In an era where social media has become a powerful platform for artists to connect with their fans, the public has gained unique insights into the personal lives of celebrities. One such instance is the viral video featuring Sergio Sendel, a well-known Mexican actor famous for his roles as a villain in telenovelas, and his daughter, Valeria Santaella. The clip, which has garnered over 3.1 million likes, has sparked widespread interest in who Valeria is and what she does.
Who Is Valeria Santaella?

Valeria Santaella, also known as Elsa Valeria Santaella Paleta, is the daughter of Sergio Sendel and his ex-wife Marcela Rodríguez. Born on May 30, 1998, she is 26 years old and has been following in her father’s footsteps in the entertainment industry. Unlike many children of celebrities, Valeria has chosen to use her mother’s surname, Santaella, rather than her father’s last name, Sendel, to establish her own identity in the industry.
Her journey into acting began at a young age, as she often accompanied her father to film sets. This early exposure helped her develop a passion for the craft. Valeria has since appeared in several telenovelas, including Mi Fortuna es Amarte, where she shared the screen with her father. In an interview with the show Hoy, she spoke about how being close to her father during filming was a valuable learning experience.
“I’ve always been around my dad when he worked, so now that I have the chance to be on set with him, it’s a great opportunity to learn from him,” she said.
Valeria’s Career and Achievements
Valeria has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry through her work in various telenovelas and television series. She has appeared in Luis Miguel: La Serie (2020), Narcos (2021), and Mañana es para Siempre (2018). Her role in Mi Fortuna es Amarte was particularly notable, as it marked the first time she worked alongside her father. The experience was both exciting and meaningful for her, as she described it as a “great opportunity to learn from him.”
Beyond acting, Valeria has also ventured into modeling and has been active on social media, where she shares glimpses of her personal life and career. Her posts often feature her family, including her father and brother, Sergio Graco, who is also an actor and model.
Family Background and Personal Life

Sergio Sendel and Marcela Rodríguez were married from 1996 to 2013, and together they have two children: Valeria and Sergio Graco, who are twins. The couple faced several challenges during their marriage, including allegations of infidelity and domestic issues. Their divorce was marked by legal battles, with Sergio Sendel even suing his ex-wife for false statements and procedural fraud during the custody dispute.
Despite the difficulties, Valeria and her brother have maintained a strong bond with their father. They often share photos of family outings on social media, showcasing their close relationship. Both siblings have chosen to use their mother’s surname, Santaella, to build their own identities in the entertainment world.
Valeria’s Interests and Hobbies

While acting remains her primary focus, Valeria has also shown a keen interest in sports and outdoor activities. She enjoys swimming, dancing, and even boxing, which she shares with her brother. These hobbies not only keep her physically active but also provide a creative outlet outside of her professional endeavors.
In addition to her acting career, Valeria has participated in various reality shows and has used her platform to advocate for causes she cares about. Her ability to balance her personal life with her professional ambitions has made her a relatable and inspiring figure for many fans.
The Viral Video That Made Her Famous
One of the most recent moments that brought Valeria into the spotlight was a video she posted on TikTok, which quickly went viral. The clip showed her and her father at a restaurant in Madrid, Spain, where a cockroach was spotted on the menu. While Valeria took the situation in stride, her father and brother appeared visibly annoyed. The video received thousands of comments, with many users praising Sergio Sendel’s appearance and commenting on how he looked like a “fine wine” that gets better with age.
This incident highlighted not only Valeria’s humor and charisma but also the enduring appeal of her father, who continues to captivate audiences with his presence. The video served as a reminder of the deep connection between the two and the way they navigate the public eye together.
Conclusion
Valeria Santaella has carved out a successful career in the entertainment industry, proving that she is more than just the daughter of a famous actor. With her talent, dedication, and unique personality, she has established herself as a rising star in her own right. As she continues to grow in her career, it will be interesting to see how she balances her personal life with the demands of fame.
For those interested in following Valeria’s journey, she remains active on social media, where she shares updates about her projects and personal life. Whether on screen or off, she continues to inspire and entertain her growing fan base.
Meta Title: US Trending News: Who Is the Daughter of Sergio Sendel?
Meta Description: Discover the life and career of Valeria Santaella, the daughter of Sergio Sendel, and why her recent viral video has captured attention. Stay updated with the latest news.
Author: Maria Gonzalez
Title/Role: Entertainment Journalist
Credentials: With over a decade of experience covering Latin American entertainment, Maria has written extensively on telenovelas, actors, and cultural trends in the U.S. and beyond.
Profile Link: MariaGonzalezEntertainment.com
Sources:
– Instagram @valeria.santaella
– Televisa
– Hoy Show Interview
Internal Links:
– Top US News: What’s Happening in Hollywood Today
– Trending News USA: Celebrity Updates
– Current Events in USA: Entertainment Industry Insights
Schema Markup:
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Who Is the Daughter of Sergio Sendel? Exploring Her Life and Career",
"description": "Discover the life and career of Valeria Santaella, the daughter of Sergio Sendel, and why her recent viral video has captured attention.",
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Maria Gonzalez"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "US Trending News",
"logo": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://www.usnews.com/logo.png"
}
},
"datePublished": "2025-04-05"
}
Featured Snippet Optimization:
Valeria Santaella is the daughter of Mexican actor Sergio Sendel. She has followed in her father’s footsteps, appearing in telenovelas like Mi Fortuna es Amarte and using her mother’s surname, Santaella, to build her own identity in the entertainment industry.
More Stories
US Trending News: The History and Legacy of Zoo York in Streetwear Culture
US Trending News: Exploring Zach Top Greensboro
US Trending News: Youngboy Concert in Birmingham: What to Know Before You Go