16 Things You Didn't Know About Gael García Bernal

Updated on 1/8/2017 at 5:30 PM

Gael García Bernal is, undoubtedly, a recognizable Latino face in Hollywood. But if you don't know much about the 38-year-old actor, famous for his roles in iconic, award-winning Latin American films — aside from the fact that he's super handsome — we've rounded up 16 things you need to know about him to call yourself a true fan. Spoiler alert: he's just as smart as he is sexy. Keep scrolling to learn more about the Mozart in the Jungle star ahead of the 2017 Golden Globe Awards (he's nominated for best actor, TV musical or comedy) before you relive his winning night at last year's ceremony.

He Is From the Mariachi Capital of Mexico

Gael was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Nov. 30, 1978.

He Has Acting in His Blood

Both of Gael's parents are renowned Mexican actors; his mom is Patricia Bernal, and his dad is José Ángel García.

His Breakout Role Was Alongside Salma Hayek

Like many Latino actors, Gael got his start in telenovelas. His first one just so happened to be Teresa, starring Salma Hayek. (And yes, the TBT-worthy trailer is required viewing.)

He Was the First Mexican to Attend London's Central School of Speech and Drama

But the school almost roadblocked his career: "[My school] didn't allow me to work. In England, they don't let you miss school — if you miss school for three days, you get chucked out," he told The Guardian.

He Has Director Alejandro González Iñárritu to Thank For His International Fame

Alejandro is the one who found a way around Gael's school's no-working policy, which led to his groundbreaking role in Amores Perros. Gael told The Guardian:

"[Alejandro] came up with a very good Latin American solution to this problem — he said that a relative was a director of a hospital and he would be able to get me a medical certificate to say that I had contracted some big tropical disease on my last visit to Mexico. . . . I only missed one week of drama school, so it wasn't that bad. But my movement teacher told me to take it easy and my classmates sent get well cards to me in Mexico."

He Is a Polyglot

Gael speaks five languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, and Italian.

He Was a Young Pinocchio

"When I was younger, I was a liar because I would think that another reality was much more interesting," he told Metro UK.

He Is BFFs With Mexican Actor Diego Luna

It's a true bromance! They even starred together in the must-see Spanish-language film Y Tu Mamá También.

He Dated Dolores Fonzi For Six Years

Though it was widely speculated that the longtime couple married, they actually never tied the knot and officially ended their relationship in 2014 after six years together.

He Is a Dad

He has two kids with Dolores, Lázaro, 7, and Libertad, 5.

He Won His First Golden Globe Award in 2016

Gael won best actor in a TV comedy or musical for his role in Amazon Prime's Mozart in the Jungle. Watch his beautiful acceptance speech here.

He Is an Activist

Gael is an avid supporter of Amnesty International.

He Starred in Jon Stewart's Film, Rosewater

Gael played Maziar Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian journalist, in the intense film, which was based on a true story and directed by former The Daily Show host Jon Stewart.

His Favorite Chick Flicks Are John Cassavetes's

Though he's not super into films that are "overtly either very masculine or very feminine," Gael admitted to Elle that he does like John's. Need an example? Check out the trailer for A Woman Under the Influence (1974) above.

His Hips Definitely Don't Lie

James Corden is a lucky man. Just look at those moves!

He Has a Lead Role in the Upcoming Zorro Remake, Z

Written and directed by his pal Jonás Cuarón, Z is bound to be a hit with Gael capturing the essence of Zorro, who was portrayed by Antonio Banderas in the original.