Marian Rivera (born Marian Gracia Rivera on August 12, 1984 in
Madrid, Spain) is a Filipina actress and commercial model. Her first TV role came in 2005 via TAPE Inc.'s afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako in the lead that was aired in GMA Network. However, her breakout role did not come until 2007 when she was cast for the title role in the Philippine remake of MariMar.
Marian Rivera was born in to Francisco Javier Alonso Gracia, a Spaniard and Amalia Rivera, a Filipina. When her parents separated 2 years after her birth, Rivera and her mom left Spain and flew back to her mother's hometown in Cavite. She graduated BS Psychology at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas.
Rivera first starred in an afternoon soap operas for TAPE Inc. and GMA Network including Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat and Pinakamamahal along with Oyo Boy Sotto. She was also seen in Enteng Kabisote 2: Okay Ka Fairy Ko: The Legend Continues, also with Oyo Boy Sotto. Later GMA Network cast her into mother roles for the afternoon Philippine-Malaysian drama Muli with Alfred Vargas and Super Twins.
In 2006, Rivera signed a contract for Regal Films that she was casted in the horror movie, Pamahiin along with Dennis Trillo and Iya Villania.
In 2007, starred the title role of MariMar, which premiered on August 13, 2007 reached 52.6% ratings on its finale. Later, Rivera was awarded in GMMSF Inc. in the 38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards.
Rivera also starred in two MMFF movie entries such as Bahay Kubo and Desperadas.In 2008, Rivera's starred her first leading lady movie with Richard Gutierrez in the romantic-comedy My Best Friend's Girlfriend.
In 2008, Rivera played the role of Dyesebel.Dingdong Dantes, who was her leading man in MariMar, pairs up with Rivera as Fredo. Rivera played the role of a mermaid under the ocean. It aired on April 28, 2008.
Marian was also featured in Ogie Alcasid's video "Kung Sakali" and Regine Velasquez "Shine".
Marian was recently did a movie with Dingdong Dantes and her Desperadas co-star Iza Calzado, One True Love,.In 2009 she then, played the role of "Nieves" The Engkanto Slayer in her title episode of Shake, Rattle & Roll X, an MMFF entry, where she received praises due to her comedic timing. Also, she worked with singer and songwriter Ogie Alcasid along with Desperadas main stars, in the second movie of Desperadas"
She was seen with Dingdong Dantes in their 3rd drama show together, "Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang".
Just last April 23, 2009, GMA-7 Senior Vice President (SVP) for Entertainment announced that Marian Rivera is television's newest Mars Ravelo's Darna.
Marian is an only child and her parents divorced when she was only 2 years old.
She and her father did not talk for 5 years and in a Birthday concert for her and Dingdong Dantes, her father greeted Marian which made her break down in tears. Her father greeted her in Spanish, although he speaks fluent Tagalog.
She dated Ervic Vijandre, a De La Salle University graduate and a model.
In 2008, she was involved in the break up of Dingdong Dantes and Karylle stating that she was the cause of their break up as a third party. All 3 denied the rumors.
Marian is now being linked to on-screen partner Dingdong Dantes but says that they are only good friends that go out on dates.
On tuesday (Feb. 2, 2010) Marian Rivera with Dingdong Dantes traveled to Dubai to guest the show of Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez.
Marian says that after the show they will go to Madrid, Spain to visit her father. The lovers are very excited of their journey, that's why Marian says that she have no time to intertained about Live-in issues with her past boyfriend Ervic Vijandre.
Marian thought that her past boyfriend has a planned to enter the showbiz that's why he exposed that issues.
Even the issues came but still Marian was very happy and excited of her traveled with Dingdong, because for a long time that she's planned it and now it happened.
