Argentine-Mexican actress Susana Zabaleta is making headlines with her starring role in the Netflix series “El Encanto,” a drama that explores the intricacies of Mexican high society and family secrets. Zabaleta, a veteran of Mexican cinema, television, and theater, brings to life the powerful matriarch Aurora Montenegro, a character known for her icy elegance and behind-the-scenes manipulation. In recent interviews with *El Universal* and *Quien* magazine, Zabaleta shared her extensive research on the aristocratic families depicted in the series, focusing on the shifting power dynamics in post-revolutionary Mexico City. She highlighted the challenge of portraying Aurora as a complex character, driven by a desire to protect her family’s legacy.

The series, which premiered on Netflix on October 27, 2023, has sparked online discussions about Zabaleta’s performance and Aurora’s relationships with the younger generation. Critics from *Variety* and *IndieWire* have praised Zabaleta’s nuanced portrayal, noting her ability to convey both vulnerability and ruthlessness. With upcoming performances in a 2024 revival of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” in Mexico City, Zabaleta continues to demonstrate her versatility as a performer. Her return to a leading dramatic role has been hailed as a “renaissance” by the Mexican entertainment press, solidifying her status as one of Mexico’s most respected theatrical and screen talents. Social media is abuzz with reactions to the series, with trending hashtags highlighting Zabaleta’s impactful performance and sparking renewed interest in her earlier work, including her celebrated telenovela roles in the 90s and 2000s.