Biography of Mar Castro

Mar Castro was born and raised in Malaga, Spain. Her exposure to the entertainment industry began at an early age, in the form of modeling for prestigious Vella and Loreal Corporations with the stylist/designer Luis Llongueras.

At 16 years of age she moved to Mexico City where she continued her modeling career with various fashion companies and where she went on to study Dramatic Arts at the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico (Autonomous University of Mexico). After her college years, Mar successfully pursued an acting career, landing several leading roles with distinguished directors and casts in movies, the theatre and television.

In 1986, as a result of her appearance in a national television commercial for Carta Blanca Brewery, Inc. in which she danced and sang a cheer (the now famous "Chiquitibum") for the Mexican soccer team, she became one of the most recognized, famous personalities in Mexico. From then on, she would be recognized at a national and international level as "la chica Chiquitibum". For the next four years, she dedicated herself to promotional tours throughout Mexico sponsored by Carta Blanca Brewery, Inc. which included publicity presentations and musical performances with Mar making her debut as a singer/musician in large-scale venues.

Mar began co-producing for the movie industry in Spain along with collaborations in television for "telenovelas" and variety programs in Mexico. When she wasn't busy touring she would take advantage of her free time in Mexico to engage in theatre productions, one of her greatest passions. After receiving various awards for Best Actress, and Best Comedienne (for "La Sonata de los Espectros" and "El Ultimo Enamorado") as well as widespread recognition in modeling and as a singer in her musical career, Mar decided to keep pushing forward by again making a move, this time to Los Angeles, California.

Given that her forte had always been the stage, she ventured into the American entertainment industry, landing performance roles in the theatre, varying from drama to musical comedy. After participating in several productions with reputable companies, Mar continued her studies, this time in musical theory, at Southwestern College which led to her musical participation as a singer in "Misa Azteca" with the Southwestern Repertory. In addition, she persisted in her cinematic career, taking part in television shows on various Spanish language channels, as an actress, field reporter, anchorwoman and producer, as well as in international television shows for networks such as Gems Television.

After a taped copy of the live performance of "Misa Azteca" was entered by Southwestern College in a New York musical audition, the live performance was selected for an encore presentation, this time at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. As an integral member of the choir, Mar performed John Rutter's "Requiem" and "Prelude" in the Carnegie Hall performance on March 19, 2000 in New York.

Shortly thereafter, Mar, still living in Los Angeles, became involved with a local flamenco rock band, "Azul", as their lead singer, with members of the band including Randy Castillo, former drummer with Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crue. After becoming more familiar with the Hollywood local band scene, Mar embarked on creating her own musical band, incorporating some of the rich sounds of her mother country, Spain. Calling the band "Selah", she began performing at various clubs in the city as well as on television shows, writing her own songs and collaborating on original music with an array of talented local flamenco and rock musicians, bringing together the sound of rock with gypsy violins, flamenco instruments and Latino rhythms. After her band was seen playing at a local club, Mar was called in for an audition for Spike Lee's new movie "Love and Basketball". Selah was selected for the musical portion in the movie in which the protagonist travels to Barcelona, Spain; Mar sang an original song for the movie, "Asi Soy Yo".

After her stint in "Love and Basketball", Mar embarked on recording an album of her original music with her band, this simultaneously as she was signed on as Executive Producer and D.J. for a morning radio show on "Viva 107.1 FM" in Los Angeles, also heard in Arizona and internationally on the web.

She shortly thereafter returned to Mexico to take part in the filming of the movie "Corazones Rotos" in which she played Yolanda and sang and composed, "Atame y Desatame", on the movie soundtrack. Currently, Mar is back in Los Angeles, and after starring in the television program "Cuanto Cuesta el Show", hosted "Para Variar", also on Channel 22. In addition, Mar is singing lead vocals with the legendary Latino band "El Chicano", touring throughout the United States.

Mar completed a Music Major with honors and is currently writing her own material. She hopes to record an album soon.