The Rise of Griselda Blanco: A Netflix Series to Remember
Netflix has recently launched an intriguing six-part series titled “Griselda”, an enthralling narrative that delves into the life of Griselda Blanco, known as the “Cocaine Godmother”. This series, led by the talented Sofía Vergara, is not just another crime drama; it’s a riveting portrayal of one of history’s most powerful drug lords, a woman whose lethal blend of savagery and charm made her a pivotal figure in the Miami drug wars.
Sofía Vergara’s Transformation into the Notorious Crime Boss
Best known for her role in the comedy series “Modern Family”, Sofía Vergara has undergone a significant transformation to embody the character of Griselda Blanco. At a recent press conference, Vergara revealed the extent of her transformation, involving changes to her teeth, eyebrows, hairline, nose, and even her skin tone. She quipped, “I was trying to change as much as I could without looking like I was in a Halloween costume.”
Vergara’s dedication to the role went beyond physical appearance. She adopted Griselda’s posture, a change that came with its challenges. “I put myself in a body position for six months. The only time that I didn’t go to work was because I’d gotten up in the morning and my back [hurt],” she shared.
A Stellar Cast Bringing Real-Life Figures to the Screen
“Griselda” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring both familiar faces and emerging talents. These actors bring to life various real-life figures from Blanco’s world, each adding depth and nuance to this complex story. From Julieta Aidén Martinez’s portrayal of June Hawkins, a determined Miami PD intelligence analyst, to Alberto Guerra’s role as Dario, Griselda’s third husband, each character adds a unique layer to the narrative.
Griselda cast
- Sofía Vergara as Griselda Blanco
- Juliana Aidén Martinez as June Hawkins
- Alberto Guerra as Dario
- Vanessa Ferlito as Carmen
- Christian Tappan as Arturo Mesa
- Camilo Jimenez Varon as Rafa Salazar
- Diego Trujillo as German Panesso
- Martin Rodriguez as Jorge “Rivi” Ayala-Rivera
- Orlando Pineda as Dixon
- Jose Velazquez as Uber
- Martin Fajardo as Ozzy
- Maximiliano Hernández as Papo Mejia
- Gabriel Sloyer plays Raul Diaz
- Paulina Dávila plays Isabel
- Karol G as Carla
- Alberto Ammann as Alberto Bravo
- Fredy Yate as Chucho Castro
- Julieth Restrepo as Marta Ochoa
- José Zúñiga as Amilcar
- Christian Gnecco Quintero as Fabio Ochoa
- Aurora Cossio as Estella
The Enigmatic Alberto Guerra as Dario
Alberto Guerra plays the role of Dario, Griselda’s third husband. Dressed in black, Dario’s character unfolds as he becomes romantically involved with Griselda, subsequently fathering a child with her. Guerra, known for his roles in ‘El Señor de los Cielos’ and ‘Ladrón de corazones’, brings a nuanced performance to the series.
Vanessa Ferlito: Bringing Carmen to Life
Vanessa Ferlito portrays Carmen, Griselda’s friend who initially distances herself from the drug trade. Ferlito’s previous roles in ‘NCIS: New Orleans’, ‘CSI: New York’, and ‘The Sopranos’ have prepared her well for this complex character.
Juliana Aidén Martinez as June Hawkins
Juliana Aidén Martinez plays June Hawkins, a Miami PD intelligence analyst struggling for recognition in a male-dominated squad. Martinez, previously seen in ‘The Blacklist’ and ‘Prodigal Son’, delivers a compelling performance as a single mother and one of the few Spanish speakers on the force.
Christian Tappan’s Arturo Mesa
Christian Tappan steps into the role of Arturo Mesa, the accountant for Griselda’s Medellín operations. Tappan, with his experience in ‘Pablo Escobar, The Drug Lord’ and other crime dramas, adeptly portrays Arturo’s pivotal role in Griselda’s business ventures.
Camilo Jimenez Varon as Rafa Salazar: A Key Player in the Cocaine Trade
Rafa Salazar, portrayed by Camilo Jimenez Varon, is a pivotal character in ‘Griselda.’ Viewers first see Rafa casually talking to people at a dining table, a cigarette in hand, clad in a striped shirt. “Rafa sat at a dining table outside, talking to people, with a cigarette in his hand,” capturing the essence of his laid-back yet shrewd persona. He is closely associated with the Ochoa family, known as the largest cocaine suppliers in Colombia.
Camilo Jimenez Varon isn’t new to portraying complex characters. His impressive repertoire includes historical drama ‘The Queen and the Conqueror,’ Colombian crime thriller ‘Frontera Verde,’ and the telenovela ‘Paraíso Travel.’
Diego Trujillo as German Panesso: From Telenovela Star to Drug Trafficker
Diego Trujillo steps into the shoes of German Panesso, a contemplative figure dressed in a cream suit jacket. Panesso’s alliance with Griselda forms a central plot point, evolving from a rocky start to a powerful partnership in crime. Trujillo, known for his roles in telenovelas like ‘Cuando vivas conmigo’ and ‘¿Donde carajos está Umaña?,’ brings depth to Panesso’s character. He also portrayed the Colombian version of Walter White in ‘Metástasis,’ a remake of ‘Breaking Bad.’
Martin Rodriguez as Jorge “Rivi” Ayala-Rivera: The Right-Hand Man
Martin Rodriguez’s portrayal of Jorge “Rivi” Ayala-Rivera adds another layer to the narrative. “Rivi sat in a car, pointing a gun outside the window,” encapsulates his intense and action-packed role. Initially serving a rival, Rivi is drawn to Griselda’s charisma and becomes her invaluable right-hand man. Rodriguez’s past roles in ‘Zanahoria (Detrás de la verdad)’ and ‘El cuarto de Leo’ showcase his versatility as an actor.
Orlando Pineda as Dixon: The Fiery Eldest Son
Orlando Pineda brings to life Dixon, Griselda’s eldest son, known for his fiery temper and unwavering loyalty to his mother. His portrayal adds a familial dimension to the story, highlighting the personal stakes involved. Pineda’s acting skills were previously seen in ‘Narcos: Mexico,’ albeit in a minor role.
Jose Velazquez as Uber: The Cunning Middle Son
Jose Velazquez’s role as Uber, Griselda’s middle son, is noteworthy for its portrayal of cunning and wit. “Uber wearing a yellow t-shirt, sat on the edge of the bed, looking to his left,” visually symbolizes his contemplative and strategic nature. Velazquez’s recent work includes the Snap original series ‘Action Royale.’
Martin Fajardo as Ozzy: The Spoiled Youngest Son
Martin Fajardo portrays Ozzy, the youngest son who enjoys his mother’s indulgence. His character adds a unique dynamic to the family structure within the series. Fajardo’s previous work in the telenovela ‘Betty en NY’ speaks to his acting range.
Maximiliano Hernández as Papo Mejia: The Antagonist
Maximiliano Hernández plays Papo Mejia, a drug trafficker with a deep-seated animosity towards Griselda. His role as an antagonist adds tension and conflict to the series. Hernández is known for his roles in ‘Mr Mercedes,’ ‘The Last Ship,’ and ‘Hand of God.’
Gabriel Sloyer as Raul Diaz: The Law Enforcement Perspective
Gabriel Sloyer’s role as Raul Diaz offers a glimpse into law enforcement’s efforts to combat drug trafficking. Diaz is a Miami PD homicide detective heading up CENTAC. Sloyer’s acting credentials include Netflix’s ‘Christmas With You,’ ‘Inventing Anna,’ and ‘Narcos.’
Paulina Dávila as Isabel: A Loyal Friend
Paulina Dávila’s portrayal of Isabel, a close friend of Griselda’s, adds a layer of friendship and loyalty to the narrative. Dávila’s previous roles in ‘Vengaza,’ ‘El Comandante,’ ‘Ella Camina Sola,’ and ‘Ana’ highlight her diverse acting skills.
Karol G as Carla: The Smuggler
Karol G takes on the role of Carla, a friend of Griselda’s involved in cocaine smuggling. Beyond acting, Karol G is celebrated as an award-winning reggaeton and Latin trap artist.
Alberto Ammann as Alberto Bravo: The Brains Behind the Operation
Alberto Ammann portrays Alberto Bravo, Griselda’s second husband, described as the brains of the drug trafficking operation. Ammann is known for his roles in ‘Narcos‘ and ‘Cell 211.’
Exploring the Depths of Griselda Blanco’s Life
Griselda Blanco was more than just a ruthless drug lord; she was a woman who, against all odds, carved out an empire in a male-dominated industry. “Most of the people know of Griselda as the ruthless, violent drug lord that she was,” Vergara stated. “But we also wanted to take time to uncover the deeper story of Griselda, how beyond all odds, a poor uneducated woman from Colombia managed to create a massive, multi-billion dollar empire.”
More than Just a Crime Story
While the series delves deep into the criminal underworld, it also offers a glimpse into the personal lives and struggles of its characters. From the challenges faced by June Hawkins as a single mother working in an all-male squad to the romantic entanglements of Griselda with her husbands and lovers, “Griselda” presents a multifaceted picture of its characters’ lives.
The Legacy of Griselda Blanco and the Impact of the Series
The series not only narrates the rise and fall of a powerful drug lord but also raises questions about gender roles, power dynamics, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of power. As viewers delve into this well-crafted story, they will find themselves questioning the traditional narratives surrounding crime, power, and success.
In conclusion, Netflix’s “Griselda” is a must-watch for those intrigued by true crime stories and powerful character-driven dramas. With its stellar cast, meticulous attention to detail, and a story that goes beyond the surface, this series is poised to become a significant talking point in contemporary television.
