Marta Milans stands out as a versatile Spanish-American actress who transitioned from indie horror and network television to major superhero franchises. Best recognized globally for playing foster mother Rosa Vásquez in the DC Extended Universe film Shazam! and its sequel, her trajectory spans American and European productions across film and television.
Her path reflects a calculated blend of rigorous theatrical training at New York University, multilingual fluency, and a steady progression through character-driven roles. This profile explores her early life, breakout performances, and the diverse body of work that defines her career today.
Early Life and Foundation in New York
Born in Madrid, Spain, in April 1982, Milans grew up attending British and German schools, which helped establish her multilingual background. At age nineteen, she moved to the United States to attend New York University. She graduated with a double major in acting and art history, balancing a passion for classical performance with fine art.
Before securing major screen roles, she built her foundation working Off-Broadway in New York City. Her art history background remained a distinct anchor point; she has often noted that outside of acting, her alternate career path would have involved working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Beyond performance and art, she also became heavily involved in her family's organic goat farm and creamery business, Santa Gadea, serving as vice president.
Early Career and Breakthrough Projects
Milans made her professional acting debut in the 2006 film Love in the Age of Dion. For several years, she took on short films and guest appearances, including a role in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2011.
Her critical breakthrough came in 2012 when she starred as Lourdes in the psychological horror film Devoured. Her intense, claustrophobic performance earned her a Best Actress award at the New York City Horror Film Festival along with a Fangoria Chainsaw Award nomination. This indie success opened doors to higher-profile television work, including a series regular role as Becca Parker in the ABC crime drama Killer Women in 2014, where she acted alongside Tricia Helfer.
Transition to International Television and Film
Following Killer Women, Milans expanded her portfolio across both sides of the Atlantic. She appeared in independent films like The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby and the action thriller Asher starring Ron Perlman.
She also returned frequently to Europe to take on prominent television roles. She starred in the Movistar+ drama series El embarcadero (The Pier) created by Álex Pina, and joined the main cast of Netflix's mystery thriller series White Lines in 2020. That same year, she starred in the Spanish miniseries The Minions of Midas (Los favoritos de Midas), showcasing her range in complex, prestige dramatic storytelling.
Stepping Into the DC Extended Universe
Milans achieved mainstream global recognition when she was cast as Rosa Vásquez in the DC superhero film Shazam! (2019). As the warm, nurturing foster mother to Billy Batson and his foster siblings, she brought grounded emotional core to a blockbuster superhero property.
She reprised the role in the 2023 sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods. In interviews surrounding the film's release, Milans opened up about the personal resonance of playing a foster mother while navigating her own real-life journey with in-vitro fertilization (IVF), adding a layer of genuine emotional authenticity to her character's on-screen family dynamics.
Personal Life and Ongoing Projects
Milans officially became a United States citizen in March 2020, holding dual citizenship in Spain and the US. She divides her time primarily between Spain, New York, and Los Angeles, maintaining active involvement in both European and American entertainment industries. In 2022, she married her husband, Jamie Munro.
As an active member of the creative community, she has also collaborated with philanthropic initiatives like The Art of Elysium, bringing arts programming to children in healthcare and community settings. With a fluid ability to switch between languages, genres, and formats, Milans continues to balance high-profile studio tentpoles with gritty international television.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Marta Milans's most famous roles?
She is best known for playing Rosa Vásquez in the DC films Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. On television, she is recognized for her work in White Lines, The Minions of Midas, and Killer Women.
Is Marta Milans Spanish?
Yes, she was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. She holds dual citizenship in Spain and the United States, having become a U.S. citizen in 2020.
Did Marta Milans star in any horror films?
Her breakout film role was in the 2012 psychological horror movie Devoured, for which she won Best Actress at the New York City Horror Film Festival.
What did Marta Milans study in college?
She attended New York University (NYU), where she earned a double major in acting and art history.
