From Rookie to Star: The Rise of Miguel Herrán
Miguel Herrán, born in Málaga in 1996, has transformed his life from an obscure corner in Madrid to the spotlights of the Goya Awards and international acclaim as a phenomenon in the Netflix series Money Heist. His breakout role came when he starred in In Exchange for Nothing (2015), a film by Daniel Guzmán that won him the prestigious Goya for Best Revelation Actor at a mere 19 years old. However, his journey accelerated dramatically with the global success of Money Heist, leading to a flurry of diverse roles in acclaimed productions such as Shadow Valley, The Farad, Model 77, and Assault on the Central Bank.
Latest Projects: A New Chapter for Herrán
As he celebrates a decade since his debut, Herrán is gearing up for the premiere of his newest film, The Truce, directed by Miguel Ángel Vivas. In this upcoming release, he plays a military man from the Blue Division, depicting the harrowing experiences of soldiers captured in a Soviet Gulag. In addition to this role, Herrán recently ventured into entrepreneurship, opening a pizzeria named Bella Ciao House, a nod to the famous anti-fascist song that became iconic through Money Heist. “Five months ago, I opened a pizzeria in Malaga, and it goes quite well,” he told El Mundo. This entrepreneurial endeavor is significant as it reflects the cultural impact of his breakout role.

The Cultural Impact of *Money Heist*
Originally titled La Casa de Papel, Money Heist has not only garnered a massive fan base, but it has also set a benchmark for global consumption of Spanish content. This impact on popular culture has opened doors for Herrán and many of his co-stars. With an international following and numerous accolades, the series was a turning point in Herrán’s career, paving the way for varied roles that showcase his versatility as an actor.
A Look into His Personal Life and Perspectives
Despite being a celebrated figure, Herrán is grounded and candid about his experiences. He shared in an interview with El País that he often feels disconnected from his hometown, which he characterizes as overly touristy, filled with short-term rentals and bustling crowds. Yet, he has chosen to open his pizzeria in Málaga, a testament to his connection to the city and a desire to contribute to its culinary landscape.
In early 2025, Herrán will collaborate with Brazilian entrepreneur Fernanda Pinheiro, who brings over two decades of hospitality experience to the project. As both of them share a passion for Italian cuisine, their partnership promises to elevate Bella Ciao House as a charming addition to Málaga’s culinary scene.
As The Truce approaches its release date on October 10, Herrán is ready to captivate audiences once again, showcasing his talent in a stirring tale of survival and humanity amidst the horrors of war. The film, which will debut at the San Sebastián Festival, co-stars Arón Piper, known for his role in Elite. Their chemistry as they re-examine their ideologies and discover their shared humanity is one of the film’s central themes.
The journey of Miguel Herrán is a compelling narrative of talent, hard work, and the spirit of resilience. As he continues to explore diverse roles and venture into new business endeavors, audiences can expect nothing short of remarkable performances that redefine the boundaries of storytelling in contemporary cinema.

