2017) |
She keeps her family life away from the media spotlight and prefers to maintain privacy.
María Valverde Career
Early Career & Breakthrough
María made her acting debut in 2003 with the Spanish film:
La flaqueza del bolchevique (2003)
Her performance was highly praised and earned her the Goya Award for Best New Actress, making her one of the youngest actresses to receive the honor.
This role immediately established her as a rising star in Spanish cinema.
Rise to Fame
Her international fame grew with films like:
Melissa P. (2005)
Three Steps Above Heaven (2010)
I Want You (2012)
Her role in Three Steps Above Heaven made her extremely popular across Europe and Latin America. The film became a cult romantic drama and boosted her global fan following.
Hollywood & International Work
María expanded her career beyond Spain and worked in international films such as:
- Cracks (2009) – British drama film
- Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) – Directed by Ridley Scott
- Ali and Nino (2016)
Her performance in Exodus brought her global recognition and introduced her to Hollywood audiences.
Transition into Direction – El Canto de las Manos
In 2024–25, María Valverde made her directorial debut with the documentary:
El Canto de las Manos (The Song of Hands)
About the Documentary:
- Focuses on Beethoven’s Fidelio
- Features deaf and hard-of-hearing performers
- Explores art, music, and inclusivity
- Celebrated internationally
The film premiered at major festivals and had its U.S. premiere at the New York Philharmonic in 2025.
This project marked a major milestone in her career as a filmmaker and creative artist.
María Valverde Recent News & Updates (2025–2026)
U.S. Premiere of Her Documentary
Her documentary El Canto de las Manos premiered in New York and was praised for its emotional depth and social message.
Public Appearances with Husband
She made several public appearances with her husband Gustavo Dudamel, especially at cultural and music events.
Film Festival Presence
She attended international film festivals such as:
- DOC NYC
- Atlàntida Mallorca Film Festival
Recognition as a Cultural Figure
Media outlets praised her contribution to art, cinema, and social storytelling.
María Valverde Personal Life
María Valverde married Gustavo Dudamel, the world-famous Venezuelan conductor, in 2017.
About Her Husband:
- Music Director of Los Angeles Philharmonic
- One of the world’s most respected conductors
- Known for classical music excellence
Their relationship is known for:
- Mutual respect
- Artistic collaboration
- Cultural influence
María often accompanies him to international concerts and events.
Past Relationship
Before her marriage, María was in a highly publicized relationship with Spanish actor Mario Casas. The couple gained massive popularity but eventually parted ways.
Later, María revealed in interviews that the relationship was emotionally intense and that she needed time to heal and grow.
Controversies
María Valverde has maintained a largely controversy-free career.
The only widely discussed topic was:
- Her emotional past relationship with Mario Casas
- Media pressure during her early fame
She later spoke openly about mental health, personal growth, and the importance of self-respect.
María Valverde Net Worth
| Source | Estimated Amount |
| Films & Acting | $2–3 Million |
| Directing Projects | $500K+ |
| Brand Collaborations | $500K |
| Total Net Worth | $3–5 Million (Approx.) |
María Valverde Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | Around 55 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Style | Elegant & Minimal |
María Valverde Social Media
| Platform | User ID / Handle | Followers (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| @soylavalverde | 1.1M+ | |
| Twitter (X) | @mariavalverde | 548K+ |
| Maria Valverde | 1.2M+ | |
| YouTube | No Official Channel | — |
She mainly uses social media for:
- Art & film promotions
- Cultural events
- Personal moments
Interesting Facts About María Valverde
- She won a Goya Award at just 16 years old.
- She is fluent in Spanish and English.
- She has worked with Ridley Scott.
- She is also a film director now.
- She married a world-famous conductor.
- She supports art and inclusivity.
- She prefers quality roles over fame.
- She avoids unnecessary publicity.
FAQs About María Valverde
Q1. Who is María Valverde?
She is a Spanish actress and filmmaker known for Three Steps Above Heaven.
Q2. How old is María Valverde?
She is 38 years old (born March 24, 1987).
Q3. Who is María Valverde’s husband?
She is married to conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
Q4. What is her famous movie?
Three Steps Above Heaven is her most popular film.
Q5. Has she worked in Hollywood?
Yes, she acted in Exodus: Gods and Kings.
Q6. Is María Valverde a director?
Yes, she directed El Canto de las Manos.
Q7. What is her net worth?
Around $3–5 million.
Q8. Is she active on social media?
Yes, but she keeps a low profile.
Read more biographies and success stories of business leaders, celebrities, healthcare professionals, etc. at Leader Biography.
