Manuel Landeta isn’t your typical telenovela veteran. He’s navigating one of the most dramatic chapters of his career. He is a living proof that reinvention doesn’t have an age limit. Born José Manuel Goenaga Jassan on October 5, 1958, in Mexico City, Landeta recently made headlines for breaking a 46-year partnership with Televisa to join rival network TV Azteca. If that wasn’t enough, his son Imanol staged one of Mexican entertainment’s most talked-about comebacks in 2024, while Landeta himself underwent major spinal surgery in March 2025.
For over four decades, this Mexican actor and singer has been a fixture in telenovelas, doing everything from romantic leads to complex villains.
Biography
Manuel Landeta’s early years were shaped by economic hardship and family resilience. His father, Carlos Goenaga, was a businessman whose enterprise collapsed, leaving the family in such dire straits that homelessness became a real threat. It’s a chapter Landeta has referenced in interviews, acknowledging how those formative struggles built his character. His mother, Elena Jassan, held things together during these turbulent times, providing the stability that kept the family afloat.
Growing up with three brothers in Mexico City, Landeta faced another challenge: his father’s disapproval of his acting aspirations. Carlos viewed the entertainment industry with skepticism, concerned about its reputation and unsure about his son’s future in such an unpredictable field. But Landeta pressed on anyway.
The surname Goenaga points to Basque-Spanish roots on his father’s side, while Jassan suggests Levantine ancestry, likely Lebanese or Syrian. This blend was common among Mexican families shaped by Middle Eastern immigration during the 20th century. Raised Catholic, Landeta’s faith influenced his cultural identity, though he’s kept religious matters largely private throughout his career.
Rather than pursuing extensive formal education, Landeta focused on professional training in the performing arts. He studied classical dance at an academy under instructors like Alejandra Divina, while developing his singing and acting skills through self-directed practice. By his late teens and early twenties, he was ready to launch what would become a decades-spanning career.
Career
The most seismic shift in Landeta’s career happened in 2024 when he left Televisa after nearly five decades of exclusive collaboration. His move to TV Azteca for the iconic anthology series “Lo que callamos las mujeres” sent shockwaves through Mexican entertainment circles. Presented at a press event on March 22, 2024, alongside Sergio Basáñez, Mayra Rojas, and Larisa Mendizabal, the new season premiered April 13, 2024 on Azteca UNO.
“This change of networks is normal for me,” Landeta told El Universal with characteristic nonchalance. “I’m a free actor, without ties.”
The freedom didn’t last long in one direction. By late 2024, he’d already returned to Televisa for a guest appearance on the sitcom “Más vale sola,” playing a character named Richie alongside María Elena Saldaña and Omar Fierro. “I hadn’t set foot in Televisa to record in about eight years, that’s a lifetime,” he reflected in a Radio Fórmula interview. His December 2024 comments to Infobae captured his philosophy perfectly: “In life you must fight and persist for what you seek and want, because that’s what life is about.”
Landeta’s television journey began around 1983-1984 with “La pasión de Isabela,” launching his career at approximately 25. After appearing in “Juana Iris” (1985), his breakthrough arrived with “Martín Garatuza” (1986), where he played the titular character in a historical drama set in colonial Mexico. That role established him as a leading man in Televisa productions, setting the stage for everything that followed.
Throughout the late 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, Landeta built an impressive portfolio. He tackled antagonist roles in “Rubí” (2004), earning a TVyNovelas nomination, and delivered memorable performances in “La fea más bella” (2006-2007) and “Mar de amor” (2008-2010). His portrayal of villains became particularly noteworthy in the 2010s. As Rubén Cáceres Muro in the 2010 “Teresa” remake, he earned another TVyNovelas nomination for Best Antagonist Actor.
The crown jewel of his career came in 2014 with “La Impostora,” where he played Adriano Ferrer and won the Premios Tu Mundo award for Primer Actor (Legendary/First Actor). Other significant roles include “Corazón valiente” (2012-2013), “Amor de barrio” (2015), “Un camino hacia el destino” (2016), and “Mi marido tiene familia” (2017-2019).
Recent Work and Recovery
His most recent confirmed television credit is “Contigo sí” (2021-2022), where he played Sandro Santillana, an engineer trapped in a destructive marriage who spirals into alcoholism. The 33-episode series ran from July 2021 to February 2022, and Landeta described the character as “far from the other characters I’ve played, a victim of himself.”
In 2023, he appeared in “Amores que engañan” Season 2 on Lifetime Latin America, playing Osvaldo in the episode “Secretos de Familia.” That same year, he took on the role of Luigi Kappala in “Amores Incompletos,” a comedy-drama about a grumpy 65-year-old man discovering his deceased wife had three lovers.
On the theatrical front, Landeta has been starring in “Juana y un amor de tres,” a cabaret musical at Foro San Rafael in Mexico City, playing Pedro Navajas. The production, featuring the Orquesta Pérez Prado performing live with a cast of over 30 artists, was still running as of late November 2024.
In March 2025, Landeta publicly revealed he’d undergone spinal surgery, a procedure addressing an injury he’s “been dragging along” since 1991. The original damage occurred during a production of the musical “Cats,” when a fall damaged his spine. “I’m recovering from spinal surgery, alignment and balancing, the usual,” he said with his trademark humor. “I walk 10 kilometres daily, but I’m being very careful right now with the post-operative period. Fortunately, I was in the hands of a great neurosurgeon.”
This wasn’t his first rodeo with spinal issues. Around 2012, he underwent two spine surgeries on May 1 and May 15, with the first causing temporary paralysis when disc fragments displaced. He needed electrostimulation therapy to regain mobility. The 2025 surgery appears to be ongoing maintenance of this chronic condition, and his doctors have advised him to avoid activities like horseback riding.
His recovery has limited professional activity in early 2025. When a reporter suggested an actor of his calibre should be on screen, he responded with dry wit: “Tell the producers that, please.”
Beyond telenovelas, Landeta released the vocal album “Mírame” in 2001, featuring romantic pop tracks. He’s also performed in theatre productions including “José el soñador” (1998), “Loco por ti” (2000), and the Mexican premiere of “Crazy for You.” His dance skills were showcased in reality competitions “Bailando por México” (2005) and “Bailando por la Boda de mis Sueños” (2006).
Personal Life
Manuel Landeta married Angelina Martí on October 5, 1985, notably choosing his own birthday as their wedding date. As of 2025, they’ve been together for over 40 years, making theirs one of the longest-lasting marriages in Mexican entertainment. Angelina, who studied at ITAM (Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México), comes from an upper-class Mexico City family and has maintained a remarkably private life despite her husband’s public visibility.
In 2024 interviews, Landeta credited their enduring marriage to mutual respect and love. She’s been described as his anchor and biggest supporter, providing stability throughout the industry’s ups and downs.
Landeta is the father of two sons who’ve both followed him into entertainment. Imanol Landeta, born July 23, 1987 (now 38), is a well-known actor and singer who began as a child star in “Vivo por Elena,” “Clase 406,” and other telenovelas. After stepping away from entertainment around 2009 largely due to hereditary alopecia that began at age 14, Imanol studied business administration, became a pilot, and ran a parking lot operations business with his brother.
2024 marked Imanol’s dramatic comeback. He joined the cast of “Mentiras: el Musical,” participated in the “2000s por siempre” nostalgia concert tour, and was cast in the telenovela “Papás por Conveniencia” (premiered October 21, 2024). Most notably, he competed on “Las Estrellas Bailan en Hoy” Season 6, partnered with actress Sandra Itzel, and won the competition on December 13, 2024 by a single point.
The victory sparked controversy when actress Odemaris Ruiz accused Imanol of pursuing her while simultaneously courting Sandra Itzel during the competition. In March 2025, Manuel publicly defended his son, particularly criticizing podcast host Mariana Botas: “That Mariana speaks that way about my son, I don’t accept it.” He clarified: “Imanol wasn’t even dating Sandra Itzel. They were work colleagues.”
Imanol’s personal life includes a divorce from María Julia Ruiz (married July 8, 2017, divorced around 2020) and an ongoing custody situation regarding their daughter Julia, born August 2018, who lives in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora with her mother.
Younger son Jordi Landeta (born circa 1990) remains far more private. A former child actor who starred in “Serafín” (1999-2000), Jordi studied computer engineering and co-founded the parking lot business with Imanol, ventures that were severely impacted by COVID-19. He became a father in late September 2022, when Manuel announced on Instagram: “When your heart beats outside your body. Grandfather for the second time. Jordi is now a dad.”
Manuel now has two grandchildren: Julia (Imanol’s daughter, born 2018) and Jordi’s son (born September 2022).
Physical Stats
Standing at 1.80 metres (approximately 5’11”), Landeta is now 67 years old. The hereditary alopecia that affected his sons also impacts him, a condition the family has addressed publicly over the years.
Net Worth
Manuel Landeta’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million USD (approximately MXN 20-100 million based on current exchange rates).
The range seems plausible given his 46-year career as a consistently working, though not top-tier, telenovela actor. His wealth comes from steady roles across four decades in high-profile productions like “La Impostora,” “Teresa,” and “Corazón valiente,” supplemented by theatre performances, his 2001 music album, reality TV appearances, occasional film work, and business ventures.
Rather than blockbuster-level fame or major endorsements, Landeta’s financial stability is built on longevity, family-oriented stability, and diversified pursuits. It’s the wealth of a respected veteran who’s made smart choices and maintained steady work in a notoriously unpredictable industry.
Awards and Recognition
Landeta’s most notable award remains the 2014 Premios Tu Mundo for Primer Actor (Legendary/First Actor) for his role as Adriano Ferrer in “La Impostora.” His nomination history includes several Premios TVyNovelas bids: for “Rubí” (2005), Best Antagonist Actor for “Teresa” (2011), and a 2016 nomination. He was also nominated for Best Villain at the Premios Tu Mundo for “Corazón valiente” (2012-2013).
Other recognition includes a handprint ceremony at Plaza de las Estrellas (May 7, 2010), a career tribute at Teatro Milán (2017), and a 44th career anniversary tribute performance of “CATS” at Teatro Centenario Coyoacán (2019). No new awards or nominations have been reported for 2024-2025.
Filmography
Telenovelas and Television Series
1980s
- La pasión de Isabela (1984) – Debut role
- Juana Iris (1985) – Jaime
- Martín Garatuza (1986) – Martín Garatuza (first leading role, 90 episodes)
- El cristal empañado (1989) – Claudio
1990s
- Ángeles sin paraíso (1992) – Abelardo
- Clarisa (1993) – Roberto Arellano / Rolando Garza
- Sentimientos ajenos (1996)
2000s
- Piel de otoño (2004-2005) – Víctor Guitiérrez
- Rubí (2004) – Lucio Montemayor “El Conde de Aragón” (TVyNovelas nomination)
- Destilando amor (2007)
- Mañana es para siempre (2008-2009) – Graciano
- Fuego en la sangre (2008) – Anselmo Cruz
- Mar de amor (2009-2010) – León Parra Ibáñez
2010s
- Teresa (2010-2011) – Rubén Cáceres Muro (TVyNovelas nomination for Best Antagonist Actor)
- Corazón valiente (2012-2013) – Bernardo del Castillo (Premios Tu Mundo nomination for Best Villain)
- Corazón indomable (2013) – Teobaldo
- La Impostora (2014) – Adriano Ferrer (won Premios Tu Mundo for Primer Actor)
- Amor de barrio (2015) – Edmundo Vasconcelos
- Un camino hacia el destino (2016) – Hernán Sotomayor Landa
- Mi marido tiene familia / Mi marido tiene más familia (2017-2019) – Augusto Musi
- El señor de los cielos (2019-2020) – Cecilio Martínez
2020s
- Contigo sí (2021-2022) – Sandro Santillana (33 episodes)
- Amores que engañan, Season 2 (2023) – Osvaldo
- Más vale sola (2024) – Richie (guest appearance)
Anthology Series
- Los simuladores (2008-2009)
- Mujeres asesinas (2010)
- Lo que callamos las mujeres (2024) – TV Azteca
Reality/Competition Shows
- Bailando por México (2005)
- Bailando por la Boda de mis Sueños (2006)
Films
- Huapango (2004) – Santiago
- Por mujeres como tú (2004)
- Cambalache (2017) – Jorge Nitales
- Amores Incompletos (2023) – Luigi Kappala
Theatre
- José el soñador (1998)
- Loco por ti (2000)
- Crazy for You (Mexican premiere)
- Cats (1991)
- Juana y un amor de tres (2024) – Pedro Navajas
Music
- Mírame (2001) – Vocal album featuring romantic pop songs
Q&A
Who is Manuel Landeta?
Manuel Landeta, born José Manuel Goenaga Jassan, is a renowned Mexican actor and singer famous for his extensive career in telenovelas spanning over four decades.
When was Manuel Landeta born?
He was born on October 5, 1958, in Mexico City, Mexico.
How old is Manuel Landeta?
Manuel Landeta is 67 years old as of 2025.
What is Manuel Landeta’s real name?
His real name is José Manuel Goenaga Jassan. Manuel Landeta is his stage name.
Who is Manuel Landeta’s wife?
Manuel Landeta has been married to Angelina Martí since October 5, 1985. They’ve maintained a stable relationship for over 40 years.
How many children does Manuel Landeta have?
He has two sons: Imanol Landeta (born 1987) and Jordi Landeta (born circa 1990), both of whom work in entertainment.
How many grandchildren does Manuel Landeta have?
He has two grandchildren: Julia (born 2018, Imanol’s daughter) and Jordi’s son (born September 2022).
What is Manuel Landeta’s height?
He stands at 1.80 metres (approximately 5 feet 11 inches) tall.
What is Manuel Landeta’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million USD.
Did Manuel Landeta leave Televisa?
Yes, in 2024 he left Televisa after 46 years to join TV Azteca’s “Lo que callamos las mujeres,” though he returned to Televisa later that year for a guest appearance on “Más vale sola.”
What are Manuel Landeta’s most famous roles?
His notable roles include Martín Garatuza (1986), Rubén Cáceres in Teresa (2010), Bernardo del Castillo in Corazón valiente, and Adriano Ferrer in La Impostora (2014), for which he won a Premios Tu Mundo award.
Has Manuel Landeta released any music?
Yes, he released a vocal album titled “Mírame” in 2001 featuring romantic pop songs.
What happened to Manuel Landeta in 2025?
In March 2025, he underwent spinal surgery to address a chronic injury dating back to a 1991 accident during a production of the musical “Cats.”