Maru Yamayusa

Biography

Maru Yamayusa is a Colombian actress of television, theater, and film, born in Bogotá on November 21, 1947, with Boyacense roots from Tuta. She is especially remembered for her role in the iconic series Dejémonos de Vainas.

She studied acting at the Escuela Nacional de Arte Dramático, and her breakthrough in television came unexpectedly when the lead actress of Los de al Lado failed to show up. Yamayusa was asked to improvise, and her performance was so strong that the episode achieved the highest audience rating in the program’s history.

(Read also: Biography of Marisol Correa)

Beyond her acting career, she has dedicated much of her work to the Fundación Familiar Benjumea Yamayusa, which stages plays aimed at guiding young people on issues such as addiction. She also promotes corporate shows and produces theatrical works.

Her family is deeply tied to the arts: her sister, producer Liz Yamayusa, was married to renowned actor Carlos Benjumea, with whom she had two children, Luis Eduardo Benjumea and Paola Benjumea, both of whom pursued artistic careers. Maru also carries Japanese heritage through her grandfather.

She is remembered not only for her versatility on screen and stage but also for her commitment to using theater as a tool for education and social impact.