Spy Kids Star Reveals: Carla Gugino Was Just 27 in Iconic Role!
SPY KIDS REUNION: 24 YEARS LATER, CARLA GUGINO SHOCKS FANS WITH HER AGE SECRET
It's been two and a half decades since the iconic spy comedy film Spy Kids made its debut on the big screen, but the nostalgia is still going strong. The movie's cast has aged like fine wine, with many of them looking just as youthful and energetic today as they did back then. But one actress in particular has left fans stunned - Carla Gugino, who played the role of Ingrid Cortez, a retired Office of Strategic Services agent turned consultant worker and mother to Juni and Carmen.
In an interview with B&C, Gugino revealed that she was only 27 years old when she landed the role of Ingrid, which made her look like a seasoned mom to pre-teens. The actress couldn't believe it herself, joking that she should have been at least 10 years older for the part. "So what's crazy is that when I played Ingrid Cortez in Spy Kids, I was 27 years old, isn't that bananas," she said with a chuckle.
Gugino's youthful appearance didn't go unnoticed by fans, who are still reeling from the revelation on social media. "27???? I'm older than Ingrid Cortez???" wrote one stunned user. Another fan chimed in, "Wait I'm now older than she was when she filmed it?!" It's clear that Gugino's age has come as a surprise to many, but let's be real - she's still looking fabulous at 53!
The Spy Kids franchise has been a beloved favorite among families for generations, and its enduring popularity can be attributed to its innovative storytelling and memorable characters. The first film, written and directed by Robert Rodriguez, became a massive hit in 2001, grossing $147.9 million on a budget of just $35 million. It even landed a spot among the top 20 highest-grossing films of that year!
The original cast included a talented ensemble of actors, including Danny Trejo, Alan Cumming, George Clooney, Teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin, Robert Patrick, and Tony Shalhoub. The chemistry between them was undeniable, making the film's success even more impressive. Gugino's performance as Ingrid Cortez earned her a special place in the hearts of fans, who loved her portrayal of a strong, intelligent, and witty mom.
The franchise continued to thrive with two sequels - Spy Kids 2: The Island Of Lost Dreams (2002) and Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003). Both films were box office hits, grossing $119.7 million and $197 million respectively, on budgets of just $38 million each.
In recent years, the franchise has been rebooted with a new cast and a fresh take. The Netflix movie Spy Kids: Armageddon, released last year, starred Gina Rodriguez and Zachary Levi as super spy parents, alongside an all-star supporting cast. While opinions may vary on whether this latest installment lives up to its predecessors, one thing is certain - the Spy Kids franchise has cemented its place in pop culture history.
Carla Gugino's revelation about her age has sparked a renewed interest in the original film and its talented cast. Fans are now re-watching the movie and reminiscing about their favorite moments from the series. As for Gugino, she's basking in the nostalgia and loving every minute of it. "It's been incredible to see generation after generation just love that movie - there's something timeless about it," she said proudly.
With its blend of action, comedy, and heart, Spy Kids has become a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. And as for Gugino's performance? Well, let's just say it's still ageless!
