Ana De La Reguera: 7 Surprising Facts About Sister Encarnación From Nacho Libre And Her Life Today

The character of Sister Encarnación, the beautiful and virtuous nun who captivated Ignacio's heart in the 2006 comedy classic *Nacho Libre*, remains one of the film's most memorable elements. Her role as the object of Nacho's forbidden affection provided the emotional core and much of the comedic tension, driving the friar to secretly become a *luchador* to raise money for the orphans. As of late 2025, the actress who brought her to life, Ana de la Reguera, has built an impressive and diverse career far beyond the walls of the Oaxacan monastery, making her a powerhouse in Hollywood and Latin American cinema. This deep dive explores the full story of the Mexican star, her complete biography, and the surprising career path she has taken since her iconic performance as the sister with a heart of gold.

Ana de la Reguera: Complete Biography and Filmography Profile

The actress who played the beloved Sister Encarnación is Anabell Gardoqui de la Reguera, a highly respected Mexican actress and producer. Her career is marked by a seamless transition between Spanish-language telenovelas and major Hollywood productions.

• Full Name: Anabell Gardoqui de la Reguera
• Date of Birth: April 8, 1977
• Place of Birth: Veracruz, Mexico
• Nationality: Mexican
• Famous For: Sister Encarnación in *Nacho Libre* (2006); Elisa in the HBO series *Capadocia*; Maria in the HBO series *Eastbound & Down*; and Marisol in *Goliath*.
• Key Filmography (Selected):
  • *Nacho Libre* (2006)
  • *Cop Out* (2010)
  • *Cowboys & Aliens* (2011)
  • *The Book of Life* (2014)
  • *Narcos* (2015)
  • *The Forever Purge* (2021)
  • *Army of the Dead* (2021)
  • *Goliath* (TV Series, 2018–2021)
  • *Ana* (TV Series, 2020–present) – Creator, writer, and star

The Enduring Charm of Sister Encarnación

In *Nacho Libre*, Sister Encarnación arrives at the monastery and orphanage in Oaxaca, Mexico, bringing a fresh perspective and a firm, yet compassionate, approach to the children's care. Her presence immediately inspires Ignacio (Jack Black), who is secretly the *luchador* Nacho. The character is portrayed as a model of Christian charity and a balancing force to Nacho's obsession with wrestling and competition. She is a beautiful, strong-willed, and deeply Christian woman whose main concern is the well-being of the orphans. The relationship between Ignacio and Sister Encarnación is the emotional heart of the film. Ignacio's desire to win her respect and affection, while adhering to his vows as a friar, is what fuels his transformation into a masked wrestler. His attempts to woo her, including the famous song he writes for her ("I ate some bugs"), are among the film's most quoted moments. Despite the comedic nature of the film, Sister Encarnación represents a pure and aspirational love interest. Her character is crucial for the film's thematic resolution, as her and the orphans' support ultimately gives Nacho the strength to succeed in the ring.

Ana de la Reguera's Career Trajectory Since the Monastery

While *Nacho Libre* introduced Ana de la Reguera to a massive American audience, the role of Sister Encarnación was just a stepping stone in a career that has consistently expanded in scope and complexity. She has actively sought out roles that showcase her versatility, moving from comedy to intense drama and action.

1. From Telenovela Star to HBO Drama

Before her Hollywood break, Ana de la Reguera was a major star in Mexican telenovelas, including hits like *Gitanas* and *Todo por amor*. Following *Nacho Libre*, she transitioned to critically acclaimed television in the US, most notably with the HBO series *Capadocia*, where she played a complex, high-profile inmate, which earned her significant praise. She also had a memorable role as Maria in the comedy series *Eastbound & Down*.

2. Conquering the Hollywood Action Genre

Ana de la Reguera has become a fixture in major action and sci-fi franchises. She starred in *Cowboys & Aliens* and, more recently, took on prominent roles in Zack Snyder's zombie heist film *Army of the Dead* and the dystopian thriller *The Forever Purge*. These roles cemented her status as a versatile actress capable of handling demanding physical and dramatic performances, a far cry from the serene nun.

3. Becoming a Creative Powerhouse

In a major career pivot, De la Reguera created, wrote, produced, and starred in the semi-autobiographical comedy series *Ana* (2020–present). The series, which airs on Comedy Central and Amazon Prime Video, is a bold, humorous, and deeply personal look at her life and career, showcasing her talent as a storyteller and producer.

4. Reflecting on the *Nacho Libre* Legacy

Even years after its release, *Nacho Libre* holds a special place in her heart. For the film's 15th anniversary, De la Reguera reflected on the experience, noting the fun she had working with Jack Black and director Jared Hess. She has acknowledged that the character of Sister Encarnación is a role fans frequently ask her about and one that remains a highlight of her early career.

5. High-Profile Recognition

Her consistent work and impact in both American and Latin American entertainment have not gone unnoticed. In recent years, she has been named a "Top 100 Latina Powerhouse," recognizing her influence and success in the industry. This title underscores her status as one of the most important Mexican actresses working today.

6. The Real-Life Inspiration

The story of Nacho is loosely based on the real-life Mexican Catholic priest, Father Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez (Fray Tormenta), who became a masked *luchador* to support an orphanage. While Sister Encarnación is a fictional character, her spirit of charity and devotion mirrors the real-world motivations of the priest who inspired the film.

7. What She Thinks Sister Encarnación Is Doing Now

When asked in interviews about what the beloved character might be doing today, Ana de la Reguera has humorously suggested that Sister Encarnación is likely still running the orphanage, perhaps with a slightly more relaxed demeanor, and maybe even occasionally attending a wrestling match to support her favorite *luchador*, Ignacio. The enduring appeal of the character lies in her unwavering faith and her subtle, yet powerful, influence on Nacho’s journey.