MIAMI - Once a titan in the world of telenovelas, Valentino Lanús had faded from public view since 2018. In his scarce posts on social media, his fans followed his new life in the Riviera Maya, where he was raising a daughter surrounded by nature. Nobody knew he was fighting for his life.
The Mexican actor, renowned for his roles in "El juego de la vida," "Amar sin límites," and other hits, had found a new script to follow—one that led him away from the limelight and into the heart of the jungle. There, he searched for alternative ways to beat a cancer that had spread to his intestines. His days on television seemed like a closed chapter until recently, when he was spotted at Televisa San Ángel in Mexico. It was a prelude to a plot twist no one saw coming—his return to the world of telenovelas.
Valentino Lanús swears he is not the same
This week marks the premiere of "Mi Vida es Tu Vida," where Lanús stars alongside Susana González and Juan Soler. His character, Pepe, is a symbol of modern masculinity, balancing the dual roles of father and mother and embodying virtues like hard work and honesty.
In an interview with the Latin Times, Lanús shared his insights on his first TV role in five years. "Pepe is a great hero, a symbol of a man today who adapts to circumstances and takes charge. This story showcases growth, and as actors we can evolve these characters within their narratives," he said.
Susana González's casting in the telenovela ties back to Lanús's spiritual beliefs. "Susana appeared in one of my dreams," he said. "I take my dreams seriously as part of my spiritual evolution. When the offer came shortly after, I knew it was destiny."
González told the Latin Times that Pepe "is a very special man." "There are many men like him in real life, but you hardly see them on television. It warms my heart to see Valentino with a character so consonant with his current stage in life."
Transitioning back to the fast-paced world of TV was a journey in itself. Lanús credits his time in the jungle and the practice of pranayama and yoga for his newfound ability to manage stress. "Breathing is the start of everything. I discovered a particular area in our bodies that nourishes our spirit," he revealed.
Valentino Lanús and his mission
Lanús's return to acting is not just a career move but a part of his life's mission. "After a spiritual journey, returning to the world to share and awaken others is essential," he explained. "Behind the scenes, there are grander missions."
His battle with cancer was also a transformative experience. He refused receiving chemotherapy, convinced it would kill him, as "it killed my mother," he insisted.
Once he found guides who taught him about fasting, breathing, and exercise, "there was a certainty that I would heal. It was a part of a healing process," he said. "We come from unbalanced habits, but understanding what our body needs, like fasting, is crucial for healing."
The actor also spoke about self-healing, a skill he honed through his spiritual practices. "We have the capacity to heal ourselves. I've learned to heal my injuries through understanding my body and the importance of breathing."
He is convinced that "everybody has the capacity to heal ourselves," but he doesn't pretend that everybody can do it. He just wishes he could teach more people about his process. Right now, he shares his experience with whoever asks him. However, he has a bigger project related to that. "It's coming soon," Lanús promised.
"Mi vida es tu vida" is full circle for Valentino Lanús
The telenovela tells the story of Paula (González), a widow who only has one year left to live. She meets Pepe (Lanús) and her life starts to change.
In his own words, Lanús summarized his journey: "Life is about embracing every twist and turn. In 'Mi Vida es Tu Vida', you'll see characters evolve, much like I have in my life. It's a story of transformation, not just for Pepe, but for me as well."
"Mi vida es tu vida"- TelevisaUnivision Mon-Friday 8 p.m.–7 7C
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