Elizabeth Gutiérrez Is Done Being "William Levy's Ex": She's Coming for Hollywood in English - INTERVIEW

Elizabeth Gutiérrez is making her grand return to acting, and she's doing it with purpose. After years away from the screen, the Mexican-American actress has stepped back into the spotlight with Velvet: El nuevo imperio, a glossy Telemundo drama where she plays a stylish and unapologetic character named Sara. But don't get it twisted, this comeback is about more than wardrobe and glam.

Gutiérrez is aiming high: she wants to act in English.

"That's always been the plan and the dream," she says with the kind of smile that signals she's determined.

From Soap Operas to Full Stops

Gutiérrez began her career in 2003 after appearing on the reality Protagonistas de Novela, where she quickly became a breakout figure for her charisma and her relationship with fellow contestant William Levy. Yes, that William Levy, the man dubbed the "Latino Brad Pitt."

The pair became Latin media royalty, sharing the screen and eventually two children, Christopher and Kailey. But while Levy chased stardom in Hollywood—even making brief appearances in Resident Evil and Dancing with the Stars, Gutiérrez stepped back.

In 2010, after a string of successful telenovelas like Acorralada, El rostro de Analía, and El fantasma de Elena, she paused her career to focus on motherhood. No scandal. No fade-out. Just a deliberate choice to raise her kids.

"People think you disappear," she says. "But I never really left. I was just being a mom."

Velvet, Fashion, and Fierceness

Now, she's back with Velvet: El nuevo imperio, a Telemundo series that blends high drama and haute couture. Her character Sara is globe-trotting, fierce, and emotionally layered. Not a villain. Not a heroine. Just complex, which is exactly how Gutiérrez likes it.

"She's not bad, just used to getting what she wants," she says with a laugh. "I had a blast playing her. Every time they dressed me, I thought, 'Wow, what a look!'"

For Gutiérrez, this role was also a signal to the industry: she's ready for more.

"This definitely marks my return," she confirms. "And I want to keep going. I'm not starting from scratch. I'm starting from experience."

Eye on the U.S. Screen

While her name rings bells in Latin households, Gutiérrez was born and raised in the U.S. Her first language is English, and that's the territory she wants to conquer next.

"I feel more comfortable speaking English," she admits. "When I meet someone who speaks English, I switch without even thinking."

She moved to Miami two decades ago, when her Spanish was still rough. But her goal was always bilingual success, start in Spanish-language television, then cross into the mainstream.

"But life takes you where it wants," she says. "Now I'm open to everything. Spanish, English, Chinese — whatever!"

Never Fully Gone

Even while offscreen, Gutiérrez maintained a digital presence. Social media kept her connected to fans, letting them see the woman behind the red carpet looks and soap opera glitz.

"That's the beauty of social media," she says. "It let me stay close to the public, even while I was focused on my family."

Her feed wasn't flashy, but it was authentic. And now, with her children older and more independent, she feels like it's time to reignite the dream she put on hold.

"It's a blessing to be able to come back," she says, her voice brimming with gratitude. "Being a full-time mom is harder than any paid job, but I wouldn't trade it. Now I get to show other women that it's possible to pause and still return."

Next Stop: Who Knows?

Before wrapping up our conversation, Gutiérrez flashes one more smile, part charm, part challenge.

"I'm excited about what's ahead," she says. "I'm ready for new characters, new languages, new platforms."

What's clear is that she's no longer content with just being 'the ex' of a Latino heartthrob. Elizabeth Gutiérrez is carving her own path, speaking her own lines, in the language of her choosing and this time, all the spotlight is hers.