‘Selena: The Series’ Vs. Real-Life People: See Christian Serratos As Selena & More

The first part of ‘Selena: The Series’ debuts Dec. 4 on Netflix and takes us back to the early years of the late Selena Quintanilla. See the side-by-side photos of the ‘Selena’ cast members and their real-life counterparts.

Selena: The Series will chronicle the short but vibrant life of the late Selena Quintanilla. The first part of the Netflix series, premiering Dec. 4, will explore Selena’s journey from singing small gigs in her family band to becoming one of the most successful female Latin artists of all-time. Her life was tragically cut short in 1995 when she was murdered by Yolanda Saldívar, the founder of Selena’s fan club.

Selena’s family played an integral role in her success, and they take center stage as well in the limited series. The cast of Selena: The Series includes all of Selena’s family members.  See the actors in character side-by-side with the real-life people.

Christian Serratos as Selena Quintanilla

Christian Serratos, 30, is taking on the role of the one and only Selena Quintanilla in Selena: The Series. She completely transforms into the young Tejano singer. Christian is best known for playing Rosita on The Walking Dead and Bella Swan’s friend Angela in Twilight. She will play Selena in both parts of the Netflix series.

The role of Selena Quintanilla was notably portrayed by Jennifer Lopez in a 1997 feature film. Selena: The Series is being released 23 years after the movie.

Noemí González as Suzette Quintanilla

Noemí González, 32, stars as Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s sister. The actress previously starred in the Hulu series East Los High and played Mia Rosales on The Young and the Restless.

Suzette serves as an executive producer on the Netflix series. Suzette played the drums in the band Selena y Los Dinos, which was formed by Suzette and Selena’s father.

Gabriel Chavarria as A.B. Quintanilla

Gabriel Chavarria, 31, plays A.B. Quintanilla, Selena’s brother. Before Selena: The Series, Gabriel starred in East Los High and USA Network’s The Purge.

A.B. was also a member of Selena y Los Dinos, along with his sisters. He played bass guitar, produced, and wrote songs for Selena. A.B.’s most notable singles include “Como la Flor,” “Amor Prohibido,” and “No Me Queda Mas.” In the years after Selena’s tragic murder in 1995, Gabriel went on to form the group Kumbia Kings.

Ricardo Chavira as Abraham Quintanilla

Richardo Chavira, 49, stars as Abraham Quintanilla, Selena’s father. He’s best known for playing Carlos Solis in the long-running ABC series Desperate Housewives. He’s also had notable roles on Scandal and Jane the Virgin.

Abraham aspired to become a professional singer in the early years of his life, but he found the most musical success with his children. He formed Selena y Los Dinos during Selena’s childhood years, and the band achieved success as Selena became a huge star. Abraham was one of the producers of the 1997 biopic about his daughter.

Seidy López as Marcella Quintanilla

Seidy López is playing Marcella Quintanilla, Selena’s mother. This isn’t Seidy’s first Selena project. She played Deborah in the 1997 biopic.

Marcella, like the rest of Selena’s family, was devastated by Selena’s murder. Marcella, along with her family and Selena’s husband, Chris Pérez, formed The Selena Foundation in Selena’s name. The non-profit organization strives to help children in crisis.