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María de las Mercedes Ballesteros, also known as Marita Ballesteros, is an Argentine actress recognized for her extensive work in film, television, and theater. Originally from Buenos Aires, she began her public career in 1977 when she was chosen as "Mujer Maravilla Argentina" in a contest that brought her early fame. This accolade led to a trip to the United States, where she met Lyle Waggoner, co-star of the 1970s "Wonder Woman" TV series. Her professional acting career started in the late 1970s with the television cycle "Alejandra, mon amour," which was also released in Spain. In 1980, she appeared in the musical comedy "Operación Comando," directed by Julio Saraceni, and later participated in one of Argentina's first color TV programs, "Aprender a vivir," on Canal 7 (now Televisión Pública Argentina).
Ballesteros has appeared in numerous television series, including "Titanes en el ring contraataca," "Amar... al salvaje," "Solo un hombre," "El lobo," "Por amor," "Manuela," "Nuevas lunas," and "Leandro Leiva, un soñador," among others. She has also been active in theater, with notable performances in plays such as "Tres hermanas," "Las variaciones Goldberg," and "Las lágrimas amargas de Petra von Kant." Her film credits include titles like "Venido a menos," "Sálvese quien pueda," "Chorros," "Mujeres," and "Mala época."
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Ballesteros specialized in television roles, often portraying complex characters such as villains and materialistic women. She was part of the cast of the acclaimed series "Muñeca brava," which won Martín Fierro awards in 1999 and 2000, and appeared in "Los simuladores" in 2002, a series noted for its success and multiple awards. Beyond her acting career, she married magician and homeopath Julio Laurindo in the mid-2000s. Ballesteros's contributions to Argentine entertainment span over five decades, marking her as a significant figure in the country's cultural landscape.
