The personal life of Cristina Castaño, finalist of 'Your face sounds to me': her Galician origin, single mother and her meeting with Pope Francis

Cristina Castaño, a Spanish actress and comedian known for her role in Tu cara me suena, has taken center stage once again as one of the finalists in the thirteenth edition of the popular impersonation contest. The 47-year-old performer will compete live on Friday, July 17, 2026, showcasing her talents in music, acting, and singing. Her journey through the competition has been marked by professionalism, reflecting years of experience in television, theater, and film. Born in Villalba, Lugo, on October 30, 1978, Castaño grew up in Galicia before moving to Madrid in her late teens to study journalism, though she eventually pursued acting instead. Her early career began with a minor role in the film Divinas palabras at age nine, alongside her brother Nacho Castaño and Luis Zahera. This exposure sparked her passion for performance, leading her to build a successful career over decades. She has appeared in notable series such as El Comisario, La que se avecina, and Al salir de clase, while more recent projects include roles in Toy Boy, Lume, and The Mallorca Files. Additionally, she has lent her voice to animated films like Hotel Transylvania 3. Castaño's roots in Galicia are deeply embedded in her identity. Her surname, Castaño, is linked to the late radio presenter Pepe Domingo Castaño, whose legacy she carries forward. Growing up in Villagarcía de Arosa and Santiago de Compostela, she developed a strong connection to her homeland. Despite her fame, she remained relatively private about her personal life until recently. In March 2025, Castaño announced her pregnancy, later giving birth to her son León on August 24, 2025. She chose not to publicly disclose the father’s identity, identifying herself as a single mother. León quickly became a central figure in her social media presence, often featured in posts highlighting his milestones. Her maternal grandmother, Gari, who is 97 years old, has also become a frequent subject of affectionate mentions online. Castaño has been selective about discussing her romantic relationships. The only known partner during her public career was Álex Ripoll, a lawyer and adventurer, with whom she dated from 2021 to 2024. Although Ripoll is not the father of León, their relationship was well-documented in the press. Castaño has maintained a close bond with her sister Marga, who supported her through childbirth and continues to be a constant presence in her life. One of the most notable moments in Castaño’s personal history occurred in 2024, when she traveled to Vatican City as part of an international group of comedians invited to meet Pope Francis. Dressed in formal black attire, she had the opportunity to greet the pope directly. In a lighthearted post on social media, she remarked, “He’s the first Argentine I’ve met who doesn’t make me feel nervous.” Beyond the humor, she expressed admiration for the pontiff, though specific comments were not detailed in available reports. Castaño’s career trajectory reflects both her dedication to her craft and her ability to navigate the complexities of public life. From her early days in Galician villages to her current status as a prominent figure in Spanish entertainment, she has consistently balanced professional ambition with personal authenticity. As she prepares for the upcoming Tu cara me suena finale, her story continues to unfold, blending artistry with the realities of family life.