Itzan Escamilla

Itzan Escamilla is a Spanish actor best known for his portrayal of Samuel García in the globally successful Netflix teen drama Élite. Born in Madrid and raised with a deep appreciation for storytelling, he has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in contemporary Spanish cinema and streaming television. As of 2026, he stands as a leading figure in the industry, balancing international projects with roles that honor his local heritage.

His career has evolved from minor television appearances to starring in high-profile productions like the Apple TV+ film Midnight Family. Beyond scripted drama, Escamilla has explored documentary filmmaking, notably in En busca de Cortés, where he examined the life of his grandfather, the renowned journalist Teo Escamilla. This work highlights his commitment to personal narratives and historical exploration alongside his mainstream success. [edit]

Itzan Escamilla grew up in Madrid, surrounded by a family that valued journalism and the written word. His grandfather, Teo Escamilla, was a celebrated Spanish writer and journalist whose influence left a lasting mark on Itzan's artistic sensibilities even before his own career began. This connection to history and narrative fueled his early desire to understand storytelling beyond the stage.

Before stepping into the global spotlight, Itzan pursued formal training at the prestigious Centro de Arte Dramático (CAD) in Madrid. There, he honed his craft in theater and performance, developing the technical skills necessary for professional acting. His early years were defined by a quiet dedication to his art rather than public recognition. He took small roles in Spanish television to gain experience, including a debut appearance in the historical fantasy series The Ministry of Time in 2015. These initial steps provided a foundation but did not yet bring him widespread fame. He spent those years building a reputation as a serious student of the craft, waiting for the right opportunity to showcase his full range. [edit]

Itzan Escamilla's breakthrough arrived in 2018 when he was cast as Samuel García in the second season of Élite. The show became an instant cultural phenomenon, and his character, a wealthy student navigating class divides, mystery, and complex relationships, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. He remained a central figure in the series for five seasons, until his dramatic exit in 2024. His portrayal of Samuel included one of the first major queer storylines in a mainstream Spanish teen drama, specifically his romance with Carla Rosón, which generated massive online discourse and cemented his status as an icon for representation.

Following his rise on Élite, he expanded his portfolio into independent film and international productions. In 2021, he starred in the film Chaval, further solidifying his presence in Spanish cinema outside the Netflix universe. By 2024, he had secured a role in the Apple TV+ production Midnight Family, a project that highlighted his ability to handle intense dramatic material on a high-profile platform. That same year, he returned to his roots with the documentary En busca de Cortés, exploring the life of his grandfather and blending family history with broader cultural themes. As of 2026, he continues to be active in the industry, maintaining his status as a top-tier Spanish actor while taking on new projects that challenge his versatility. [edit]

Itzan Escamilla cultivates a modern, youthful aesthetic that blends casual streetwear with high-fashion elements. His public image is that of a versatile, intelligent actor who avoids tabloid drama, focusing instead on his craft and meaningful roles. He is known for being private about his personal life, which has only added to the intrigue surrounding his interactions with co-stars. On social media, particularly Instagram, he shares glimpses of his life and work, fostering a loyal and engaged community. His advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation and his willingness to tackle complex characters have earned him respect within the industry and among fans alike. [edit]

Itzan Escamilla commands a massive global audience, though he currently holds no placement in the iFANN Global Top 1,000 or any scope-specific rankings. The absence of a numerical rank reflects his status as a cultural phenomenon rather than a measured statistic on this specific engine's list. His influence is anchored by the Netflix teen drama Élite, where his portrayal of Samuel García sparked intense worldwide discussion. Fans do not operate under a single formal name; instead, they exist within the vast, interconnected ecosystem of the series' fanbase. This collective identity drives engagement through social media speculation and deep investment in the actors' off-screen dynamics. A focal point of this energy remains the enduring public debate surrounding his relationship with co-star Omar Ayuso. By May 2024, outlets were still dissecting their proximity and chemistry, turning real-life interactions into staple folklore for the community. Escamilla leverages over five million Instagram followers to maintain a direct line to this audience, sharing glimpses of his craft while avoiding tabloid sensationalism. His career evolution from minor television roles to starring in the Apple TV+ film Midnight Family demonstrates a trajectory that keeps fans invested in his artistic growth beyond the teen soap genre. While the show's mythology features legendary arcs like the powerful romance between Samuel and Carla Rosón, these fictional narratives often bleed into discussions about the actor himself. The departure of Escamilla after five seasons marked a definitive end to an era, generating significant media coverage and leaving the fandom to navigate the future of the series without its original heart. No organized campaigns or street-shutting events define his legacy, yet the sheer volume of discourse regarding his personal life and professional choices proves his standing as a leading figure in contemporary streaming culture.[edit]

Itzan Escamilla is the grandson of Teo Escamilla, a celebrated Spanish journalist who passed away in 2016. This loss deeply influenced his decision to create the documentary En busca de Cortés, allowing him to process his grief through art. Despite his fame, he maintains a relatively low profile in the press, avoiding scandalous headlines and focusing instead on his craft. He is fluent in English, a skill that has helped him secure roles in international productions like Midnight Family. Fans often discuss the enduring public speculation regarding his sexuality and his real-life relationship with fellow Élite star Omar Ayuso. By May 2024, media outlets were still reporting on these dating rumors, highlighting how their chemistry and proximity became a staple of fan folklore. His departure from Élite after five seasons marked the end of an era for the original cast, generating significant media coverage and fan discussion regarding the future of the show without his character. [edit]

Itzan Escamilla was born into a family with a strong connection to journalism and literature. His grandfather, Teo Escamilla, was a renowned Spanish journalist and writer whose legacy continues to inspire Itzan's work. Although Teo passed away in 2016, his influence remains a central theme in Itzan's creative choices, particularly in his documentary projects. Itzan keeps details about his parents and siblings private, preferring to focus attention on his professional life. He lives in Madrid, where he balances his international career with his Spanish heritage. There are no public records indicating he has children or a spouse as of 2026. [edit]

Omar Ayuso, Teo Escamilla, Carla Díaz, Javier Ambrossi, Javier Calvo. [edit]

Itzan Escamilla is known to be private about his personal life, though public speculation regarding his romantic relationships has been a staple of fan culture. The most prominent discussion involves his co-star Omar Ayuso. Fans and media outlets have extensively speculated about a romantic relationship between the two actors due to their on-screen chemistry and off-screen closeness during the filming of Élite. While both actors have never officially confirmed a romantic relationship, the "Itzan and Omar" pairing is one of the most discussed topics in the show's fandom. In May 2024, multiple outlets reported on these rumors, noting that their proximity and chemistry had become a defining element of the show's lore. Both actors have maintained a close friendship, often supporting each other publicly, but have kept their personal lives ambiguous.

As of 2026, Itzan Escamilla is widely considered single or non-committed in the public eye. There are no verified reports of a current partner, marriage, or children. He remains focused on his career, balancing international projects with his Spanish heritage. No other public relationships have been confirmed, and he continues to prioritize his professional growth over personal disclosures. [edit]

research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Itzan Escamilla's fortune at around $2.4 million. His wealth has grown steadily since his breakout role in Élite, driven by his contract as a lead actor in the Netflix series across multiple seasons. Primary income sources include his salary from Élite, earnings from films like Chaval and Midnight Family, and potential brand partnerships. While he maintains a lower profile than some peers regarding endorsements, his consistent work in high-budget productions has ensured financial stability. As of 2026, his estate and assets reflect the trajectory of a rising star in the European streaming market. [edit]