Mary Paz Banquells is a renowned Mexican actress and public figure who has lived much of her life in the spotlight, both for her artistic lineage and her tumultuous personal life. As the daughter of the legendary Rafael Banquells and actress Dina de Marco, she was born into one of Mexico’s most prestigious entertainment dynasties. While she spent years away from the cameras to focus on her family, Mary Paz Banquells has recently made a powerful comeback to the stage, proving her resilience and talent. Her story is one of strength, overcoming a highly publicized divorce from controversial actor Alfredo Adame, and rebuilding her identity as an independent woman.
Born in Mexico City, Mary Paz Banquells grew up surrounded by the arts. Her father, Rafael Banquells, was a titan of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, and her mother, Dina de Marco, was a respected actress. This environment naturally led her to pursue a career in entertainment. She studied at the Andrés Soler Academy, honing the acting skills that would later land her roles in telenovelas. Mary Paz Banquells is the full sister of the famous singer and actress Rocío Banquells and the half-sister of the acclaimed Sylvia Pasquel, cementing her status as a key member of the Banquells dynasty.
Although her exact birth date is often kept private, Mary Paz Banquells is the younger sister of Rocío (born in 1958), placing her in her early 60s as of 2025. Her youth was marked by her stunning beauty and participation in various television projects. However, unlike her sisters who maintained continuous careers, Mary Paz Banquells made the difficult decision to pause her professional life to become a full-time mother and wife, a choice that would define her narrative for over two decades.
Quick Bio: Mary Paz Banquells
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Mary Paz Banquells Núñez |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Profession | Actress, Public Figure |
| Famous Ex-Husband | Alfredo Adame (m. 1992–2017) |
| Children | Diego, Alejandro, and Sebastián Adame |
| Father | Rafael Banquells |
| Mother | Dina de Marco |
| Famous Sisters | Rocío Banquells, Sylvia Pasquel |
| Known For | Alcanzar una estrella II, High-profile divorce |
| Years Active | 1980s–1992; 2017–Present |
| Current Residence | Mexico City, Mexico |
| YouTube Channel | Los Banquells |
| Recent Work | Theater: Caperucita Roja, Vidita Mía |
Mary Paz Banquells and Alfredo Adame: The Marriage
For 25 years, Mary Paz Banquells and Alfredo Adame were viewed as one of the most stable couples in Mexican show business. They married in 1992 and appeared to have a picture-perfect family life. During this time, Mary Paz Banquells dedicated herself entirely to supporting her husband’s rising career as a soap opera heartthrob and television host. She managed their household and raised their three sons, often staying out of the limelight to let Adame shine.
However, behind closed doors, the reality was far from perfect. Mary Paz Banquells later revealed that her marriage was plagued by psychological abuse and excessive control. She stated that Alfredo Adame gradually isolated her from her own family, forbidding her from seeing her sister Rocío Banquells and her mother Dina de Marco. This isolation was a major source of pain for Mary Paz Banquells, who was incredibly close to her mother before her death in 1998.
The dynamic of the relationship was traditional, with Adame as the provider and Banquells as the homemaker. This structure, while seemingly functional for years, eventually created a power imbalance that Adame allegedly exploited. Mary Paz Banquells has spoken in various interviews about how her self-esteem was eroded over time, leading her to believe she could not function without him. This psychological dependency made the eventual break much more difficult, yet necessary for her survival and mental health.
The Scandalous Divorce
The separation of Mary Paz Banquells and Alfredo Adame in 2017 shocked the public and quickly turned into a media war. The divorce, finalized in 2018, was messy and bitter. Alfredo Adame launched a series of public attacks against Mary Paz Banquells, calling her and her family fraudulent and disgusting. He accused her of stealing from him and mismanaging his money, claims that she has vehemently denied in every opportunity.
In deep interviews, Mary Paz Banquells confessed that she was left with nothing after the divorce. She faced financial ruin and had to restart her life from scratch in her 50s. Despite the fear and the economic pressure, Mary Paz Banquells has described the divorce as a liberation, allowing her to regain her self-esteem and reconnect with the family she had been forced to push away.
The legal battle was not just about assets but about dignity. Alfredo Adame used every platform available to denigrate his ex-wife, often using gender-based insults. In contrast, Mary Paz Banquells maintained a more dignified silence, only speaking to clarify falsehoods or to express her desire to move forward. This contrast in behavior won her the sympathy of the public and the press, who saw her as a victim of a vindictive former partner.
The Children of Mary Paz Banquells
The most important figures in the life of Mary Paz Banquells are her three sons: Diego, Alejandro, and Sebastián Adame Banquells. All three have stood by their mother’s side during the conflict with their father, leading to their own estrangement from Alfredo Adame. The actor has publicly disowned them, stating they are not his children and even questioning their DNA, which has only strengthened the bond between Mary Paz Banquells and her boys.
Diego Adame Banquells, the eldest (approx. 33 years old), is a marketing professional and entrepreneur who owns the company Panorama 360. He also has an interest in voice acting. Alejandro Adame Banquells, the middle son, is a talented artist and illustrator known for his love of anime and geek culture. The youngest, Sebastián Adame Banquells, is a chef, voice actor, and openly gay public figure. Mary Paz Banquells has been a fierce supporter of Sebastián, especially when he faced homophobic remarks from his own father.
The relationship between the sons and their father reached a breaking point when Adame began insulting Mary Paz Banquells publicly. The sons have stated in interviews that they cannot have a relationship with a man who treats their mother with such disrespect. They have become her pillars of support, encouraging her to return to acting and helping her navigate the modern world of social media.
Family Ties: Rocío, Sylvia, and Rodrigo Berlanga
The bond between the Banquells sisters is unbreakable. After her divorce, Mary Paz Banquells reunited with her sister Rocío Banquells, and they are now inseparable. They often work together and support each other’s projects. She is also close to her half-sister Sylvia Pasquel, with whom she shares a father. The sisters are frequently seen together at family gatherings and red carpet events, presenting a united front against the controversies stirred by Adame.
A lesser-known but significant family connection is Mary Paz Banquells‘s nephew, Rodrigo Berlanga Banquells. He is the son of Rocío Banquells and her ex-husband Jorge Berlanga. The family faced a traumatic period when Rodrigo was taken away by his father during his teenage years, separating him from his mother for five years. Mary Paz Banquells supported her sister through this painful episode, highlighting the deep loyalty that defines the Banquells clan.
The unity of the Banquells family has been a source of strength for Mary Paz Banquells. After years of isolation imposed by her marriage, she has fully reintegrated into the family fold. This support system was crucial during the darkest days of her divorce, providing her with emotional stability and a safe haven away from the media storm created by her ex-husband.
Acting Career: Novelas and Movies
Before her long hiatus, Mary Paz Banquells built a respectable résumé in the Mexican entertainment industry. Her early work includes roles in popular telenovelas such as Balada por un amor (1989), El cristal empañado (1989), and the hit series Alcanzar una estrella II (1991), where she played the character Ivonne. She also appeared in films like Crack, vicio mortal and La mujer de los dos.
After her divorce, Mary Paz Banquells returned to her roots. She has actively sought roles in theater to support herself and her children. Recently, she starred in the play Caperucita Roja (Little Red Riding Hood) alongside her sister Sylvia Pasquel and the legendary Silvia Pinal. She also joined the cast of the play Vidita Mía, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to revitalizing her acting career after decades away from the stage.
Her return to acting was not just a financial necessity but a personal triumph. Stepping back onto the stage allowed Mary Paz Banquells to rediscover her passion and her identity as an artist, separate from her identity as a wife or mother. Her performances have been well-received, proving that her talent remained intact despite the years of inactivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Mary Paz Banquells?
She is a Mexican actress, the daughter of Rafael Banquells, and the ex-wife of controversial host Alfredo Adame. - Why did Mary Paz Banquells and Alfredo Adame divorce?
They divorced in 2017 after 25 years due to alleged psychological abuse, control issues, and Adame isolating her from her family. - How many children does Mary Paz Banquells have?
She has three sons: Diego, Alejandro, and Sebastián Adame Banquells, who are currently estranged from their father. - Is Mary Paz Banquells related to Sylvia Pasquel?
Yes, they are half-sisters; they share the same father, Rafael Banquells, but have different mothers. - What does Mary Paz Banquells do now?
After her divorce, she returned to acting in theater productions like Caperucita Roja and runs a YouTube channel called Los Banquells.
Mary Paz Banquells Today
Today, Mary Paz Banquells is a symbol of female empowerment and survival. She has launched her own projects, including a YouTube channel called Los Banquells, where she shares cooking recipes and personal anecdotes. She lives in Mexico City, surrounded by the love of her sons and sisters. Far from being just Alfredo Adame’s ex-wife, Mary Paz Banquells has successfully reclaimed her name and her narrative.
Her journey serves as an inspiration to women starting over later in life. Mary Paz Banquells has proven that it is possible to overcome emotional abuse, financial hardship, and public scrutiny to find peace and happiness. With new theatrical projects on the horizon and a united family, she is living her best life, free from the shadows of the past. Her story is a testament to the fact that it is never too late to reinvent oneself and find joy after trauma.
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