What The "Encanto" Cast Was Like In Their First Big Role Vs. Now

Disney's Encanto has taken the world by storm, with its mix of fantastic storytelling and Lin Manuel's catchy sing-a-long music. Some might wonder who are the voices behind these amazing characters and what were they doing before this massive hit of a movie.

Disney / Via giphy.com

Well, you're in luck, because I found out what some of these great actors' first big roles were and some you'll be shocked to know while others you'll be very familiar with. It's been great to see that Disney has reached out and found some fantastic Colombian actors to help tell this beautiful story about a family that's set in their beloved country.

Now let's slide on down to this list and see what these actors have been up to.

1.Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel Madrigal

Mirabel from Encanto about to sing
Disney

Before lending her voice to Mirabel Madrigal, Stephanie Beatriz made her big break playing the no-nonsense Detective Rosa Diaz on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, where she made fans laugh out loud with her straight-faced comedy and bullying demeanor.

Rosa upset someone ate her ice cream

Here's Stephanie Beatriz now:

Stephanie Beatriz attends Disney Studios premiere of Encanto at El Capitan Theatre

Looks like we will be hearing more of Stephanie's voice this year as she finished work on DC's animated movie Catwoman: Hunted playing Batwoman and as Lady Kima for an animated show The Legend Of Vox Machina.

Kevin Winter / Getty Images

2.Diane Guerrero as Isabela Madrigal

Isabela singing in a sea of roses
Disney

Here she is as Maritza in 2013's Orange Is The New Black:

Maritza talking to her friends in the cafeteria

And here's Diane Guerrero now:

Diane Guerrero attends Disney Studios Los Angeles Premiere Of Encanto

3.John Leguizamo as Bruno Madrigal

  Disney
Disney

Here he is as Benny Blanco in 1993's Carlito's Way:

John Leguizamo has been in the industry for a long time and has had a long list of credits to his name. People might want to infamously remember him for his role as Luigi in Super Mario Bros. but I believe it was his role as Benny Blanco in 1993 Carlito's Way opposite of Al Pacino that people really took notice. He later appeared in the classic Romeo + Juliet opposite of Mr. Dicaprio's Romeo as the antagonist Tybalt.

Here's John Leguizamo now:

John Leguizamo attends Disney Studios' premiere of "Encanto"

4.Maria Cecilia Botero as Abuela Alma

Abuela Alma about to speak to Mirabel
Disney

Cecilia hit big with the telenovela Dos Mujeres where she played Laura Blanco:

Laura Blanco buttoning up her jacket for the intro

With most of her acting credits in Colombia, Maria Cecilia Botero has made her name appearing in many telenovelas like Dos Mujeres, Caballo Viejo, and recently Enfermeras.

Canal 1

Maria Cecilia Botero now:

Maria Cecilia Botero at the premiere of Encanto

She has become an influence in the world of acting and theater in her beloved country, which is why it's no wonder they picked her to play the matriarch of the Madrigal family.

Michael Tran / AFP via Getty Images

5.Angie Cepeda as Julieta Madrigal

  Disney
Disney

Here's Angie then, as one of the many telenovelas she starred in was Luz Maria as the title character:

Luz Maria sitting by a river contemplating life

And here's Angie Cepeda now:

Angie Cepeda smiling at the premiere of Encanto on the red carpet

Recently she is credited for being in the new Halo series for Paramount which will be another great addition to her acting credits.

Michael Tran / AFP via Getty Images

6.Wilmer Valderrama as Agustin Madrigal

Agustin Madrigal looking shocked at something Mirabel is showing him
Disney

Here's Wilmer Valderrama when he was playing the loveable Fez for That 70's Show:

Fez looking off into the distance

And here's Wilmer Valderrama now:

Wilmer Valderrama attends Disney Studios premiere of Encanto

Lately, he is most known for playing Nick Torres on NCIS, which has been such a far departure from his comedy days being a main character of such a famous cop drama.

Kevin Winter / Getty Images

7.Jessica Darrow as Luisa Madrigal

Luisa Madrigal holding a sword and shield
Disney

Here's Jessica's first big role in 2019's Feast Of The Seven Fishes.

Jessica is just starting to break out but after hearing her performance as Luisa Madrigal and her song

Jessica is just starting to break out but after hearing her performance as Luisa Madrigal and her song "Surface Pressure" I'm sure we will be seeing more of her.

Allegheny Image Factory

Jessica Darrow now:

Jessica Darrow at the premiere of Encanto on the red carpet

She already has made a splash in her role as Sarah in Feast Of The Seven Fishes, as well as appearing in the mini-series Following Hannah Stone as Taylor Reese, don't be surprised when you see her acting credits stack up after this amazing performance.

Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

8.Carolina Gaitan as Pepa Madrigal

Carolina Gaitan as Pepa Madrigal in Encanto
Disney

Here she is as Catalina Marin in the popular telenovela Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso.

Catalina about to answer a pageant question

Like many of the wonderful Colombian Actors on this list she also built her acting resume doing some telenovelas while simultaneously working as a singer as she has lent her voice to several theme songs.

Telemundo Studios

Carolina Gaitan now:

Carolina Gaitan on the red carpet of the premiere for Encanto

9.Mauro Castillo as Felix Mardigal

Felix Madrigal grabbing Mirabel as they start talking about Bruno
Disney

Here is Mauro in one of his first acting gigs as legendary Colombian singer Wilson Soako for the telenovela El Joe, la leyenda.

Wilson singing to a crowded club

Mauro Castillo now:

Mauro Castillo attends the world premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios' Encanto

What did you think of Encanto? Did you realize how many of these actors were just getting their big break here in the states? Let us in the comments if you recognize any of these actors from other roles.