Leonor Varela

Date of Birth: December 29, 1972

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Leonor Varela is a Chilean actress and model best known for her roles in both Latin American and Hollywood films. Born in Santiago, Chile, she began her career in her home country before transitioning to international projects. Varela gained global recognition with her portrayal of Cleopatra in the 1999 television mini-series “Cleopatra.” She has since appeared in various films and TV shows, including “Blade II,” “Innocent Voices,” and “Dallas.” Varela was born into a family deeply rooted in the arts; her mother, Leonor Palma-Keller, is a massage therapist, while her father, Francisco Varela, was a renowned biologist and philosopher. Her early exposure to diverse cultures and intellectual pursuits shaped her worldview and artistic endeavors. She moved to France during her teenage years, where she studied acting at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris and later at the Ecole de Passage. Throughout her career, Varela has been involved in many humanitarian efforts, focusing on environmental activism and animal rights. She is married to producer Lucas Akoskin, with whom she has two children. Varela continues to work in the entertainment industry, balancing her professional and personal life while advocating for causes close to her heart.

5 Interesting Facts about Leonor Varela

1. Leonor Varela is fluent in four languages: Spanish, French, English, and Italian.

2. She was considered for the role of Elektra in the film “Daredevil,” which eventually went to Jennifer Garner.

3. Varela has a strong passion for environmentalism and has been actively involved with organizations like Oceana.

4. She starred alongside Wesley Snipes in the 2002 hit film “Blade II,” where she played Nyssa Damaskinos.

5. Varela’s father, Francisco Varela, was a co-founder of the Mind and Life Institute, which fosters dialogue between science and Buddhism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leonor Varela

1. “Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”

2. “I believe in the power of storytelling to change the world.”

3. “My father taught me that science and spirituality are not mutually exclusive, and that has shaped my approach to life and work.”

4. “Being a mother has given me a new perspective on life and my career. It has grounded me in ways I never anticipated.”

5. “Environmental activism isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about saving ourselves and future generations.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Leonor Varela is estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Leonor Varela has two children with her husband, producer Lucas Akoskin: a son named Matteo Varela Akoskin, born in 2012, and a daughter named Luna Mae Akoskin, born in 2015. Tragically, Matteo passed away in 2018 due to complications from a rare genetic disorder called leukodystrophy.