Mariela Garriga

Mariela Garriga began her artistic career at age 13. She danced professionally in theater and television at the "Ballet de la Televisión Cubana" until she moved to Italy in 2009.

"At four years old I could already read and write, and in my adolescence I wanted to attend boarding school at a very good school in Cuba to study Archaeology". Her dream was to be an archaeologist.

After spending a full year living in Italy, a casting director strongly encouraged her to study acting and, after thinking about it for several months, she decided to train at Michael Rodgers Acting Studio in Milan.

Later she continued her acting studies in New York at Terry Schreiber Studio and The Actors Studio. She has been working as an actress since then, dividing her time between television series and films in Italy and the United States.

Some of her acting credits in the U.S. include the psychological thriller "Bloodline" produced by "Blumhouse Productions", where she plays the lead role of 'Lauren Cole' alongside Seann William Scott and Dale Dickey.

The Horror Anthology "Nightmare Cinema" directed by Master of Horrors Ryuhei Kitamura, David Slade, Joe Dante, Mick Garris and Alejandro Brugues. She also played Pietra Rey in the CBS action series "NCIS Los Angeles" alongside Chris O'Donnell and Daniela Ruah.

In the Italian market she has worked on titles such as "Gli Uomini d'Oro", an incredibly true story directed by Vincenzo Alfieri, produced by IIF Italian Noir, where she plays the lead female role "Gina" alongside Edoardo Leo and Fabio de Luigi.

The comedy "Chi m'ha visto" directed by Alessandro Pondi, where she played 'Sally' alongside PierFrancesco Favino and Beppe Fiorello. She was also a recurring star in the Sky Italian television series "I delitti del Barlume" directed by Roan Johnson and played Remedios in the acclaimed television series "L'Ispettore Coliandro" directed by Manetti Bross for Rai tv.

She served as associate producer of the documentary "The Life and Times of Gordon Hunt".

Last year she wrote and produced a full-length documentary with Gabriel Beristain and Tatiana Luter called E.L.I. The documentary was made to help raise awareness to protect wildlife and the environment against exploitation and crime. In collaboration with 23 actresses from around the world and the Non Profit Foundation Earth League International.

In 2019 she won Best Actress at the "Queen Palm International Film Festival" for her role in the short film "Sombra City".

She currently lives in Los Angeles and is married to Italian entrepreneur Stefano Mongardi.