Gabriel Pontones Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Wife, Education, Films

Gabriel Pontones, known as “Rasta,” is a Mexican-American filmmaker, photographer, and television presenter recognized for his adventurous storytelling.

He first gained public attention as runner-up on Mexico’s inaugural Big Brother season, which launched his dual career in television and film.

Beyond his on-screen presence, he directed shorts such as Pelea de Gallos and contributed to major productions like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, earning a reputation for blending cultural perspectives with energetic visual style.

Profile

• Full Name: Gabriel Pontones
• Stage Name: Rasta
• Born: 13, August 1973
• Age: 52 years old
• Birthplace: New Jersey, United States
• Nationality: Mexican-American
• Occupation: Filmmaker, Photographer, And Television Presenter
• Height: 1.75m
• Parents: Mr. Pontones and Mrs. Pontones
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Gabriel Pontones was born on August 13, 1973, in New Jersey, United States, to Mr. and Mrs. Pontones, both of Mexican descent, with his mother originally from Cuba.

The family relocated to Mexico when he was eight, where he was raised in a bilingual and culturally vibrant environment.

He has not shared details about siblings.

Pontones earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications in Mexico before pursuing advanced film studies at New York University, directing courses at The School of Visual Arts, acting training at Stella Adler Studio, and additional workshops at UCLA and with Judith Weston.

He is of Mexican-American ethnicity, while his religion remains private.

Career

Gabriel Pontones discovered his calling young, tinkering with his father’s 8mm camera on the family’s long drive from New Jersey to Mexico at age eight, where he started crafting homemade films that starred, scripted, and directed himself in tales of adventure.

Back in Mexico, he dipped into advertising and radio gigs after his communications degree, but the pull of cinema led him to New York for NYU film classes and Stella Adler acting sessions, then Los Angeles for UCLA extensions and Judith Weston directing labs.

Those foundational years built his technical chops, landing early behind-the-scenes roles like additional crew on The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants in 2005, while his unscripted charm caught the eye for Mexico’s debut Big Brother season in 2002, where he finished as runner-up and emerged as a fan darling, blending his budding filmmaking skills with on-camera presence to gain that initial foothold in entertainment.

From there, Pontones channeled his reality TV buzz into a steady rhythm of presenting and producing, hosting travel segments that showcased his globe-trotting spirit while quietly advancing his directorial voice with the self-written, produced, and starred short Pelea de Gallos, a gritty take on cockfighting culture that highlighted his eye for raw, cultural narratives.

Key growth came through survival challenges like winning season one of Reto 4 Elementos, which not only boosted his visibility but honed his ability to thrive in high-stakes environments, much like a film set.

He wove in photography for lifestyle brands and adventure docs, transitioning fluidly between hosting gigs on Mexican networks and crew contributions to international projects, all while building a portfolio that emphasized authentic storytelling over polished gloss.

Gabriel Pontones sustains his freelance hustle through a mix of directing travel docs, editing lifestyle reels, and popping up as a presenter on adventure shows, with recent credits including production on Mejor es que Gabriela no se muera that underscore his knack for blending humor with heartfelt introspection.

His legacy ripples through mentoring young creators in Mexico’s indie scene, where he champions accessible tools for personal narratives, and his enduring Big Brother appeal keeps him connected to reality formats that fuel fresh content ideas.

That early spark from a road-trip lens continues to light projects that celebrate movement, memory, and the messy beauty of cross-cultural lives.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @elrasta
• Facebook Handle: Gabriel Pontones
• Twitter Handle: @ELRastamx

Personal Life

Gabriel Pontones has maintained a private personal life, with no confirmed marriage or long-term partner.

He has no children and often spends his free time traveling, surfing in Baja, or hiking remote trails, sharing those experiences as moments of self-discovery.

Rooted in Mexico City, he occasionally honors his parents, drawing on his mother’s Cuban heritage in his storytelling.

Filmography

• Pelea de Gallos (2008)
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
• Mejor es que Gabriela no se muera (2018)

Net Worth

Gabriel Pontones commands an estimated net worth of $5 million.

His earnings trace back to a blend of directing fees for shorts and docs, production credits on features like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and steady pay from TV presenting on travel and reality formats, rounded out by photography gigs for lifestyle brands that tap his 50,000-plus social followers for authentic endorsements.