Luis Merlo Biography: Girlfriend, Films, TV Series, Height, Parents, Age, Net Worth, Siblings

Luis Merlo, born Luis María Larrañaga Merlo, is a celebrated Spanish actor whose dynamic performances in television, theater, and film have made him a household name in Spain, known for his charm, versatility, and ability to inhabit both comedic and dramatic roles with ease.

Hailing from a prestigious acting dynasty, he rose to fame as Mauricio “Mauri” Hidalgo in the iconic sitcom Aquí no hay quien viva, delivering a groundbreaking portrayal of a gay journalist that resonated with audiences for its humor and authenticity.

Profile

• Full Name: Luis María Larrañaga Merlo
• Stage Name: Luis Merlo
• Born: June 13, 1966
• Age: 59 years old
• Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
• Nationality: Spanish
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 175 cm
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Carlos Larrañaga and María Luisa Merlo
• Siblings: Amparo Larrañaga, Pedro Larrañaga, Paula Larrañaga
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $2,000,000 to $6,000,000

Early Life And Education

Luis María Larrañaga Merlo was born on June 13, 1966, in Madrid, Spain, into a family steeped in theatrical tradition. He was raised by his parents, renowned actors Carlos Larrañaga and María Luisa Merlo, alongside his siblings: sister Amparo Larrañaga and brother Pedro Larrañaga, both actors, as well as half-sister Paula Larrañaga from his father’s later relationship.

His ethnicity is Spanish. His religion is Christianity. Growing up surrounded by the performing arts, with his uncle, Luis Escobar Kirkpatrick, also a notable figure in Spanish theater, Luis was immersed in the world of acting from a young age. He began performing at age 12, appearing in theater productions like Don Juan Tenorio.

Career

Luis Merlo’s career kicked off in the 1980s with early roles in Spanish television and theater, leveraging his family’s legacy to secure stage parts in productions such as La última luna and Calígula.

His television breakthrough came in 1990 with a role in the series La forja de un rebelde, but it was his portrayal of Mauricio “Mauri” Hidalgo in Aquí no hay quien viva (2003-2006) that made him a national icon.

As the openly gay journalist navigating love and community antics, Merlo brought humor and heart to a role that became a cultural touchstone in Spain, appearing across all five seasons.

He continued his sitcom success in La que se avecina (2007-2024), playing Bruno Quiñones, a neurotic yet endearing pianist, in over 100 episodes, with occasional absences due to health and personal commitments.

Beyond sitcoms, Merlo has a robust filmography, including films like La noche del hermano (2005) and ¿Y tú quién eres? (2007), where he showcased his dramatic range.

His television credits are extensive, with roles in series such as El internado (2007-2010) as Héctor de la Vega, Canguros (1994-1996), Hospital Central (2002), and La Casa de Papel (Money Heist, 2017), in a guest capacity.

His theater career is equally prolific, with standout performances in El crédito (2013), Toc Toc (2015-2017), and El Test (2022), often earning critical praise for his stage presence.

In 2025, at 59, Merlo remains active, balancing television roles with theater projects like Tartufo and occasional voice work, such as dubbing for Spanish versions of international films, while expressing a preference for roles that challenge his comedic and dramatic skills.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @luismerlo_actor

Personal Life

Luis Merlo, 59, maintains a private personal life, rarely sharing details beyond his professional endeavors and family ties. He is single, with no recorded spouse or children, and has chosen to keep his romantic life out of the public eye, though he has been open about his identity as a gay man, which informed his authentic portrayal of Mauri in Aquí no hay quien viva.

His height is 175 cm. Based in Madrid, Merlo leads a low-key lifestyle, often expressing gratitude for his family’s support and his ability to balance fame with personal tranquility, using social media sparingly to connect with fans and promote his projects.

Net Worth

Luis Merlo’s estimated net worth ranges from $2,000,000 to $6,000,000. His wealth stems primarily from his extensive acting career, including lucrative roles in long-running series like Aquí no hay quien viva and La que se avecina, which have provided substantial salaries and residuals since the early 2000s.

Filmography

• Aquí no hay quien viva (TV Series, 2003-2006) – Mauricio “Mauri” Hidalgo
• La que se avecina (TV Series, 2007-2024) – Bruno Quiñones
• El internado (TV Series, 2007-2010) – Héctor de la Vega
• La noche del hermano (Film, 2005)
• ¿Y tú quién eres? (Film, 2007)
• Canguros (TV Series, 1994-1996)
• Hospital Central (TV Series, 2002)
• La Casa de Papel (Money Heist, TV Series, 2017) – Guest Role
• La forja de un rebelde (TV Series, 1990)