Arizona native Angélica Celaya takes on a fierce new role in ‘Lobo: Morir Matando’

TUCSON – Angélica Celaya, the Tucson-born actress who has made a name for herself  working on bilingual sets, is in Mexico City filming the action-packed thriller series “Lobo: Morir Matando” (Dying by Killing), adapted from F.G. Haghenbeck’s novel “Morir Matando.” 

CALÓ News spoke with her in January to talk about the new role, motherhood and representing Latinos in the film industry.

Celaya stars as Miranda Villanueva, her first antagonistic role for Telemundo, alongside Arap Bethke, Fátima Molina, Alejandro de la Madrid, Roberto Romano and Camille Mina.

A versatile actress, Celaya has worked extensively in both Spanish- and English-language productions. Her credits include “Jenni Rivera: Mariposa de Barrio,” where she portrayed the late “Diva de la Banda,” as well as the role of Zed Martin in NBC’s “Constantine.” Her résumé also includes “La Mujer de Mi Vida,” “El Señor de los Cielos,” “Ladrón de Corazones,” among others.

In the Telemundo production, Celaya plays a mother determined to protect her daughter, Renata (Mina). After a violent attack leaves the girl orphaned, she is entrusted to Damián “Lobo” Rosales (Bethke), setting off a story of redemption, betrayal and survival.

Forced to flee toward the border to keep Renata safe and reunite her with her only living relative, Lobo soon discovers the girl holds the key to a hidden fortune — one many are willing to kill for.

Celaya, who is the mother of Ángel Alessandro in real life, said the role resonates deeply with her own experience as a parent.

“I think there’s a little bit of me in every character I play. Miranda is a strong, tough woman and at the end of the day, she becomes everyone’s enemy,” Celaya said. “There are parts of her that are very much like me, because we can all be toxic. We can all become that kind of villain.”

Still, she emphasized that Miranda’s journey is also one of healing.

“Just as we have a dark side, we also have a side that needs to heal. Within this process, there is a lot of growth,” she said.

Although Miranda is an antagonistic character, Celaya avoids labeling her as “evil.”

“I don’t like to say that my character is bad,” she said. “As mothers, we can have a very destructive side: ‘do whatever you want to me, but don’t mess with my child. Declare war on me, but not on my son.’”

Off-screen, the actress said she is not focused on romance at the moment, noting that she feels fulfilled both professionally and personally — especially through motherhood.

“My heart is full because I’m working, and I can share these experiences with my son,” she said. “Traveling, discovering new places, bringing him to Mexico, which has always been my second home. Taking him to the pyramids, to Merida and letting him experience his Mexican culture and roots.”

Celaya said this sense of fulfillment is why she has remained single for years.

“It’s not about someone else completing me. There’s no such thing as a soulmate. I’m already whole,” she said. “If a man comes into my life to accompany me on the beautiful journey I’m already on, he’s welcome. He would be joining a family that is already complete.”

On broader social issues — including senseless violence, the political climate and the uncertainty created by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests and raids in immigrant communities — Celaya said she is outspoken, shaped in part by being the daughter of an immigrant father.

“I recently posted a video explaining what people can do to protect themselves and what they can demand when authorities are breaking the law,” she said. “I have always been pro-immigrant because my father is an immigrant who came to this country leaving everything behind.”

She described her father as a guiding influence in her life.

“My father is my example of how you have to follow your dreams, break down barriers and achieve your goals,” she said. “The United States has been a country of immigrants that has given hope to many, and that hope is being lost. I am pro-immigrant, pro-refugee, pro-anyone who wants to improve their life. Freedom and justice — that’s what this country was founded on.”

The Los Angeles-based actress also said she does not see meaningful progress in Latino representation in Hollywood, attributing the issue in part to divisions within the community.

“Our stories are not being told,” she said. “We need more representation, and the talent exists. There are writers, directors and filmmakers who aren’t Arriaga, Del Toro or Cuarón, but who are doing excellent work. What’s missing is opportunity.”

She added that underrepresentation remains evident on screen.

“We are the largest minority in the United States, yet we are barely visible,” she said. “That needs to change, because our reality should be reflected on screen.”

Reflecting on her own career, Celaya said she feels grateful to work in a profession she loves, offering advice to aspiring actors.

“I have the privilege of making a living doing what I love and that is a blessing,” she said. “To the new generations, I would say: study. I’m still studying. There are thousands of people who want to be where I am.”

She encouraged young artists to broaden their creative horizons.

“Ask yourselves what characters you want to play and what genres you want to explore,” she said. “Read, watch films, travel and immerse yourselves in everything related to your field. Keep that light in your heart.”

Celaya concluded by crediting her parents for shaping her values.

“They taught me to see and act from the heart,” she said. “They are humble people, but rich in spirit.”

She said her work ethic was instilled early on.

“My father woke up at 3:30 or 4 in the morning to work construction, and my mother came home at 8 or 9 at night,” she said. “They taught me to respect my work, value what I earn and respect everyone involved, without feeling superior or inferior to anyone.”

For Celaya, that commitment extends beyond her career.

“That’s why connecting with the community matters so much to me,” she said. “What I want to convey goes far beyond my profession.”

To see Celaya unleash her fierce maternal side in “Lobo: Morir Matando,” tune in Feb. 17 on Telemundo at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT, or stream the series on Peacock.

Dawn Page (she/her; Latine) is a freelance writer for CALÓ News. She grew up on the U.S.-Mexico border between Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Sonora. She recently earned a Master’s in Bilingual Journalism from the University of Arizona. Her reporting focuses on immigration, borderlands issues, lifestyle, business and entertainment.