Mario Vaquerizo

Mario Vaquerizo Caro (born 5 July 1974) is a Spanish singer, journalist, writer, talent manager, and television personality, renowned for his eclectic career spanning music, media, and entertainment, as well as his long-standing marriage to iconic singer Alaska.^[1] As the lead vocalist of the pop-electronic band Nancys Rubias, formed in 2004, he has released several albums and performed extensively, blending humor, irreverence, and pop aesthetics in songs like "Me da igual" and "Peluquitas."^[2] His public persona, marked by flamboyant style and candid commentary, has made him a staple on Spanish television and radio, including collaborations on programs such as El Hormiguero and Sálvame.^[3] Vaquerizo's professional journey began in journalism, where he earned a degree from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and contributed articles to publications including Rolling Stone, Vanidad, Primera Línea, and El País de las Tentaciones starting at age 21.^[4] Transitioning into talent management, he worked at Subterfuge Records in 1999, promoting artists like Fangoria (Alaska's band), and later represented figures such as Elsa Pataky and Leonor Watling.^[5] Beyond music and media, he has authored the book Vaquerizismos (2016), appeared in films like La reina del convento (2024), and participated in reality competitions including Tu cara me suena (2019) and El Desafío (2024).^[4] In his personal life, Vaquerizo met Alaska on 10 June 1999, sharing their first kiss that day; the couple married in Las Vegas on 29 November 1999 and formalized their union in Spain on 27 May 2011.^[6][7] They reside in Madrid's "Casa Rosa" and have maintained a high-profile relationship for over 25 years, often sharing insights into their dynamic through media appearances and the 2011 MTV reality show Alaska y Mario.^[8] Tragically, he lost his brother in a 2004 traffic accident, an event that has influenced his reflections on family and resilience.^[9] In October 2024, Vaquerizo suffered a serious stage fall during a Nancys Rubias concert in Cáceres, resulting in hospitalization but eventual recovery, highlighting his enduring commitment to live performances.^[10]

Early life

Childhood in Madrid

Mario Vaquerizo Caro was born on July 5, 1974, in Madrid, Spain, to parents Ángel Vaquerizo and Ángeles Caro, a couple from modest origins.^[11][12] He grew up alongside an older brother, also named Ángel, and a younger sister, Marta, in a close-knit family environment.^[13] The family resided in the Vicálvaro neighborhood, a peripheral district of Madrid known for its working-class communities and village-like atmosphere during the mid-20th century.^[14] Vaquerizo's early years unfolded amid Spain's post-Franco transition, a transformative era following the dictator's death in 1975, which ushered in democratization and cultural liberalization.^[11] This period overlapped with the emergence of the Movida Madrileña in the late 1970s and 1980s, a bohemian countercultural movement centered in Madrid that celebrated punk, pop music, avant-garde fashion, and performance arts, influencing the city's youth despite Vaquerizo's young age at the time.^[14] Living on the outskirts in Vicálvaro, he experienced the ripple effects of this urban renaissance from afar, as the neighborhood retained a more traditional, community-oriented feel reminiscent of a small town annexed to the capital decades earlier.^[14] From an early age, Vaquerizo displayed a keen interest in entertainment and popular culture, devouring magazines like Superpop—which featured international pop stars and celebrities—as young as five or six years old, often with his grandmother's secret assistance.^[11] He idolized figures like John Travolta, inspired by films such as Saturday Night Fever, and enjoyed dancing spontaneously with his aunts during family gatherings, hinting at an innate affinity for performance.^[11] His father later recalled him as a sensible and affectionate child, though Vaquerizo also endured bullying from neighborhood peers, who mocked and even threw stones at him for his effeminate mannerisms.^[11] These experiences, combined with parental exposure to diverse music genres ranging from heavy metal to light pop tunes, laid the groundwork for his later artistic inclinations.^[15]

Early career beginnings

Vaquerizo pursued formal education in journalism at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, where he earned a degree in Ciencias de la Información.^[4] He began his professional career in this field at the age of 21, around 1995, contributing articles to various publications focused on culture and entertainment.^[4] His initial forays into media involved freelance writing for outlets such as El País de las Tentaciones, Vanidad, Primera Línea, Rolling Stone, Canal +, and La Razón, where he covered topics in arts and music during the late 1990s.^[4] These early journalistic efforts were self-directed, building on his academic training and reflecting a growing interest in the cultural scene of Madrid.^[16] In 1999, Vaquerizo entered the music industry by joining the promotion department of Subterfuge Records, an independent label, where he handled advertising and press for emerging artists.^[4] This role marked his first significant connections to the sector, including work as a press agent for Spanish groups and involvement in album launches.^[16] His entry into these professional spheres was shaped by the cultural influences of his youth in Madrid, particularly the vibrant Movida Madrileña movement of the 1980s, which exposed him to icons of Spanish pop and performance art.^[16] This background fueled his transition from writing to hands-on roles in music promotion, bridging his journalistic skills with performance-related activities.^[16]

Professional career

Music career

Mario Vaquerizo co-founded the Spanish glam pop band Las Nancys Rubias in 2004 in Madrid, initially as a one-off humorous performance at the Morocco nightclub that quickly gained popularity and evolved into a full-fledged group.^[17] As the lead singer under the stage name Nancy Anoréxica, Vaquerizo has been the creative driving force, performing alongside bandmates including Juan Pedro del Moral (Nancy Travesti on guitar), Marta Vaquerizo (Nancy O on keyboards), and Miguel Balanzategui (Nancy Reagan on bass).^[18] The band's early repertoire drew heavily from covers and tributes to 1970s and 1980s pop icons, infused with Vaquerizo's energetic, theatrical delivery that emphasizes fun and satire over conventional rock seriousness.^[17] In 2005, Las Nancys Rubias signed with Warner Music Spain, marking the start of their professional recording career, through which they released several albums blending electro-pop, glam, punk, and camp aesthetics.^[19] Notable releases include their self-titled debut Nancys Rubias (2005), Gabba Gabba Nancys (2007), Una cita con Nancys Rubias (2009), Ahora o nunca (2011), Marcianos Ye-Yés (2017), a 2023 reinterpretation of covers titled Orquesta Nancy, and Reset (2025), all under Warner.^[19][20] Key tracks such as "Peluquitas" from the 2011 album, a playful ode to wigs and style, and "Me da igual" (a Spanish adaptation of Icona Pop's "I Love It"), exemplify the band's irreverent, high-energy anthems that celebrate queer culture and excess. Vaquerizo's performance style features exaggerated gestures, vibrant costumes, and a punk-inflected pop sound that prioritizes spectacle and audience participation.^[21] Vaquerizo holds songwriting credits on several tracks, including "Supertravesti," an original composition about a superheroic transvestite figure, which the band performed before it was covered by Fangoria.^[22] Early material often collaborated with producers like Nacho Canut of Fangoria, reflecting Vaquerizo's connections in Madrid's indie scene, but his contributions grew to include lyric adaptations that amplify the band's campy, subversive themes.^[17] Beyond the band, Vaquerizo has pursued side projects, such as the 2010 promotional single "Emergencia Capilar," a humorous collaboration with Pantene featuring glam rock elements and lyrics co-written with J.C. Moreno and Nacho Canut.^[23] Over two decades, Las Nancys Rubias has influenced Spanish indie pop by pioneering a glam-punk hybrid that embraces humor, drag-inspired visuals, and covers of classic hits, fostering a niche for irreverent, inclusive performances in the Madrid underground and beyond.^[24] Their enduring presence, marked by sold-out tours and collaborations, has helped normalize camp aesthetics in mainstream Spanish music.^[25]

Journalism and writing

Mario Vaquerizo entered the field of journalism after earning a degree in the subject from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in the mid-1990s. His professional writing career gained momentum in the early 2000s, when he began contributing articles to prominent Spanish media outlets focused on entertainment and lifestyle topics. These included the supplement El País de las Tentaciones of the newspaper El País, as well as La Razón, and magazines such as Vanidad, Primera Línea, Rolling Stone, and In Touch.^[26][27] Vaquerizo's journalistic output typically centered on pop culture analysis, in-depth celebrity interviews, and commentary on fashion trends, reflecting his deep immersion in Spain's vibrant entertainment scene. His pieces often highlighted emerging and alternative voices within the industry, contributing to greater visibility for underground artists and subcultural phenomena in mainstream Spanish media. For instance, through profiles and critiques in outlets like Rolling Stone and Vanidad, he bridged niche scenes with broader audiences, fostering a more inclusive dialogue around contemporary Spanish pop and rock.^[28][26] Over time, Vaquerizo transitioned from freelance contributor to published author, expanding his literary footprint beyond periodical journalism. A notable milestone was his 2014 book Fabiografía, a collaborative memoir co-authored with artist Fabio McNamara, in which McNamara recounts his life and career in first person under Vaquerizo's guidance. The work delves into McNamara's multifaceted journey as a painter, musician, writer, and performer, offering an intimate portrait of Madrid's underground art world from the 1970s onward. Published by Espasa, Fabiografía received attention for its candid exploration of creative eccentricity and cultural rebellion, solidifying Vaquerizo's role as a chronicler of Spain's alternative scenes. This evolution from column-writing to book authorship underscored Vaquerizo's influence in shaping narratives around pop culture and personal reinvention, with his publications helping to elevate discussions of underground talent within the broader Spanish media ecosystem.

Television and acting

Mario Vaquerizo has built a notable presence in Spanish television through reality programming and guest appearances that highlight his vibrant and eccentric personality. He starred alongside his wife, Alaska, in the MTV Spain reality series Alaska y Mario, which premiered in 2011 and ran for five seasons until 2018, offering an intimate look at their daily life, travels, and interactions with friends and family.^[29] The show, produced by El Terrat, captured Vaquerizo's humorous and unfiltered demeanor, contributing to his popularity as a charismatic media figure. In voice acting, Vaquerizo provided the Spanish dub for the character of Frankenstein in the animated film Hotel Transylvania (2012), a role that showcased his distinctive, energetic vocal style in a family-friendly context.^[30] He reprised the voice in subsequent installments of the franchise, further establishing his versatility in dubbing work.^[31] Vaquerizo has made frequent guest appearances on prominent Spanish talk shows, often leveraging his quick wit and bold opinions to engage audiences. On El Hormiguero, he has appeared multiple times since 2011, including a memorable December 2024 segment where he and Alaska acted as "detectives del amor," humorously analyzing couples' dynamics in a comedic skit.^[32] Similarly, he has been a recurring guest on El programa de Ana Rosa from 2012 onward, participating in discussions on pop culture and personal anecdotes that underscore his outspoken persona.^[33] These spots emphasize his role as a lively commentator rather than a scripted performer. On the big screen, Vaquerizo took on the supporting role of "Siniestro" in the comedy film Torrente 5: Operación Eurovegas (2014), directed by Santiago Segura, where his cameo added to the film's satirical tone. His acting endeavors extend to live performances, though marked by an unfortunate incident in October 2024, when he fell from a rotating platform during a Nancys Rubias concert at the Horteralia Festival in Cáceres, leading to hospitalization for observation and a period of recovery.^[34] Despite the mishap, Vaquerizo's on-stage energy remains a defining element of his entertainment contributions.^[35]

Personal life

Marriage to Alaska

Mario Vaquerizo met singer Alaska (Olvido Gara Jova) in 1999 through professional music circles, when he was tasked with promoting her band Fangoria.^[36] At the time, Vaquerizo was 25 years old and working as a press agent, while Alaska, aged 36, was in another relationship; their initial connection evolved from a professional acquaintance into a romantic partnership later that year.^[37] This meeting marked the beginning of a relationship that has since become one of the most enduring and publicly celebrated in Spanish entertainment.^[38] The couple's marriage took place on November 29, 1999, in a spontaneous ceremony at a Las Vegas wedding chapel, just four months after their first kiss on June 10.^[39] Described as an impulsive and iconic event reflective of their irreverent personalities, the wedding was officiated in the presence of close friends but held no legal validity in Spain due to differing marriage laws.^[40] They formalized their union civilly in Madrid on May 27, 2011, ten years later, to ensure legal recognition in their home country.^[41] Their partnership has significantly intertwined their professional lives, with Vaquerizo serving as the manager for Fangoria since the early 2000s, handling promotions, tours, and artistic decisions alongside bandmate Nacho Canut.^[6] This collaboration extended to joint media projects, most notably the MTV reality series Alaska y Mario (2011–2018), which chronicled their daily life, travels, and creative endeavors, further cementing their status as a dynamic duo in Spanish pop culture.^[42] Vaquerizo and Alaska have chosen to build their life together without children, prioritizing their mutual support and shared passions in music, fashion, and public performance over family expansion.^[43] Over more than two decades, their relationship has exemplified a resilient, egalitarian bond that has influenced their public images and contributed to their joint prominence in the Spanish entertainment industry.^[6] In his family life, Vaquerizo experienced tragedy when his older brother Ángel died at age 32 in a traffic accident on August 8, 2004, an event that has shaped his perspectives on loss and resilience.^[9]

Public persona and recent events

Mario Vaquerizo is renowned for his flamboyant and eccentric fashion sense, often characterized by bold, glamorous outfits that blend glam-rock aesthetics with high-heeled shoes and theatrical flair, establishing him as a prominent LGBTQ+ icon in Spanish media.^[44] His showmanship, particularly as the lead singer of the band Nancys Rubias, has cultivated a vibrant public image that celebrates queer expression and challenges traditional gender norms, contributing to the broader democratization of LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream Spanish culture.^[45] In recent years, Vaquerizo has remained active in television and public events, including hosting the third episode of the talent show Encuentros con Sabor on La Sexta in March 2024, where he collaborated with a group of theater enthusiasts at Mahou's Guadalajara factory to create beer-paired recipes centered on tomato-based dishes.^[46] He also starred in his debut lead role as the aspiring nun Juanita in the comedy film La Reina del Convento, which premiered in Spanish cinemas on February 2, 2024, directed by Carmen Perona.^[47] These appearances highlight his ongoing engagement with culinary, performative, and cinematic projects. A notable health scare occurred on October 19, 2024, during a performance with Nancys Rubias at the Horteralia Festival in Cáceres, when Vaquerizo fell backward from a rotating stage platform approximately two meters high while wearing high heels, resulting in unconsciousness, a head injury requiring stitches, and hospitalization at the University Hospital of Cáceres for observation and tests.^[48] Into 2025, Vaquerizo continued his public engagements, such as inaugurating a commemorative plaque in his honor in Madrid on April 22, serving as the official pregonero (herald) for the Fiestas de Elche on August 8, and performing with Nancys Rubias at the Orgullo celebrations in Seville on June 20.^[49][50][51] In November 2025, he participated in the TV program Cazadores de imágenes alongside Silvia Abril and Arturo Valls, and was scheduled to appear on El Hormiguero during the week of November 17-20.^[52][53]

Works

Studio Albums with Nancys Rubias

• Nancys Rubias (2005, Warner Music)^[54]
• Gabba Gabba Nancys (2007, Warner Music)^[55]
• Una Cita con Nancys Rubias (2009, Warner Music)^[55]
• Ahora o Nunca (2011, Warner Music; peaked at #38 on Spanish Albums Chart)^[55][56]
• Marcianos Ye-Yés (2017, Warner Music Spain)^[57]
• Orquesta Nancy (2023, WEA Spain)^[58]

Selected Singles with Nancys Rubias

• "Maquíllate" (2005, Warner Music)^[59]
• "Sálvame" (2005, Warner Music)^[59]
• "Me encanta (I Love It)" (2013, Warner Music)^[20]
• "Reset" (2013, Warner Music; re-released as single in 2025)^[57]
• "Llámame" (2017, Warner Music Spain)^[59]
• "World Pride Madrid 2017 - A Quién Le Importa" (2017, Warner Music Spain; collaboration with Alaska)^[20]
• "Marcianos Ye-Yés" (2017, Warner Music Spain)^[57]
• "Causa y Efecto" (2023, WEA Spain)^[59]

Solo Singles

• "Emergencia Capilar (Versión 2020)" (2020)^[60]
• "Emergencia Capilar 2020 (Extended Version)" (2020)^[60]
• "Emergencia Capilar Pantene" (2021)^[61]

Contributions to Other Artists

• Guest appearance on Baccara's album I Belong to Your Heart (2021, Sony Music)^[62]

Filmography

Mario Vaquerizo's film roles span acting and voice work in both live-action and animated projects. His contributions to Spanish cinema include supporting parts in comedies, while his voice acting is prominent in international animations dubbed for Spanish audiences.

Films

Voice Work

Vaquerizo provided the Spanish voice for Frankenstein across the Hotel Transylvania animated film franchise, a role he reprised in multiple installments alongside his wife Alaska as Eunice.^[30][63]

Television

Vaquerizo has made numerous guest appearances and hosted segments on Spanish television since 2005, often as himself in variety, awards, and reality formats. His credits include musical performances and reality show participation, with ongoing roles in talk shows up to 2024. Key appearances are listed chronologically below.^[64][65]

Books

Mario Vaquerizo has authored several books, primarily humorous essays, biographies, and children's literature centered on music and pop culture.

• Alaska (La Máscara Ediciones, 2001). This is the first official biography of the Spanish singer Alaska, detailing her career from the punk era with Kaka de Luxe to her success with Fangoria.^[67]
• Haciendo majaradas: Diciendo tonterías (Espasa, 2012). A collection of humorous and personal anecdotes, covering topics from pop culture admiration to intimate reflections.^[68]
• Fabiografía (Espasa, 2014). Co-authored with Fabio McNamara and written in the first person from McNamara's perspective, this 288-page biography chronicles the life of the avant-garde artist, musician, and performer Fabio McNamara, from his early years in Madrid's underground scene to his collaborations with figures like Alaska, highlighting his eccentric persona and contributions to Spanish pop art. ISBN 978-84-670-4147-7.
• Vaquerizismos (Espasa, 2016). A compilation of personal essays and observations on life, fame, and Spanish culture, reflecting Vaquerizo's journalistic voice. ISBN 978-84-670-4636-6.^[69]
• Cuentos para niños rockeros (Espasa, 2019). A collection of 50 short stories for children, retelling the lives of iconic musicians from Mozart to Elvis Presley, including Spanish figures like Alaska and Lola Flores, in an engaging and whimsical style. ISBN 978-84-670-5540-5.^[70]

No forthcoming books by Vaquerizo have been announced as of 2025.

Major Journalistic Works

Vaquerizo's journalistic output includes contributions to prominent publications, focusing on music, pop culture, and interviews. Music Interviews and Profiles (Rolling Stone and El País' Tentaciones):

• Interviews with emerging and established Spanish pop artists, such as profiles on Nancys Rubias' evolution and influences in the Spanish pop scene (Rolling Stone en Español, various issues 2010s–2020s).^[28]
• Features on underground music scenes and artist biographies in Tentaciones, including discussions on punk and glam influences in contemporary Spanish music (El País, Tentaciones supplement, 2000s–2010s).^[71]

These selected pieces exemplify Vaquerizo's role in documenting Spain's vibrant music landscape through direct engagements with key figures.