Get to Know More About Rogue One: A Star Wars Story's Diego Luna Before He Becomes an Even Bigger Name
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The name Diego Luna isn't new to you. You've probably been following the Mexican actor's career for quite some time now, not to mention his longtime friendship with Golden Globe winner Gael García Bernal. But whether he came to your attention as the star of Y Tu Mamá También back in 2001 or even before as a telenovela actor, there's much you might not know about him.
Because we're sure everyone in the world will know Diego's name by the time he appears in the newest Star Wars project, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, premiering Dec. 16, we've compiled a list of interesting things to learn about him. Read on and get ready to seriously impress everyone with your knowledge of Diego's career and life.
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His Parents Worked in the Movie Industry, Too
Diego Luna-Alexander was born in the Mexican capital on Dec. 29, 1979. His mom, Fiona, was British and met his dad, Alejandro, while working together in set design. Sadly, Diego's mom passed away in a car accident when he was 2 years old.
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He Started Acting When He Was 3
He appeared in a small, uncredited part in the movie Antonieta in 1982.
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He Met Gael García Bernal When He Was Just Days Old
Gael and Diego's moms were close friends. Gael's mom brought him to meet Diego at the hospital just a couple of days after he was born. The pair went on to star together in the telenovela El Abuelo y Yo when they were just kids, later coming together again for the hit movie Y Tu Mamá También.
His Big Telenovela Break Was in El Premio Mayor
Who could ever forget the hit telenovela featuring Laura León? You might not have realized it, but Diego played Laura's son, Quique.
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He Was Married to Thalia's Niece
Diego and Mexican superstar Thalia were at some point related by marriage. The actor wed singer and actress Camila Sodi on Feb. 5, 2008, after meeting on the set of El Búfalo de la Noche. The pair, who have two kids together (Jerónimo and Fiona), announced their separation in early 2013.
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He Has a Varied List of Awards
From Worst Smoker at the MTV Movie Awards for his role in Nicótina to the Inspired Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Diego's award list proves he does it all.
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He Has a Nonprofit That Supports Documentaries With Gael García Bernal
Gael and Diego cofounded Ambulante A.C., which aims to promote filming of documentaries and hosts a festival in Mexico and the US.
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He Directed a Movie in English
Diego, who has several executive producer credits under his belt, directed his first English-speaking movie in 2014. César Chavez starred Michael Peña, America Ferrera, and Rosario Dawson and told the story of the civil-rights activist and labor organizer.
He Starred in a Katy Perry Music Video
Check out Diego as Katy's leading man in the video for "The One That Got Away."
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He Will Star in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Diego is playing Captain Cassian Andor, a rebel intelligence officer, in the highly anticipated Star Wars spinoffRogue One: A Star Wars Story, coming out December 2016.