Cris Morena Biography: Net Worth, Age, Parents, Husband, Movies, Songs, Kids

Biography

Cris Morena, born María Cristina De Giacomi on August 23, 1956, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a distinguished television producer, actress, composer, and songwriter.

She is best known for creating some of Argentina’s most beloved youth-oriented series, such as Chiquititas, Rebelde Way, Floricienta, and Casi Ángeles. Morena began her career as a fashion model and actress before shifting to production, establishing the Cris Morena Group in 2002.

A prolific songwriter, she has written numerous hits and is among Argentina’s most successful composers. She is also the mother of the late actress Romina Yan and producer Tomás Yankelevich. Following a hiatus after her daughter’s passing in 2010, she returned to television with new projects, including Te quiero y me duele in 2023.

Argentine television producer and actress
Cris Morena
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	María Cristina De Giacomi
Stage Name:	Cris Morena
Born:	23 August 1956 (age 68 years old)
Place of Birth:	Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nationality:	Argentine
Education:	Liceo Nacional Número 7 Domingo Faustino Sarmiento
Height:	1.72 m
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Giacomi
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Gustavo Yankelevich (m. 1972–1995)
Boyfriend • Partner:	Luciano Castro (1993 – 1994)
Children:	Romina Yan, Tomás Yankelevich
Occupation:	Actress • TV Personality
Net Worth:	$8 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Cris Morena, born María Cristina De Giacomi on August 23, 1956, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, grew up in a city rich in culture and artistic influence.

Immersed in this vibrant environment, she developed a creative spirit that would shape her future career. Like many porteños (Buenos Aires residents), her heritage reflects a mix of European influences, primarily Italian and Spanish. While details about her religious beliefs remain private, Argentina’s predominantly Catholic culture may have influenced her upbringing.

Morena has kept much of her personal life out of the public eye, including details about her parents and siblings, suggesting either a small family or a conscious effort to maintain their privacy. She spent her early years in the Villa Devoto neighborhood, a middle-class area known for its tree-lined streets and close-knit community.

She attended primary school at Escuela Número 13 Bernardino Rivadavia before continuing her education at Liceo Nacional Número 7 Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, a well-regarded secondary school in Buenos Aires.

Although it is unclear whether she pursued higher education, her career path indicates a natural artistic talent honed through hands-on experience rather than formal studies. Before entering the entertainment industry, she briefly worked as a rural school teacher—an early chapter highlighting her versatility and deep connection to people, qualities that later became evident in her work as a producer and songwriter.

Career

Cris Morena’s career is a testament to reinvention, creativity, and cultural influence, transforming her from a rising star to a powerhouse in Argentine entertainment. Born María Cristina De Giacomi on August 23, 1956, in Buenos Aires, she began her journey in the 1970s as a fashion model, quickly gaining recognition in Argentina’s dynamic media scene.

She soon transitioned to acting, appearing in television series and films such as Amándote and Mesa de noticias, where she shared the screen with her then-husband, actor Gustavo Yankelevich. During this time, she also explored music as part of the pop trio Las Trillizas de Oro, but her true creative passion emerged behind the scenes.

Her shift to production began in the late 1980s, driven by her work as a songwriter and creative collaborator with Yankelevich, a leading TV executive. The breakthrough came in 1991 when she co-created Jugate Conmigo, a youth-oriented variety show hosted by her daughter, Romina Yan.

Its success highlighted Morena’s ability to connect with younger audiences, seamlessly blending music, drama, and relatable themes. This laid the foundation for her first major hit, Chiquititas, launched in 1995. Originally a telenovela centered on orphans searching for family, the show became a cultural sensation for seven seasons until 2001. It expanded into stage productions, albums, and international adaptations, with Morena writing hundreds of songs that cemented her reputation as a prolific composer.

In 2002, she founded the Cris Morena Group, asserting her independence as a creative force. That same year, she introduced Rebelde Way, a teen drama following rebellious students at an elite school. The series aired until 2003, developed a global cult following, and inspired Mexico’s Rebelde.

Morena followed up with Floricienta (2004–2005), a modern fairy-tale telenovela that blended romance and whimsy, further showcasing her talent for crafting escapist yet emotionally resonant stories.

Her next ambitious project, Casi Ángeles (2007–2010), combined fantasy, music, and teen drama, co-produced with RGB Entertainment. Each of her productions served as a launchpad for young talent—introducing stars like Camila Bordonaba, Felipe Colombo, and Luisana Lopilato—while also delivering chart-topping pop soundtracks.

In 2010, Morena’s career came to a standstill following the sudden passing of her daughter, Romina Yan, prompting her to step away from the industry. After a decade-long hiatus, she returned in 2023 with Te quiero y me duele, a series for HBO Max, reaffirming her lasting influence.

With over 15 television series, countless songs, and an undeniable impact on generations of viewers, Cris Morena remains Argentina’s “queen of youth TV,” blending entertainment with heartfelt storytelling.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Cris Morena
• IMDb: Cris Morena
• Instagram: Cris Morena (@bycrismorena)
• Facebook: Cris Morena
• YouTube: Cris Morena

Personal Life

Cris Morena, born María Cristina De Giacomi on August 23, 1956, is 68 years old. Morena was married to Gustavo Yankelevich, an Argentine actor and television executive who played a key role in shaping the country’s entertainment industry.

The couple wed in 1972; their relationship extended beyond marriage, as they also collaborated professionally on early projects like Jugate Conmigo. After more than a decade together, they divorced in 1996, with Morena shifting her focus to her career and raising their children.

Cris and Gustavo had two children: Romina Yan, born in 1974, and Tomás Yankelevich, born in 1977. Romina followed in her parents’ footsteps, becoming an actress and singer, starring in her mother’s productions Jugate Conmigo and Chiquititas before her untimely passing in 2010 at age 36.

Tomás pursued a television producer and director career, occasionally working alongside Morena. The loss of Romina deeply impacted her, prompting a period of withdrawal from the public eye. Through Romina, she has three grandchildren—Azul Giordano, Franco Giordano, and Valentin Giordano—who remain a private yet treasured part of her life.

Standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters), Morena was recognized for her striking presence during her modeling career, though her legacy extends far beyond appearances. Since her divorce from Yankelevich, she has kept her romantic life private, maintaining a discreet approach to her dating history.

Net Worth

Cris Morena, born María Cristina De Giacomi, has built a substantial fortune through her multifaceted career as a television producer, actress, composer, and founder of Cris Morena Group.

Cris has amassed a net worth of $8 million, reflecting her success in creating iconic Argentine youth shows like Chiquititas, Rebelde Way, and Floricienta. Her wealth stems from television production, music royalties—having penned numerous hit songs—and international sales of her shows’ formats to networks like Netflix and Disney.

Despite a hiatus after her daughter’s death in 2010, her return with projects like Te quiero y me duele in 2023 underscores her enduring financial and creative influence in the entertainment industry.

Filmography

Television Productions (Creator/Producer)

1. Jugate Conmigo (1991–1994)
   • A youth variety show featuring games, sketches, and music, marking her producing debut with husband Gustavo Yankelevich.
2. Chiquititas (1995–2001, 2006 revival)
   • A telenovela about orphans that became a cultural phenomenon, running seven seasons with accompanying albums and theater productions.
3. Verano del ’98 (1998–2000)
   • Co-created with Yankelevich, a teen drama series airing during summer seasons.
4. Rebelde Way (2002–2003)
   • A teen drama about students at an elite school, spawning the band Erreway and inspiring Mexico’s Rebelde.
5. Rincón de Luz (2003)
   • A children’s telenovela, a spiritual successor to Chiquititas, focusing on orphans and hope.
6. Floricienta (2004–2005)
   • A modern fairy-tale telenovela blending romance and comedy, with hit musical numbers.
7. Amor Mío (2005)
   • A romantic comedy series produced for Telefe, showcasing a lighter tone.
8. Chiquititas Sin Fin (2006)
   • A rebooted season of Chiquititas to celebrate its legacy.
9. Casi Ángeles (2007–2010)
   • A fantasy teen drama with supernatural elements, co-produced with RGB Entertainment, featuring the band Teen Angels.
10. Jake & Blake (2009–2010)
    • A bilingual sitcom about twin brothers, targeting an international audience.
11. Supertorpe (2011–2012)
    • A family comedy series about a clumsy superheroine, co-produced with RGB Entertainment.
12. Aliados (2013–2014)
    • A sci-fi drama about humans and celestial beings working to save Earth, featuring multimedia tie-ins.
13. Te Quiero y Me Duele (2023)
    • A drama series for HBO Max, marking her return after a hiatus, exploring love and pain among youth.

Acting Roles

• Mesa de Noticias (1980s)
  • Appeared in this Argentine comedy series early in her career.
• Amándote (1988)
  • Acted alongside Gustavo Yankelevich in this romantic drama.
• Various Telenovelas and Films (1970s–1980s)
  • Minor roles in Argentine TV and cinema during her modeling and acting phase.

Music and Songwriting

• Composed songs for nearly all her TV projects, including:
  • Chiquititas soundtracks (1995–2001, 2006)  
  • Rebelde Way songs for Erreway (2002–2003)  
  • Floricienta hits like “Mi Vestido Azul” (2004–2005)  
  • Casi Ángeles tracks for Teen Angels (2007–2010)
• Part of the pop trio Las Trillizas de Oro (1970s), performing alongside her sisters-in-law.

Theater Productions

• Chiquititas Teatro (1995–2001)
  • Stage adaptations of the TV series, performed annually.
• Rebelde Way Teatro (2002–2003)
  • Live shows tied to the series and Erreway.
• Floricienta en el Teatro (2004–2005)
  • Theatrical version of the telenovela.
• Casi Ángeles en el Teatro (2007–2010)
  • Elaborate stage productions with original music.

Other Ventures

• Cris Morena Group (Founded 2002)
  • Her production company, responsible for most projects post-2002.