Colombian Actor Andrés Felipe Martínez Finds New Purpose in the US After Career Shift
Colombian actor Andrés Felipe Martínez, known for his roles in popular telenovelas like ‘Parents and Children’ and ‘Gavilanes Passion,’ has publicly shared a deeply personal account of his life in the United States, detailing the challenges and sacrifices he’s made to secure a future for his children. In a recent interview with ‘I know everything’ on ‘Channel 1,’ Martínez revealed the emotional and financial hurdles he faced following a divorce and economic hardship that prompted his move abroad.
Martínez initially relocated to the US hoping to improve his financial situation and provide for his three children – Pablo, Isabella, and Gabriel. However, the transition proved far more difficult than anticipated. “When I arrived, they told me that getting a job was easy, but it wasn’t,” he recounted. “It was hard to me, I had to lift boxes of up to 100 pounds that sent Colombia and Venezuela.”
The actor’s initial months were marked by a stark shift from performing to physically demanding labor. He took on whatever work he could find, including loading merchandise, cleaning houses, and performing tasks he had never done before. “Here you live to work,” Martínez explained. “There is a lot of loneliness.”
Gradually, Martínez found stability in the Transportation and Logistics Sector. He currently works at a vehicle rental company, provides airport passenger pickups, and delivers food. Despite the physical toll, he expressed immense gratitude for the consistent income. “Receive a check in dollars every 15 days, that is priceless. Thanks to that I can send money and feed my children, and that is worth more than anything else,” he said.
The distance from his children has been a significant source of hardship. “Here you live to work. You work, sleep, work, sleep… and without a family, it’s very hard. There is a lot of loneliness,” he confessed. Despite these adversities, Martínez remains steadfast in his commitment to their well-being, stating that returning to Colombia is not currently an option.
“Here I found what I came to look for. Yes, I have difficulties, but I know that I will get ahead. For the first time I have savings, and that is already a great victory,” he stated with conviction.
While acting is no longer his primary focus, Martínez continues to nurture his passion, participating in plays in Atlanta and artistic endeavors within a Christian church. “That will always be my plan B,” he smiled. He fondly recalled a recent experience picking up fellow actor and singer Mauro Castillo at the airport.
Martínez acknowledged the surprise and sometimes pitying reactions he receives from those who recognize him, but he remains unfazed. “People see me and are surprised, photos are taken with me and sometimes they say with regret: ‘Poor!’. But really, my ego does not hurt, because I am doing what is necessary to move my children forward. And that is more valuable than any fame or recognition,” he explained.
He also touched upon the challenges of building a personal life in the US, noting that many Latin individuals are focused on survival and navigating the immigration process. “90 % are Latin and many are in survival mode, trying to resolve their immigration status. It is not easy to connect,” he explained.
Today, Andrés Felipe Martínez embodies resilience and optimism. He has successfully rebuilt his life from the ground up, prioritizing the stability of his family above all else, even as he navigates a world far removed from the spotlight.
