The Unseen Strength: Who Is Marisa Gutiérrez, Karla Sofía Gascón's Wife Of Nearly 30 Years?

The world knows Karla Sofía Gascón as the trailblazing Spanish actress who made history at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first openly transgender performer to win the prestigious Best Actress Award for her phenomenal role in the musical crime drama *Emilia Pérez*. However, behind the spotlight, the true anchor of her life is her long-time spouse, Marisa Gutiérrez, a woman whose unwavering support and nearly three-decade-long partnership form the foundation of Gascón’s extraordinary journey.

As of December 2025, the couple’s enduring relationship continues to be a powerful testament to love that transcends conventional boundaries, having navigated the complexities of Gascón's public career and personal gender transition. Their story is one of profound commitment, shared history, and a fiercely protected private life away from the media frenzy.

Karla Sofía Gascón: A Brief Biography and Profile

Karla Sofía Gascón’s life is a masterclass in transformation, both personal and professional. Her recent global recognition is the culmination of a career that spans decades in both Spanish and Mexican cinema and television.

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• Full Name: Karla Sofía Gascón
• Date of Birth: March 31, 1972
• Age (as of 2025): 53
• Place of Birth: Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
• Nationality: Spanish
• Spouse: Marisa Gutiérrez
• Children: One daughter, Victoria Gascón (born c. 2011)
• Gender Transition: Completed her gender transition in 2018.
• Notable Works: *El Súper* (1996), *El pasado es mañana* (2005), *The Noble Family* (2013), *Emilia Pérez* (2024).
• Historic Achievement: First openly transgender actress to win the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival (2024).

Before her celebrated turn in *Emilia Pérez*, Gascón was a well-known figure in the Spanish-speaking entertainment world, particularly in Mexico, where she starred in the massive box-office hit *The Noble Family* (2013). Her career, marked by versatility and intensity, laid the groundwork for the groundbreaking role that would bring her international acclaim.

The Enduring Love Story of Karla and Marisa Gutiérrez

The relationship between Karla Sofía Gascón and Marisa Gutiérrez is remarkable not only for its longevity but also for its depth, having begun long before Gascón’s public transition. Their journey debunks the notion that true love cannot adapt to profound personal change.

Meeting as Teenagers in Madrid

Karla and Marisa’s connection began in their youth. They first met in a Spanish nightclub in Madrid when Gascón was just 19 and Gutiérrez was 18 years old. This initial encounter blossomed into a serious relationship, and the couple married in their mid-twenties, solidifying a bond that has now lasted for nearly 30 years. This long-term relationship history provides a powerful narrative of commitment and shared life experiences.

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A Supportive Spouse Through Gender Transition

One of the most compelling aspects of their marriage is Marisa Gutiérrez’s role as a supportive spouse during Karla Sofía Gascón's gender transition. Gascón completed her transition in 2018, a period that can be intensely challenging for any couple. Marisa’s steadfast love and commitment throughout this process speak volumes about the strength of their connection, highlighting the power of unconditional love within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. The fact that their relationship not only survived but thrived through this major life change is a source of inspiration for many fans and observers.

Gascón has often been private about the specifics of their personal life, a choice that Marisa supports to maintain a sense of normalcy and privacy for their family. However, Gascón has spoken about her family on multiple occasions, always referring to Marisa as her partner and a crucial pillar of her life.

Family Life: Daughter Victoria and Protected Privacy

Karla Sofía Gascón and Marisa Gutiérrez are parents to a daughter named Victoria Gascón, who was born around 2011. The family unit is a tight-knit one, and both Marisa and Victoria have been seen supporting Karla at major career milestones, including the opening of *Emilia Pérez* and the 2024 New York Film Festival.

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The couple has made a conscious effort to keep their daughter and their family life out of the constant glare of the media. This protective stance ensures that Victoria can grow up with a degree of privacy, despite her mother’s high-profile career. This dedication to their private life is a common thread for many long-term celebrity spouses, including Marisa Gutiérrez, whose own professional details are not widely publicized, reinforcing her identity as a private figure.

The theme of family support is central to Gascón’s success. The stability provided by Marisa and Victoria allowed Gascón to fully immerse herself in the intense and demanding role of Manitas / Emilia Pérez, a performance that required her to portray both the male and female identities of the character.

The Cannes Triumph and Global Recognition

The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment for Karla Sofía Gascón, cementing her status as a global cinematic force. Her role in Jacques Audiard’s *Emilia Pérez* was a critical sensation, earning her the highest honor at the Cannes Film Festival.

Making History at Cannes

In May 2024, Karla Sofía Gascón became the first openly transgender actress to win the Best Actress award at Cannes. She shared the prestigious prize with her talented co-stars, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, recognizing the ensemble nature of the film. This historic win not only validated her talent but also sent a powerful message of visibility and inclusion to the world.

The film, a musical crime comedy, received a nine-minute standing ovation at its premiere, signaling its powerful impact. Gascón's portrayal of a Mexican cartel leader who undergoes gender-affirming surgery to become the titular Emilia Pérez was hailed as complex and deeply moving. Her ability to embody both sides of the character was a key reason for the shared award.

The Road to the Golden Globes and Oscars

Following the Cannes victory, Gascón and *Emilia Pérez* quickly became major contenders in the international awards circuit, generating significant Oscar buzz. Her work earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination, making her the first trans actress ever nominated in that category, further solidifying her place in film history. The journey from her early career in Spain and Mexico to the world’s most prestigious film festivals is a testament to her perseverance and the quiet, rock-solid support she receives at home.

The entity of Marisa Gutiérrez is intrinsically linked to this success. Her role as the anchor of Karla’s personal life allowed the actress to focus on her craft and take on a role that was both personally and professionally challenging. Their enduring marriage serves as a powerful, unspoken narrative within Karla Sofía Gascón's public story of triumph and transition.