Who Is María Pedraza? Star of Money Heist & Elite Explained

María Pedraza is a name that has become synonymous with some of the most captivating and globally successful Spanish television series of the last decade. Rising to fame almost overnight, she has carved out a space for herself in the entertainment world as not just an actress, but also a model, dancer, and a cultural icon of modern Spanish pop culture. This article dives deep into who María Pedraza is, explores her career trajectory, personal background, and answers the most frequently searched questions about her life.

Quick Bio Table: María Pedraza

Early Life and Background

María Pedraza was born and raised in Madrid, Spain, and showed a strong passion for the performing arts from an early age. Unlike many actors who are born into showbiz families, Pedraza had a relatively modest upbringing. She trained as a classical dancer at the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Dance Mariemma in Madrid. Her training in dance not only shaped her discipline but also contributed significantly to her body language and screen presence as an actress.

Interestingly, María was discovered through Instagram — a modern-day Cinderella story that speaks to the changing face of the entertainment industry. Director Esteban Crespo stumbled upon her profile and offered her a role that would mark the beginning of her acting journey.

Acting Debut in ‘Amar’ (2017)

María Pedraza made her acting debut in the 2017 film “Amar”, directed by Esteban Crespo. She played Laura, a young woman exploring love, intimacy, and identity. Though the film had limited commercial success, it showcased María’s emotional depth and raw acting skills, earning her critical praise. It was clear she had the potential to become a significant figure in Spanish cinema.

Breakthrough with ‘Money Heist’

María’s real breakthrough came later in 2017 when she starred in “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist). She played Alison Parker, the daughter of the British ambassador to Spain, who is taken hostage during the daring heist.

Despite having a relatively small screen time compared to other characters, her role was pivotal to the emotional and political narrative of the show. Her performance left a lasting impression on audiences and contributed to the show’s global success when Netflix acquired it. The success of Money Heist propelled her into the international spotlight.

Massive Success with ‘Elite’ (2018)

Following her Money Heist performance, María Pedraza was cast in Netflix’s Spanish teen drama, Elite, alongside other La Casa de Papel co-stars like Jaime Lorente and Miguel Herrán.

She played Marina Nunier Osuna, a mysterious and rebellious teenager whose murder becomes the central plot of the first season. Her character was layered with complexity — wealthy yet socially conscious, vulnerable but brave. María’s nuanced portrayal earned widespread acclaim and expanded her fanbase, particularly among younger audiences around the globe.

Collaborations and Real-Life Romance

María’s professional life often intertwined with her personal life. She was in a highly publicized relationship with co-star Jaime Lorente, whom she met on the set of Money Heist and Elite. The two were considered one of Spain’s most adored celebrity couples until reports of their split surfaced in 2021.

Professionally, they also starred together in the historical drama “El Cid” and the film “Who Would You Take to a Deserted Island?” (2019). These roles showcased their on-screen chemistry and helped cement María’s reputation as a versatile performer.

Expanding Her Career Beyond Netflix

After the massive success of her Netflix projects, María ventured into independent cinema and international projects. In 2022, she starred in the Spanish psychological thriller “Ego” and romantic drama “Dancing on Glass” (Las Niñas de Cristal), where she portrayed a ballet dancer dealing with trauma and psychological pressure.

The latter role allowed her to merge her two artistic passions — dance and acting, leading to one of her most physically and emotionally demanding performances to date.

Modeling Career and Brand Collaborations

Parallel to her acting career, María Pedraza has built an impressive profile as a fashion model. Her striking looks and poised demeanor have caught the attention of global fashion brands.

She has collaborated with high-profile brands like Bvlgari, YSL Beauty, and Dolce & Gabbana, frequently appearing on the covers of Vogue Spain, Glamour, and Elle. Her Instagram presence — where she has millions of followers — plays a significant role in her influence within the fashion industry.

Dance as a Lifelong Passion

Though primarily known for her on-screen work, dance remains a fundamental part of María’s identity. She has said in interviews that dance gives her emotional clarity and is often a form of meditation. Her dancing background lends her an ethereal and graceful screen presence, especially in roles like Irene in Dancing on Glass.

Social Media Influence

María Pedraza is incredibly active on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her professional and personal life. With over 13 million followers, her feed includes fashion shoots, behind-the-scenes content, travel diaries, and promotional campaigns.

She also uses her platform to support social causes, advocate for mental health, and highlight the importance of women’s rights in media and beyond.

Recent Projects and Future Plans

As of 2025, María Pedraza has been involved in a couple of yet-to-be-titled international co-productions and is rumored to be making her Hollywood debut in a Netflix English-language thriller slated for release in early 2026.

She is also said to be involved in a biopic series, portraying a famous historical Spanish figure, showcasing yet another dimension of her acting range.

Awards and Recognition

While she hasn’t yet won a Goya Award (Spain’s equivalent of the Oscars), María has received multiple nominations and was awarded “Best Rising Star” at the 2019 Fotogramas de Plata awards.

Critics often cite her ability to bring depth and authenticity to young, complex female characters, and she is widely considered one of the most promising actors of her generation.

María Pedraza’s Acting Style

What sets María apart is her minimalist yet emotionally intense acting style. She avoids overacting, instead relying on subtle facial expressions and natural dialogue delivery to convey her character’s emotions.

Her acting is often compared to the French New Wave stars for its realism and introspective nature. Directors appreciate her collaborative attitude and her willingness to immerse herself fully in a role.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Despite being in the industry for less than a decade, María Pedraza has become a symbol of modern Spanish storytelling. Through her roles, she’s contributed to reshaping international perceptions of Spanish TV and cinema, helping to break linguistic and cultural barriers on platforms like Netflix.

Young actors and dancers in Spain often cite her as an inspiration — a modern success story born from passion, talent, and the power of digital discovery.

Final Thoughts

María Pedraza is more than just a rising star — she represents the fusion of traditional artistic training and the modern digital age. From being discovered on Instagram to starring in globally acclaimed series, she exemplifies how talent, timing, and a strong personal brand can open doors internationally. As she continues to evolve as an artist, audiences worldwide will undoubtedly keep watching.

FAQs About María Pedraza

1. How did María Pedraza get discovered?

María was discovered via Instagram by film director Esteban Crespo. He was so impressed by her presence and aesthetic that he reached out to offer her an audition for the lead role in Amar. This unconventional path to stardom highlights how the entertainment industry has changed, with social media now serving as a legitimate talent pipeline.

2. What are María Pedraza’s most famous roles?

She is best known for playing Alison Parker in Money Heist and Marina in Elite. In Money Heist, she plays a hostage whose storyline sparks moral debates among the robbers. In Elite, her character’s mysterious murder becomes the central theme of the first season. Both roles showcased her ability to portray vulnerability and strength simultaneously.

3. Is María Pedraza only active in Spain?

While her early work was primarily in Spain, María is now expanding internationally. In 2023 and 2024, she began working on English-language projects and international film co-productions. She’s also involved in global fashion campaigns, marking her presence beyond Spain.

4. Does María Pedraza have formal acting training?

No, María’s background is in classical dance, and she did not undergo formal acting education before debuting in film. However, her experience in dance contributed to her physical control and emotional expression, which translated effectively to acting.

5. What makes María Pedraza unique as an actress?

María brings a combination of emotional vulnerability, discipline from her dance background, and natural screen charisma. She avoids theatrical exaggeration, instead using subtlety and realism, which resonates deeply with modern audiences. Her multi-disciplinary training and visually expressive style make her stand out.