Nickelodeon LatAM announces cast of GRACHI.

Nickelodeon Latin America, a unit of Viacom Inc. announce the cast of its latest live action series for tweens and teens, GRACHI.  The ensemble features an array of renowned and emerging talent from across the region, including Isabella Castillo as “Grachi” and Andres Mercado, as “Daniel”. The announcement was made today at the 2011 National Association of Television Program Executives Conference by JC Acosta, SVP, CFO and Executive in Charge of Production for MTV Networks Latin America and Tatiana Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of Programming and Creative Strategy for Nickelodeon Latin America.

The cast of GRACHI includes:

Isabella Castillo as “Graciela” a.k.a. “Grachi”, a teenage girl who moves to a new town and encounters new friends and first loves, all while discovering her new-found magical powers. Isabella Castillo is a Cuban-born actress and singer. She had a successful run as the title character in “El Diario de Anna Frank – Un canto a la vida” in Spain. Castillo currently plays the role of Andrea Giron on the hit telenovela El Fantasma de Elena, alongside GRACHI co-stars Katie Barberi and Mauricio Henao.
Andres Mercado as “Daniel”, the school heartthrob and swim champ, who steals Grachi’s heart. Andres Mercado, started his career in commercials at 5 years old in his native Colombia. Today, he is an accomplished actor and musician who has appeared in countless advertising campaigns and telenovelas of note, most recently as “Iker” on Atrevete a Soñar.

Kimberly Dos Ramos as “Matilda”, Daniel’s beautiful girlfriend – and Grachi’s rival – who rules the school, and has a magical streak of her own. Venezuelan actress and model Kimberly Dos Ramos has been in front of the camera most of her life.  She joined RCTV at age four, and has appeared in countless print and television advertisements, in addition to hosting television shows and performing in telenovelas such as Amor a Palos and La Trepadora.

Ramiro Fumazoni as “Francisco”, Grachi’s loving, scientist dad, who teaches at her school. Argentine born Ramiro Fumazoni, started his career as a model in Mexico, where he appeared in campaigns for such brands as Nine West, Dockers and Fruit of the Loom. Fumazoni has also performed in various stage plays and most recently on the telenovela, Vuelveme a Querer.  

Katie Barberi as “Ursula”, Matilda’s elitist and slightly eccentric mom, who falls for Francisco. Legendary Mexican actress, Katie Barberi, has appeared in more than 30 film, television and theatre productions throughout her career. Recent telenovela roles include: La Marca del Deseo, Doña Barbara, Bella Calamidades and El Fantasma de Elena.
Mauricio Henao as “Tony”, The school “nerd” and one of Grachi’s close friends who has a secret crush on her. Mauricio Henao, a Colombian actor and model has appeared on various telenovelas and promotional campaigns, most recently ¿Donde Esta Elisa? and El Fantasma de Elena.

Sol Rodriguez as “Mecha”, A talented young fashion designer and Grachi’s best friend. Newcomer Sol Rodriguez, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, started dancing at age 5, and went on to singing and acting. Daughter of noted musician Oscar Beli, GRACHI marks Sol’s telenovela debut.

Lance Dos Ramos as “Chema”, Daniel’s cousin, whose gift for music doesn’t always translate to his schoolwork. Actor and model Lance Dos Ramos started his career at age 10 in his native Venezuela as part of the dance group “Los Mini Pops”.  He later appeared in various commercials and telenovelas, including, Sabor a Ti, Destino de Mujer and Cuando Hay Pasión.

Adriana Cataño as “Cristina”, mother of Daniel, and the three younger Ezquivel children. Colombian-American actress, model and television host, Adriana Cataño, has appeared in numerous television programs and telenovelas such as Belinda, Morelia, and MariElena, as well as the American films Bad Boys, and Holy Man. She’s also graced the cover of such acclaimed magazines as Ocean Drive, People, Cosmopolitan, HOLA and TV y Novelas, amongst many others.

Other notable cast members include: Alexandra Pomales, Maria del Pilar Perez and Sharlene Taule as “Las Panteras”; Lianet Borrego, as “Cussy”, Lino Martone as “Julio”, EvaLuna Montaner as “Melanie”, Andres Cortino as “Roberto”, Cristian Campocasso as “Luis”, Manuel Carrillo as “Ricardo”, Martha Pabon as “Señora Directora” and Marisela Gonzalez as “Lolo”.  

The series, which will be produced in Miami, using the latest high definition technology, follows Grachi, a young girl who must learn to use her new-found magical powers all while coping with school, boys and growing up. Her rivalry with classmate Matilda for the affection of heart-throb Daniel sets the stage for a bewitching battle of spells that is sure to enchant and captivate viewers across the region.

GRACHI will premiere on Nickelodeon Latin America on Monday, May 2nd, 2011.  Additionally, the telenovela has also been closed with several broadcasters in Latin America through Comarex, the networks distribution partner for this production.