Karla Souza

Karla Souza is a Mexican actress who has built a career on both sides of the border, known for her sharp, emotionally complex roles in television and film. She first captured international attention as Laurel Castillo on ABC's How to Get Away with Murder, a role she played for all six seasons of the hit legal thriller. In 2023, she won the International Emmy for Best Actress for her performance in the film La Caída, a career milestone that cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile actresses working today.

Now based in Los Angeles, Souza continues to take on challenging parts, from a Boston homicide detective in the thriller 56 Days to a comedic turn alongside Diego Luna in the Netflix film Mexico 86. She is also a mother of two, balancing a demanding career with family life, and has spoken openly about the importance of representing her Mexican heritage on screen. [edit]

Born in Mexico City, Karla Souza spent her first eight years in Aspen, Colorado, giving her an early bilingual, bicultural foundation. The family then returned to Mexico City, where she grew up surrounded by the entertainment world through her older brother, Adrián Olivares, a member of the boy band Menudo. Watching his career unfold sparked her own interest in performing.

She trained at Televisa's Centro de Educación Artística, Mexico's most prestigious acting school, and began her career in Mexican theater and television. Her early roles included appearances in telenovelas and stage productions, where she honed the craft that would later earn her international acclaim. [edit]

Karla Souza's breakthrough came in 2014 when she was cast as Laurel Castillo on How to Get Away with Murder. The role, which she played for six seasons until 2020, made her a household name and showcased her ability to portray a morally complex law student caught in a web of secrets.

After the show ended, she joined the ABC sitcom Home Economics as Marina Hayworth. In 2023, she achieved a career-defining double win at the International Emmy Awards, taking home Best Actress and Best Picture for La Caída. In 2026, she starred as Detective Lee Reardon in the thriller series 56 Days and co-starred with Diego Luna in the Netflix comedy Mexico 86, based on a true story about a soccer team. [edit]

Karla Souza is known for playing strong, determined women, from the ambitious Laurel Castillo to the relentless Detective Lee Reardon. She brings a sense of authenticity and cultural pride to her roles, often speaking about the importance of representing her Mexican identity on screen. Her Instagram following of over 3.7 million reflects a loyal fan base that appreciates her talent and her down-to-earth, family-focused persona. [edit]

Global attention for Karla Souza has grown steadily as her career spans high-profile American television and acclaimed Mexican cinema, a trajectory now quantified by the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. In August 2026, data places her as the 100th most famous person in Mexico, holding steady from the previous cycle. This specific placement indicates a consistent level of public recognition tied to her recent work in thriller series and award-winning films. Her audience consists primarily of viewers drawn to complex dramatic roles and cultural representation rather than a mobilized, named organization; research confirms no formal fandom name exists for her supporters, who engage through general appreciation on social media platforms rather than structured campaigns or rituals.[edit]

Karla Souza is fully bilingual and has worked professionally in both English and Spanish throughout her career. Her wellness routine includes cupping therapy and cold plunges, which she has shared in a Women's Health video feature. She has a close friendship with How to Get Away with Murder co-star Aja Naomi King, whom she calls her "sister." Souza also has a background in theater, which she credits for her strong stage presence. Widely regarded as a legend in modern Latinx cinema, her portrayal of Laurel Castillo on How to Get Away with Murder remains the definitive narrative of her rise to international stardom. More recently, her casting as Detective Lee Reardon in the Netflix thriller 56 Days generated significant press attention for its gritty depiction of a Boston homicide investigation. Additionally, her upcoming role alongside Diego Luna in the soccer comedy Mexico 86, based on the true story of the 1986 World Cup, marks another major chapter in her filmography. These projects underscore her reputation for selecting challenging parts that blend commercial appeal with artistic depth.[edit]

Karla Souza's brother, Adrián Olivares, was a member of the iconic Latin American boy band Menudo. His passing has been a significant part of her story, and she has spoken about honoring his legacy. Souza is married to Marshall Trenkmann, a film producer, and the couple has two children. She has described balancing motherhood with her acting career as a constant juggling act, but one she embraces. [edit]

Karla Souza has worked closely with several notable figures in the industry. She starred alongside Viola Davis on How to Get Away with Murder for six seasons, and she shares a close friendship with co-star Aja Naomi King. In Mexico 86, she appears opposite Diego Luna. Her brother, Adrián Olivares, was a member of the band Menudo, and she has spoken about his influence on her career. [edit]

Karla Souza has kept her personal life largely out of the spotlight. She is married to Marshall Trenkmann, a film producer, and the couple has two children. Souza has spoken about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career, but she rarely shares details about her marriage. As of 2026, she remains married and focused on her family and her acting projects. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Karla Souza's net worth at around $5 million as of 2026. This figure represents an editorial assessment of her accumulated assets derived from her extensive work in television and film. Her primary income sources are her salaries from major productions, including her six-season run on How to Get Away with Murder and subsequent roles in Home Economics, 56 Days, and Mexico 86. She has also appeared in Mexican productions and theater, adding to her earnings over the past decade. While exact figures remain private, her steady employment in high-profile projects has built this wealth consistently.[edit]

Karla Souza won the International Emmy Award for Best Actress in 2023 for her role in La Caída, and the film itself also won the International Emmy for Best Picture. These wins are among the highest honors in international television and mark a significant achievement in her career. [edit]