Honestly, if you’ve watched a single Mexican telenovela in the last decade, you’ve probably wanted to throw a shoe at Salvador Zerboni. That’s just the effect he has. The man has built a massive career out of being the guy you absolutely cannot stand on screen, yet you can’t look away from either. It’s a gift, really. Whether he’s playing a ruthless cartel member or a manipulative socialite, he brings this weirdly magnetic, high-energy intensity that makes even the most cliché scripts feel like appointment television.
People always ask about Salvador Zerboni movies and TV shows because his filmography is kind of a wild ride. It’s not just soaps. We’re talking gritty films, weird reality TV stints, and even some English-language crossover attempts. Born in Mexico City in 1979, he didn't just stumble into this. He’s a trained actor who knows exactly how to weaponize his sharp features and that signature "don't mess with me" glare.
The Big Break: La Reina del Sur and "El Ratas"
You can’t talk about his career without starting at the peak of the narco-series boom. For many, Zerboni is Ramiro Vargas, better known as "El Ratas." In the 2011 smash hit La Reina del Sur, he played opposite Kate del Castillo, and basically set the gold standard for how to play a slippery, untrustworthy antagonist.
He was terrifying. He was also kind of pathetic in the best way possible. That’s the Zerboni secret sauce—he adds layers of insecurity to his villains so they aren't just cardboard cutouts. It’s probably why that specific show is still what pops up first when you search for his best work.
But he didn't start there.
Actually, his early days involved a lot of legwork in various productions like Machos (2005) and even a stint in the RBD: La Familia series in 2007. If you’re a die-hard fan of the Rebelde universe, you might remember him as Mateo or Daniel, depending on which spin-off you’re watching. It’s funny looking back at those early roles because he looks so much younger, but the "tough guy" energy was already bubbling under the surface.
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Why Salvador Zerboni Movies Are Different
While he’s a titan of the small screen, Zerboni’s film work is surprisingly prestigious. He isn't just doing straight-to-DVD action flicks. In 2008, he landed a role in Rudo y Cursi, directed by Carlos Cuarón. Working with Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna is no small feat. He played Jorge W, and even though it wasn't the lead, it proved he could hang with the heavy hitters of Mexican cinema.
Then you have stuff like Guadalupe Reyes (2019), where he plays Bobby. It’s a comedy, which is a nice break from his usual "I'm going to ruin your life" routine. He has this knack for physical comedy that people often overlook because they’re too busy being scared of him.
Other notable film credits include:
- Cansada de besar sapos (2006) – A rom-com classic where he showed up early in his career.
- Santiago Apóstol (2017) – A more historical/religious turn.
- Melted Hearts (2009) – Where he played Brian Lauper.
He seems to pick movies that allow him to be more than "The Villain," even if the industry keeps trying to put him back in that box. It's a constant struggle for actors with his specific look, but he navigates it pretty well.
The Reality TV Renaissance
Now, this is where things get really interesting. Lately, Zerboni has transitioned into being a reality TV king. If you haven't seen him on La Casa de los Famosos, you are missing out on some of the most chaotic energy ever broadcast.
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He was the runner-up in the second season of the Telemundo version, and fans went absolutely nuts for him. Why? Because he’s exactly the same as his characters—blunt, intense, and totally unapologetic. He calls himself the "Rey sin corona" (King without a crown), which is such a Zerboni thing to say.
He didn't stop there. He’s been on:
- Reto 4 Elementos – Where he proved he’s actually in incredible shape and can handle brutal physical challenges.
- Los 50 – Another high-stakes competition.
- Top Chef VIP – Yes, the villain can cook.
- Apostarías Por Mí (2026) – His latest venture where he’s competing with his partner, Marcela Ruiz.
It’s a smart move. In the modern era, being a "personality" is just as lucrative as being an actor. By showing his real-life temper and humor, he’s built a fanbase that follows him from show to show, regardless of whether he’s playing a character or just being himself.
Breaking Down the Telenovela Years
If you want to binge-watch his best "bad guy" performances, you have to look at the Televisa years. In 2012, he made his debut there in Abismo de pasión. He played Gabino Mendoza, and let me tell you, he was loathsome. He was the accomplice to Sabine Moussier’s character, and they were basically the duo from hell.
Then came Quiero amarte (2013), where he played Horacio Espinoza. Same vibe—manipulative, cruel, and perfectly coiffed. He also had a major turn in A que no me dejas (2015) as Leonel Madrigal.
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What’s impressive is his consistency. He’s worked with everyone from Gloria Trevi in Libre para amarte to Camila Sodi. He’s the reliable antagonist that producers call when they need a character who can carry a subplot through 100 episodes without getting boring.
A Quick Cheat Sheet of Must-Watch Shows:
- La Reina del Sur: Mandatory viewing for the "El Ratas" performance.
- Parientes a la fuerza: A 2021-2022 comedy where he plays Juan "Juancho" Hernández, showing a much softer, funnier side.
- El Pantera: Gritty action from 2009.
- Persons Unknown: A rare English-language venture (he played "Tough #1," which... yeah, that checks out).
The 2026 Shift: What’s Next for Zerboni?
As of early 2026, Zerboni isn't slowing down. His move to TelevisaUnivision for the new reality show Apostarías Por Mí shows he’s still a massive draw for networks. There’s also been a lot of chatter about him returning to scripted dramas in more "anti-hero" roles rather than straight-up villains.
The reality is that the "Villain" archetype is changing. Audiences want to see the "why" behind the bad behavior, and Zerboni is one of the few actors who can actually deliver that nuance. He’s mentioned in recent interviews that he’s looking for roles that challenge the audience's perception of him.
He’s also become a bit of a social media powerhouse. If you check his Cameo or Instagram, he’s lean, healthy, and leaning into the "Aluxe" persona—a nickname that’s stuck with him since his reality TV days. It refers to a mythological Mayan creature, which fits his mischievous, slightly unpredictable vibe perfectly.
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you're looking to dive deep into the Salvador Zerboni movies and TV shows catalog, don't just stick to the newest stuff.
- Check out "Soy tu fan": It’s a cult classic series from 2010 where he has a smaller role, but the show itself is a masterpiece of Mexican television.
- Watch "Rudo y Cursi" first: If you want to see his acting range outside of the "soap opera" style, this is the best entry point.
- Follow the Reality Arc: If you like drama, watch his season of La Casa de los Famosos before jumping into Apostarías Por Mí. You’ll understand his "redemption" arc much better.
Salvador Zerboni is one of those rare actors who has managed to stay relevant for over twenty years in an industry that usually chews people up and spits them out. Whether you love him or hate him (and he’d probably prefer you hate him, as long as you're watching), he’s a permanent fixture of Latin entertainment for a reason.
The best way to keep up with his current projects is to monitor the major Latin streaming platforms like ViX or Peacock, as they’ve been snatching up his entire back catalog lately. Given his track record, he’ll probably be causing trouble on a screen near you for another two decades.