Antonia San Juan was born on May 22, 1961 in Las Palmas (Grand Canary Island). At the age of 19 she moved to Madrid to pursue a career as an actress and joined a theatrical company. At 29 she put her career on hold while she had a "operation" as she puts it: I'm not a transsexual or a transvestite. There is a lot of confusion about me, but I am an actress, and that is all there is to say about that."

By 1991 she was ready to restart her career. She gained a loyal following from her cabaret performances throughout Madrid. She has been featured in small but memorable roles in recent Spanish films such as Excuse Me Duckie, But Lucas Loved Me a Félix Sabroso and Dunia Ayaso film and The First Night of My Life a Miguel Albadalejo film. The big break came in her career with her being casted in the role of the down-to-earth transsexual Agrado (Pleasure) in Pedro Almodóvar's film All About My Mother (1998). All About My Mother won Best Director at 1999 Cannes Film Festival and a Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Antonia was nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role. Her latest films are Asfalto (2000) directed by Daniel Calparsoro and and Ataque verbal (2000) directed by Miguel Albadalejo.

Poster from Antonia's cabaret show at the Bishop Theatre in Madrid.

Antonia at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival

1999 Cannes Film Festival

1999 Cannes Film Festival

on the "All About My Mother" set

All About My Mother stars (from left) Penelope Cruz, Antonia and Marissa Paredes flank director Pedro Almodóvar

In her latest venture Antonia is directing and acting in the play "Men and some Woman" in Madrid co-starring Luis Miguel Seguí. She stated she is enjoying the stage work but is a little disappointed more film work hasn't come her way. (February 2001)