Carlos Enrique Mata Iturriza, known as Carlos Mata, is a Venezuelan actor and singer who was a leading figure in Latin American telenovelas during the 1980s and 1990s.
Known for his deep voice and romantic image, he earned the nickname “El Galán de las Telenovelas.”
Mata starred in popular international hits like La dama de rosa, Señora, Las dos Dianas, and Déjate querer, often playing tormented yet charming protagonists who captivated audiences across the continent and beyond.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Carlos Enrique Mata Iturriza
- Stage Name: Carlos Mata
- Born: August 28, 1952
- Age: 74 years old
- Birthplace: Caracas, Venezuela
- Nationality: Venezuelan
- Occupation: Actor and Singer
- Height: 1.80 m
- Parents: Unknown
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Maribel Uzcátegui (m.1980s)
- Children: Carlos Javier Mata, Christian Mata, and Santiago Mata
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $8 million
Early Life and Education
Carlos Enrique Mata Iturriza was born on August 28, 1952, in Caracas, Venezuela, though some biographical records also cite Valencia as his birthplace. Details about his parents and any siblings remain private and have never been publicly shared.
He initially studied architecture at university but soon abandoned those studies to pursue his true passion for music and acting. His ethnicity is Venezuelan with Latin American roots, and his religion has not been publicly disclosed.
Career
Carlos Mata began his artistic career in the mid-1970s as a singer, releasing romantic ballads that quickly climbed Venezuelan radio charts and earned him early recognition.
His transition to acting came naturally when producers noticed his photogenic looks and expressive voice; he made his telenovela debut with supporting roles before landing his breakthrough as the tormented Luis David in La dama de rosa (1986), a massive RCTV hit that turned him into an overnight sensation across Latin America.
The combination of his on-screen chemistry with leading ladies and his habit of recording theme songs for his own series created a unique crossover appeal that few performers achieved.
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked Mata’s golden era, with back-to-back triumphs in Señora (1988), Las dos Dianas (1992), and Déjate querer (1993), all of which achieved record ratings and extensive international distribution.
As a recording artist he placed several albums on the Billboard Latin charts, including the gold-certified Qué por qué te quiero and Enamorado de ti, blending soft rock and romantic pop that perfectly matched his telenovela image.
He also starred in theater productions and hosted television specials, further cementing his status as a complete entertainer.
Carlos Mata stepped back from the spotlight in the late 1990s to focus on family and selective projects, returning occasionally for guest appearances and concerts that still draw devoted crowds.
His classic series continue to air in reruns and on streaming platforms throughout the Spanish-speaking world, ensuring new generations discover his work. With a discography of over a dozen albums and more than twenty leading telenovela roles, Mata’s contribution to the romantic genre and Latin pop remains a benchmark for charisma and longevity in Venezuelan show business.
Social Media
Carlos Mata does not have a verified social media account.
Personal Life
Carlos Mata married Maribel Uzcátegui during the height of his fame in the 1980s, and the couple had three sons: Carlos Javier, Christian, and Santiago. He has always kept his family life remarkably private, rarely discussing his marriage or children in interviews, though he has described fatherhood as his greatest joy.
Known for his disciplined lifestyle and passion for fitness, Mata maintains an athletic physique well into his seventies through regular exercise and healthy eating.
Filmography/Discography
- La dama de rosa (1986)
- Señora (1988)
- Anabel (1988)
- Las dos Dianas (1992)
- Déjate querer (1993)
- Enamorada (1999)
- Carlos Mata (1983)
- Qué por qué te quiero (1986)
- Enamorado de ti (1990)
- Yo soy (1994)
Net Worth
Carlos Mata has an estimated net worth of $8 million, built primarily through decades of earnings from leading roles in high-rating RCTV and Venevisión telenovelas, international syndication residuals, and royalties from his successful music catalog that includes multiple gold and platinum records.