Angelica Celaya On Playing Jenni Rivera In Telemundo's Mariposa de Barrio
- Details
- Category: Interviews
- Created: Monday, 03 July 2017 21:24
- Published: Monday, 03 July 2017 22:10
- Written by Lupe R Haas
Jenni Rivera's life story comes to life in Telemundo's new series, JENNI RIVERA: MARIPOSA DE BARRIO. Actress Angelica Celaya describes her process and method in portraying la diva de la banda during CineMovie's sit down with the star.
JENNI RIVERA: MARIPOSA DE BARRIO airs weeknights on Telemundo at 8pm starring Angélica Celaya (Burn Notice, Dallas, Castle, Constantine) as Jenni the artist, in the series based on the true story of La Diva de la Banda Jenni Rivera, as it follows her in her life-long pursuit for fame and happiness. The Telemundo production offers an autobiographical tale from her birth until her unexpected and tragic death on December of 2012. An original script - based on her book “Inquebrantable” as well as on unpublished testimonies from her family, close friends and associates – shows the many sides of Jenni as a daughter, mother, wife, lover and emblematic artist.
Born and raised in Long Beach, CA to Mexican parents, Jenni Rivera became the most important female figure and top selling female artist in the Mexican music genre. At the onset of her musical career, she was told many times she would not make it. At that time and still today, the regional Mexican music was and is dominated by men.Her recordings often had themes of social issues, infidelity, and relationships. In addition to her passion for music, she was active in her community and donated her time to civic causes. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence appointed her its spokesperson in the United States. A proclamation was given "officially naming" August 6 “Jenni Rivera Day” by the Los Angeles City Council for all her charity work and community involvement.
Rivera earned straight A's in school until her sophomore year, when at 15 she became pregnant with the first of her five children, Janney "Chiquis" Marín-Rivera . She supported her children by selling CDs at flea markets , while working toward her GED at a continuation school and graduating as class valedictorian . She later attended California State University , and obtained a college degree in business administration and worked in real estate before going to work for her father's record label.
A highly determined woman, Rivera was admired by millions for her strength, determination and candor. She sold more than 20 million records worldwide and was awarded 22 Billboard Latin Music Awards, 11 Billboard Mexican Music Awards and two Billboard Music Awards throughout her career. Her life was cut short in a tragic plane crash on December 9, 2012.