You probably know her as Nidia Pacheco. That's the role that cemented Alina Lozano in the minds of anyone who watched Colombian TV in the early 2000s. She was loud, she was "coqueta," and she basically stole every scene in Pedro el Escamoso. But if you think her career starts and ends with a floral dress and a dramatic sigh, you're missing out on one of the most versatile actors in Latin American television.
Seriously.
Alina Lozano isn't just a comedic sidekick. She’s a powerhouse. Born in Bogotá in 1969, she didn't just stumble into acting; she trained at the National School of Dramatic Art and spent years in theater before the cameras ever found her. That foundation is exactly why she can jump from a goofy sitcom to a gritty Netflix thriller without breaking a sweat. If you are looking for tv shows with alina lozano, you have to look past the memes and see the range.
The Breakthrough: Why Everyone Obsessed Over Nidia Pacheco
Let’s be real for a second. Pedro el Escamoso wouldn't have been the same without her. Playing Nidia Pataquiva de Pacheco, she wasn't just a widow looking for love; she was a representation of a very specific, vibrant Colombian energy. She won the India Catalina and TVyNovelas awards for this in 2002, and for good reason.
She made "the mature woman" someone who still had agency, desires, and a hilariously sharp tongue.
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But then something happens when an actor hits that big. They get pigeonholed. Producers want "another Nidia." Lozano, however, steered the ship in a different direction. She started taking roles that required more nuance and, frankly, more grit.
Beyond the Telenovela: Alina Lozano in Modern Hits
If you want to see her do something totally different, check out Distrito Salvaje (Wild District) on Netflix. She plays Francisca. It’s a far cry from the colorful world of Pedro. The show deals with the complexities of post-conflict Colombia, and Lozano brings a grounded, weary reality to her performance that reminds you she’s a classically trained stage actor.
Essential Watchlist for Fans
- Pa' quererte (2020-2021): She plays Elvira Mora. This one feels like a return to form but with a modern, more mature edge. She actually won another India Catalina for this role in 2021.
- El último matrimonio feliz (2008): This is arguably one of the best-written Colombian dramas of all time. Lozano plays Esther Pimiento. It’s a heavy show about the realities of marriage, and her performance is subtle and heartbreaking.
- La Reina del Sur (2022-2023): Yes, she joined the Kate del Castillo juggernaut. Playing Margarita, she showed that she can hold her own in high-budget international productions just as easily as local soaps.
- Hasta que la plata nos separe (2022): In this remake, she plays Leonor de Méndez. It’s classic dramedy. It’s fast-paced. She’s great.
The Viral Era and Personal Brand
It’s impossible to talk about her recent work without mentioning her social media presence. Her relationship and marriage to Jim Velásquez (who is 30 years her junior) has been the subject of endless tabloid speculation and viral TikToks. Some people love it. Some people think it's all a "performance" for the algorithm.
Honestly? Who cares?
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What’s interesting is how she has leveraged her fame to stay relevant in an industry that usually forgets women over 50. She isn't waiting for a call from a casting director. She's creating her own content, poking fun at herself, and keeping her name in the headlines. Whether it's a scripted show or a "reality" bit on Instagram, she's still acting. She’s still entertaining.
Why She Matters in 2026
Lozano represents a bridge between the "Golden Age" of Colombian TV—when everyone sat down at 8:00 PM to watch the same thing—and the fragmented streaming world we live in now. She’s been in Nickelodeon shows like Yo soy Franky (she played the Director Elizabeth), which means an entire generation of kids knows her face without ever seeing her dance the "Pirulino."
She has this uncanny ability to feel like your aunt or your neighbor. That "vecina" energy is her secret weapon.
If you're diving into her filmography, don't just stick to the hits. Look for her in Pobres Rico or Los Canarios. Even in smaller roles, she brings a specific texture to the screen that feels lived-in.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Watch "Distrito Salvaje" first: If you only know her from comedies, this will completely change your perspective on her acting ability.
- Follow her Instagram but take it with a grain of salt: It's high-energy and often leans into "skit" territory, which is part of her modern persona.
- Check out her film work: Como el gato y el ratón (2002) is a classic of Colombian cinema and shows her range early in her career.
- Look for the "Pedro el Escamoso" sequels: While she didn't return for the most recent 2024/2025 iteration due to negotiation issues, the original remains the gold standard for her comedic timing.
Alina Lozano is a survivor in a brutal industry. She’s transitioned from a TV star to a digital personality while maintaining her credentials as one of the country's most respected actresses. Whether you find her TikToks cringey or hilarious, you can't deny that the woman knows how to command an audience.
The best way to appreciate her is to see the contrast: watch a clip of Nidia Pacheco from 2001, then watch her as Francisca in Distrito Salvaje. The distance between those two characters is where her true talent lies.
Explore her work on platforms like Netflix and Caracol Play to see the full evolution of a Colombian icon.