in the best stage of her life
The intense expressiveness of her gaze is focused right now on a single goal: the English-language market. Ximena Duque, with more than 20 projects in Hispanic TV, is now determined to conquer the American public. A first taste of American productions won her over in 2016 when she appeared in the hugely famous American soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” and the beautiful actress, who is now enjoying the sweetness of having become a mother for the second time, told us exclusively about her plans for this market. The charismatic Colombian, originally from Cali, has known how to win over a broad number of followers, even from before the numbers mattered on social media. Ximena Duque has 3.3 million followers on Instagram, and she honors with respect and commitment every one of the people who follow her career closely.
Let’s talk about your career. How do you think the Ximena from that reality show that launched her to fame has evolved into the Ximena of 2019?
Today’s Ximena has undoubtedly evolved in a very special way. Not only in my professional life, since over these years I have had the opportunity to learn to handle the artistic world, something that is not easy at all. I have learned that humility takes us far, and that is something I always kept in mind from my beginnings. I have also learned that with perseverance and patience we make our dreams come true, and that when one door closes, 10 more open. In my personal life… My children, the greatest gift God could have given me, and He rewarded me with a husband completely devoted to us, who has undoubtedly been a blessing in our lives. Today, I am an actress with wonderful professional experiences, where every role I have played in the more than 20 projects on my resume has marked my professional life forever. Today I have an incredible number of followers who, for me, are the reward for my hard work.
You made your way into English-language TV with an appearance on the renowned “Days of Our Lives.” Are you still drawn to the idea of working in American productions? What would you like?
The idea of working in American productions definitely keeps me up at night, ha ha. After my experience on DAYS OF OUR LIVES and QUEEN OF THE SOUTH, I was left wanting more. My dream would be to land in an American show that has, why not, 20 seasons! Ha ha. I would love to keep making films; after having made two movies and seeing myself on the big screen I said, wow! This is definitely my thing!
At the beginning of 2019 it became known that your contract was ending with the network you worked with for more than ten years, Telemundo. Where is Ximena headed after so much success with this company’s productions?
The end of my exclusivity contract with Telemundo led me to open my eyes and realize there is a world of possibilities out there for us as actors. It was many years at one company, to which I am deeply grateful for believing in me, and I know it is my moment to seek new horizons. God has guided my career from day one, and I know this moment of transition is only for my own good. I want to focus 100% on the English-language market and keep growing my digital platforms, since today they are a wonderful platform to impact the lives of thousands of people and keep growing as a public figure.
Ximena, since you became a mom for the second time, your followers and the general public have been able to follow this wonderful new stage closely. How different has it been from the first time?
My experience with Luna has been so different from the one with Cristan, my first child… They are two very different stages of my life, each beautiful in its essence and colors. I cannot deny that this second time has been easier than the first. With my son I was barely a girl… Being a mother is the best thing that has happened to me in my life.
Do you have a “muse” who advises you in your career?
Let’s say I have many mentors who don’t even know they are, ha ha. I try to learn from other people’s mistakes, also from other people’s success, and of course from the talent of many.
What image of Ximena do you want to project to the world?
I want to project an unstoppable Ximena, full of dreams, goals, hopes, and for people to see in me a woman who, above all, loves God and her family – and that, for me, is the key to success.
You are married to a handsome American. Do you keep your Colombian culture at home with your children? What do you like most about being Latina?
Of course my culture stays alive in my house. Here every weekend we eat huevo, perico, arepa and pan de bono, Spanish is spoken, and the first option on our playlist is the “latin hits,” ha ha. I love our Latin flavor, and knowing that I represent a country as beautiful as Colombia fills me with joy and pride.
In short:
Greatest dream: Working in a Hollywood movie
What makes me happiest: my family
The most unforgettable moment: when I had my children
The word that best describes Ximena: PERSEVERANCE
Love of my life: God, Jay Adkins, Cristan and Luna
Your most important training and diet regimen: I try to maintain a very balanced lifestyle, without going to extremes, but always taking care of my health. I go to the gym 5 times a week and eat healthy, although I treat myself from time to time.
This strikingly-beautiful Colombia Actress, TV Host and mother of two, Ximena Duque-Adkins is determined to conquer the American public. Her first roles in American productions where “Days of Our Lives” and “Queen of the South” television series. In an exclusive interview and photoshoot for HL magazine, Ximena tells us she is ready to take on this new facet of her career.
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