Yalitza Aparicio

Yalitza Aparicio – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the inspiring journey of Yalitza Aparicio (born December 11, 1993), the Mexican Indigenous actress who broke barriers in Roma and became a symbol of representation, culture, and voice for indigenous communities. Explore her biography, career, influences, quotes, and legacy.

Introduction

Yalitza Aparicio is a Mexican actress and educator whose rise into global recognition challenged stereotypes and opened doors for underrepresented voices. Born December 11, 1993, in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, she had no formal acting training when she was cast as Cleo in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma (2018). Her performance earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first Indigenous woman to be nominated in that category.

Yet her significance goes beyond awards: she became a cultural symbol—of dignity, identity, and possibility for many Indigenous and marginalized communities. Through her public work and statements, she has chosen to amplify voices and challenge norms.

Early Life and Background

Yalitza Aparicio Martínez was born on December 11, 1993, in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Mexico. Her father is from the town of Santa Catarina Yosonotú, and her mother is from Joya del Mamey, in Putla. She comes from Indigenous roots—her father is Mixtec, and her mother is Trique.

Growing up, she was raised by a single mother who worked as a domestic worker. Yalitza did not initially speak Mixtec or Trique fluently; she later learned or honed her indigenous language skills to portray her role in Roma.

Before acting, she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and worked as a preschool teacher. Her background as a teacher shows a foundation in serving communities and caring for young life.

The Unexpected Transition to Acting

Yalitza’s path to acting was serendipitous more than planned. She accompanied her sister to a casting call for Roma, without initial intention to audition herself. Eventually, she was cast in the lead role of Cleo.

Importantly, she had no formal training in acting. Roma’s director, Alfonso Cuarón, cast her for her authenticity, presence, and expressive humanity rather than formal credentials. She has said that Cuarón “had trust in me… since I met him” and that filming Roma in sequence helped her step into the character gradually.

Her acting debut transformed her life and brought her into the global spotlight.

Career & Achievements

Roma and Historic Recognition

Roma (2018) remains her breakthrough work. Her portrayal of Cleo—a domestic worker who becomes central in a family's life in 1970s Mexico City—earned widespread acclaim.

Her nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress made her the first Indigenous woman to ever be nominated in that category.

In 2019, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. That same year, UNESCO appointed her as Goodwill Ambassador for Indigenous Peoples.

She also became the first Indigenous woman to appear on the cover of Vogue Mexico.

Further Film & TV Work

After Roma, she has taken on roles more selectively, often choosing projects that resonate with her values and identity:

• Presencias (2022)

• Roles in TV series such as Los Espookys and Mujeres Asesinas in 2022

• In 2023, she starred in the Netflix film La gran seducción (The Great Seduction) as Ana.

• In 2024, she lent her voice as narrator to the documentary Las Amazonas de Yaxunah.

She has emphasized that she wants to avoid being pigeonholed, and aims to give visibility to those “kept in the dark” through her roles.

Historical Milestones & Context

Here are some key milestones in her life and public journey:

Year	Milestone
1993 (Dec 11)	Born in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Mexico
Before 2018	Worked as preschool teacher, earned degree in education
2018	Debut in Roma as Cleo
2019	Oscar nomination (Best Actress) as first Indigenous woman; Time 100; UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
2019 onward	Expansion into selective roles, advocacy, narrations

Legacy, Influence & Representation

Yalitza Aparicio’s legacy is still unfolding, but already she holds an important place in culture and representation:

• Breaking Barriers: Her Oscar nomination challenged longstanding norms and stereotypes about who belongs in Hollywood’s spotlight.

• Voice for Indigenous Communities: As a public figure with Indigenous roots, she amplifies issues of representation, language, and dignity.

• Redefining Beauty and Stardom: She pushed back against narrow standards of beauty and fame, showing that authenticity and cultural pride matter.

• Selective, Value-Driven Choices: By being discerning in her roles and public engagements, she sends a message that not every opportunity needs acceptance, especially if it dilutes identity.

• Inspiration for Marginalized Youth: Young people from Indigenous or rural backgrounds can see in her a path that was once thought impossible.

Her work suggests a shift: that cinema, culture, and media must make space for voices that have been historically sidelined.

Personality, Values & Approach

From interviews and public appearances, a few traits stand out:

• Humility & Groundedness: She has openly said she never imagined becoming an actress.

• Courage & Vulnerability: She initially faced fear of the spotlight and speaking publicly—and describes adapting day by day.

• Advocacy Mindset: She sees her career path as a platform to give visibility to marginalized communities.

• Sense of Responsibility: In interviews, she acknowledges the symbolic weight she carries and tries to do justice to her role in representing her roots.

• Intentionality: She avoids overexposure and focuses on works that align with her principles.

Notable Quotes of Yalitza Aparicio

Here are some of her meaningful statements:

“My objective in my career is to give visibility to all of us who have been kept in the dark for so long.”
“The acting projects I’m working on are moving slowly because I’m putting all my efforts in not being pigeonholed because of my appearance.”

“Never, never in my life did I have it in my mind to become an actress or be part of a film.”
“My passion has always been to educate people… I opted for acting but constantly try to teach the community.”
From IMDb quotes: “It’s like a dream that came true without me realizing it… traveling to different parts of the world ... it fills me with joy.”

“Politicians make a lot of promises … and then they don’t fulfill the promises.”

These quotes reflect her humility, sense of mission, and awareness of the larger impact of visibility.

Lessons from Yalitza Aparicio’s Journey

From her life and choices, we can draw several lessons:

1. Authenticity can open doors. Her casting was rooted in her realness, not a polished acting résumé.

2. Don’t rush representation — seek depth. She takes time choosing roles so as not to be stereotyped or misrepresented.

3. Small backgrounds don’t limit big futures. Coming from a rural town and educator background, she leapt into global cinema.

4. Embrace responsibility. She doesn’t see fame as solely personal gain, but as a chance to uplift others.

5. Growth is gradual. She didn’t “become a star” overnight emotionally; adapting to attention and the public role took time.

6. Education remains central. She continues to value teaching, learning, and community as core to her identity.

Conclusion

Yalitza Aparicio is more than a one-film phenomenon. She is a living testament to change in cinema, culture, and representation. Her trajectory—from Oaxaca teacher to Oscar nominee—challenges assumptions and reorients narratives about whose stories deserve to be told. As she continues to choose roles carefully, use her voice meaningfully, and stand for inclusion, her legacy will deepen.