Roxana Billini Santamaría: The Private Life And Short Fame of Eric del Castillo’s Ex-wife

Roxana Billini Santamaría may not be a household name for us today, but during the 1960s and 1970s, she was a household name in the vibrant world of Mexican cinema. Dominican Republic-born and subsequently sending shockwaves through Mexico, Roxana was renowned for both her acting prowess on screen and her spectacular union with the legendary Mexican actor Eric del Castillo. Here is a story of ambition, cross-cultural fertilization, and understated influence in a booming entertainment industry that made its mark on Latin American media.

In spite of a comparably brief span in the public eye, Roxana’s legacy endures—especially with fans of vintage Latin films. From her appearance in the 1973 thriller Suicide Mission to her blood connections with the legendary Del Castillo acting family, Roxana had a life seasoned with celebrity, fantasy, and transformation. In this article, we’ll explore her background, rise to fame, personal life, and legacy, offering a closer look at a woman who helped bridge cultures in an era of cinematic golden years.

Quick Bio

Who Is Roxana Billini Santamaría?

Roxana Billini Santamaría is a Dominican-born actress and producer who gained recognition in Mexico during the early 1970s. Her highest profile appearance was in the film Suicide Mission (Misión suicida, 1973), where she was able to showcase her ability in a male-dominated action category. She was among those tapped by Mexico’s thriving movie industry in its early years to bring international acclaim to Latin American cinema. Although she appeared in relatively low numbers of films, her unique heritage and elegance set her apart from peers.

What then pushed Roxana further into the limelight was her relationship with actor Eric del Castillo, a principal figure of Mexican television and film. Through this relationship, Roxana became member of one of Mexico’s most famous acting families. While Roxana never did enjoy a decades-long career in front of the camera, her beginning in films and connection to a preeminent acting family have kept her name familiar to devotees of early Mexican films.

Early Life

Roxana was born on July 12, 1936, in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Although little about her childhood existence is documented, she shows them all by leaving her home country and exploring acting in a foreign nation. It was not an optimal era for women—especially Latina women—to be entering the film world of the 1960s, and even fewer Dominican women were seen on global media. Her entrance into Mexican filmmaking bore witness to her trailblazer status.

Her history, though not well publicized, indicates a childhood of artistic disposition and independent initiative. A majority of Dominican artists then sought greener pastures elsewhere, as they did not have the resources to sustain themselves. Roxana’s movement from the Caribbean to the Mexican screen reflects the trend of many talented artists who broke barriers to share their work with the world. Her move to Mexico likely exposed her to new opportunities, recognition, and a culture that embraced her distinctiveness.

Career Beginnings

Roxana launched her professional acting career in the early 1970s with her starring role in the action movie Suicide Mission. The film, which played out in the politically charged, high-stress environment of a war zone, presented her with a platform upon which to play not just beauty, but strength and determination—traits not usually accorded female performers in action films during that era. Although she had a small filmography, with this single role alone she is proof of her screen presence and acting range.

Sadly, her acting career lasted just a short time, and there are few accounts of other work or performances. Whether she chose to retire from the public eye or was simply forgotten by an industry that preferred to feature male actors or native-born stars is unclear. Whatever the reason, Roxana’s performance is a small but important part of Mexican film history. Aficionados of vintage Latin American films can still find her work and appreciate the brief but lasting impact she left

Who Is Roxana Billini Santamaría’s Ex-husband?

Roxana was wed to Eric del Castillo, a celebrated and renowned actor from Mexico. Her marriage to him started in 1964 and lasted until 1967, a total duration of three years. It was in the three years they were together that they had a son named Esteban Eduardo Ponciano del Castillo-Negrete Billini. Despite having a brief marriage, Roxana’s relationship with Eric made her a part of one of the greatest acting dynasties of Latin America, and she remains etched in the history books.

Eric del Castillo went on to have a very successful and long career, with over 200 credits in telenovelas and movies. He would later marry Kate Trillo and have two daughters and a son, one being actress Kate del Castillo. Roxana’s son, Esteban, had another direction and studied law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). According to some of his reports, Esteban has had a low-key profile and has a comparatively estranged relationship with his half-sisters. Despite the distancing, Roxana’s relationship with Eric continues to be a defining aspect of her public life.

Roxana Billini Santamaría’s Physical Appearance

Roxana was a typical beauty of her time. While precise figures regarding her weight and height are impossible to find in the publicly accessible records, the manner in which she looked in films during the 1970s seemed to convey the image of beauty and poise. With dominating looks and conviction, she suited the screen best, with the directors and the audiences taking notice of her.

Her personal sense of style leaned towards refined and subdued, often dressed in classic dresses, minimal makeup, and timeless hairstyles. Her presence alone was charming and strong, and she made a lasting impression within the short span of her acting career. Even today, her few available photos depict a woman oozing with self-assurance and elegance—traits of the actresses of her era.

Net Worth

Because Roxana Billini Santamaría departed the public spotlight relatively early, little is known regarding her net worth. Unlike today’s celebrities, most actors of her era did not benefit from multi-million dollar endorsement deals, royalties, or Internet revenue streams. Therefore, any speculation would be educated guesses at best. Her earnings were probably from acting and production services in the early 1970s.

Also, there is no public record Roxana remained involved in entertainment or business ventures after her acting career. Her association with Eric del Castillo and their son, however, suggests that she had access to an upper-middle-class lifestyle during their union. Presently, her financial legacy is a personal affair, most likely administered outside of the realm of public media and publicity.

Legacy

There are no public appearance or upcoming project reports featuring Roxana at this time. Considering her age—getting close to 90—and her prolonged time away from the entertainment scene, it is safe to say she leads a quiet, private life free of cameras and scripts. Nevertheless, her efforts are periodically recognized by fans of classic Mexican cinema and biographers chronicling the legacy of the Del Castillo family.

Even though she will never be seen in public once more, her life is worth examining otherwise. It reminds one of the women who assisted in the construction of Latin American cinema but whose names are not necessarily well-known. Her fight from the Dominican Republic to the hub of Mexican entertainment was a pioneering push for creative expression that is still inspiring.