The entertainment world is currently mourning the loss of a revered voice acting legend, Gabriela Michel, the mother of actress Aislinn Derbez. Her passing on November 24, 2025, at the age of 65, has brought renewed attention to her influential career and her complex, yet loving, relationship with the famous Derbez family. As of today, December 18, 2025, fans and colleagues are celebrating her life and remarkable contributions to Latin American dubbing, which spanned decades and made her voice instantly recognizable across countless films and television shows. This article delves into the life, career, and family dynamics of Gabriela Michel, celebrating her legacy and shedding light on the woman who raised one of Mexico's most prominent actresses, Aislinn Derbez. We look beyond the headlines to explore her professional achievements, her brief marriage to Eugenio Derbez, and the heartfelt tributes that have followed this sudden loss.
Gabriela Michel: A Full Biography and Professional Profile
Gabriela Castrejón Michel was a highly respected Mexican actress, radio announcer, and, most notably, a prolific voice-over artist in the Latin American dubbing industry. Her career was marked by versatility and a distinct vocal talent that brought life to numerous iconic characters for Spanish-speaking audiences. The loss of Gabriela Michel at age 65 on November 24, 2025, was confirmed by her family, with reports suggesting the cause was a heart attack. The news has been met with an outpouring of condolences from the Mexican entertainment community, including the National Association of Interpreters (ANDI), which confirmed the sad event.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Gabriela Castrejón Michel |
| Date of Birth | October 24, 1960 |
| Date of Death | November 24, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 65 |
| Cause of Death (Reported) | Heart Attack |
| Profession | Voice Actress, Radio Announcer, Actress |
| Notable Kin | Aislinn Derbez (Daughter), Eugenio Derbez (Ex-Husband) |
| Spouses | Eugenio Derbez (m. 1986; div. 1987), Jorge Alberto Aguilera (m. approx. 1990s) |
The Voice Behind the Icons: Gabriela Michel's Dubbing Legacy
Gabriela Michel's professional identity was deeply rooted in the world of *doblaje* (dubbing), where she lent her voice to some of the most memorable characters in modern cinema and television. Her work allowed international productions to resonate with Spanish-speaking audiences, solidifying her status as a pillar of the industry. One of her most famous roles was providing the first Latin American Spanish voice for
Samantha Jones (portrayed by Kim Cattrall) in the iconic series *Sex and the City*. This role, in particular, showcased her ability to capture a character’s boldness and humor, making the character’s personality translate seamlessly across cultures. Her extensive list of voice roles includes work in various genres, demonstrating her impressive range:
- Samantha Jones in the early seasons of *Sex and the City*.
- Dubbing the voice of Eloise Hawking in the popular TV series *Lost*.
- Voicing Becky Barnett in the film *Boogie Nights*.
- Contributing to major film projects such as *The Parent Trap*, *The Santa Clause 2*, and *Bedtime Stories*.
- In the anime world, she provided additional voices for the Roman Sound dub of *Neon Genesis Evangelion*.
Beyond her voice work, Gabriela Michel also had a successful career as a radio announcer, further cementing her status as a versatile media professional. Her dedication to her craft and her distinct vocal texture left an indelible mark on Latin American media, a legacy that is being celebrated today.
The Derbez Connection: A Brief Marriage and Lasting Family Bond
Gabriela Michel's connection to the world of Mexican celebrity began with her relationship with actor and comedian
Eugenio Derbez. While their relationship lasted approximately seven years, their official marriage was notably brief. They married in 1986 but divorced just one year later in 1987. Despite the short duration of the marriage, their relationship resulted in their only child together, the now-famous actress and model, Aislinn Derbez, born in 1986. This connection ensured Gabriela remained an integral part of the extended Derbez family narrative. Aislinn has often spoken candidly about her family dynamics, including the relationship between her parents and her unique upbringing. She has consistently portrayed a strong, loving bond with her mother, Gabriela.
Life After Eugenio Derbez
Following her divorce from Eugenio Derbez, Gabriela Michel found a long-term partner in fellow voice actor and radio announcer
Jorge Alberto Aguilera. Aguilera is also a well-known figure in the industry, famous for his work as the announcer on the children’s show *En Familia con Chabelo*. Michel and Aguilera had a long relationship, though some recent reports suggest they were separated at the time of her passing. Regardless of her marital status, her focus remained on her family and her impactful career in dubbing, nurturing a close relationship with Aislinn throughout her life.
Aislinn Derbez's Heartfelt Tribute and Public Reaction
The news of Gabriela Michel's death prompted an immediate and emotional response from Aislinn Derbez. After a period of silence, Aislinn broke her silence and released a heartfelt statement on social media, paying tribute to the woman who raised her. The public tribute highlighted the profound impact her mother had on her life, celebrating her creativity, strength, and unique spirit. The loss is particularly poignant given the close relationship Aislinn shared with her mother, a relationship often explored in depth on her reality series and podcasts. The tributes from Aislinn and other family members underscore the deep void left by the sudden passing of the beloved voice actress. The entire Derbez family, including Eugenio Derbez, his current wife Alessandra Rosaldo, and Aislinn’s half-siblings Vadhir Derbez and José Eduardo Derbez, have rallied around Aislinn during this difficult time, demonstrating the close-knit, albeit non-traditional, family support system.
FAQs About Gabriela Michel and Aislinn Derbez's Mother
The recent news has led to many questions about Gabriela Michel's life and her connection to the famous family.
What was Gabriela Michel's cause of death?
Gabriela Michel's death on November 24, 2025, was widely reported to be the result of a heart attack. She passed away at the age of 65.
Was Gabriela Michel married to Eugenio Derbez?
Yes, Gabriela Michel and Eugenio Derbez were married in 1986 but divorced in 1987. However, their relationship lasted for approximately seven years and resulted in the birth of their daughter, Aislinn Derbez.
What was Gabriela Michel's most famous voice role?
She is perhaps best known for being the first voice to dub the character of Samantha Jones for the Latin American Spanish version of the popular series *Sex and the City*.
Who is Aislinn Derbez's stepfather?
Aislinn Derbez's stepfather is Jorge Alberto Aguilera, a respected voice actor and radio announcer, known for his work on *En Familia con Chabelo*. He was Gabriela Michel's long-term partner after her relationship with Eugenio Derbez.
Did Aislinn Derbez release a statement?
Yes, Aislinn Derbez released a public statement and tribute on social media shortly after her mother's passing, expressing her grief and celebrating her mother's life and legacy. The life of Gabriela Michel was one of professional success and deep family connections. Her voice may be silenced, but her legacy lives on through the countless characters she embodied and, most importantly, through her daughter, Aislinn Derbez.
