BTN News: With a warm laugh, María Fernanda Yepes fondly recalls her time on MasterChef Celebrity, reflecting on how her past life experiences equipped her to handle the emotional rollercoaster of the cooking reality show. Best known for her role in “Rosario Tijeras,” Yepes is a multifaceted actress who returned to her native Colombia after a decade, ready to once again captivate audiences on Colombian television screens. Following the success of the series based on Jorge Franco’s book, the Antioquian actress initially moved to Mexico for six months to film “La Teniente” with TV Azteca. However, those months stretched into years, thanks to a steady stream of projects and the warm reception she received in Mexico. Nevertheless, as she herself put it, “home calls,” prompting her decision to return to Medellín.
During her ten-year stint abroad, Yepes occasionally returned to Colombia for brief projects. By the end of 2018, after wrapping up “María Magdalena,” she decided to take a break. “My body needed it,” she admitted. After years of relentless work, she felt the need for a rest. Known for her strong family ties, she sensed it was time to pause and spend time with her loved ones, leading to a sabbatical year in 2020.
Yepes’ return to Colombia coincided with the challenging period of the pandemic. She had to halt work on an ongoing project, and when she resumed, she was struck by a severe case of COVID-19. Her condition was serious, requiring a respirator and even hospital care at home. She had been filming a series for a week before being sidelined due to her health. This experience felt like a sign from life to take another pause.
Colombian viewers recently saw her on “MasterChef Celebrity.” When asked why she decided to join the show, she confessed, “I didn’t know how to cook and had no interest in the kitchen because my life had always been fast-paced, full of work.” Despite RCN channel’s persistent invitations over the past two years, she repeatedly declined until she finally took the plunge.
During her sabbatical, Yepes connected with the loving act of cooking. Joining the chaotic adventure of MasterChef, however, was unexpectedly challenging. “The first week was a nightmare,” she shared. She found herself in tears, feeling vulnerable in front of millions of viewers. Over time, she learned to be less self-critical, although it remains a struggle. “I am my own worst critic,” she admitted.
Handling her self-demanding nature proved to be a significant challenge. “We often beat ourselves up to the point of self-sabotage,” she reflected. MasterChef served as a profound teacher, revealing insecurities she hadn’t fully acknowledged.
Yepes experienced the pull of her home and family, and she is eager to continue acting in Colombia. A pivotal moment in her career that reshaped her perspective on the industry occurred when she was replaced while severely ill with COVID-19. This was her first lead role for a Netflix series, and she was devastated when she was replaced during her illness. Despite the emotional blow and the contractual constraints that prevented her from speaking out, she chose not to pursue legal action. This tough experience taught her a harsh reality about the industry.
Looking ahead, Yepes plans to plant roots in Colombia. Having always led a nomadic lifestyle, she now feels a strong sense of purpose in her homeland. Close to her family and community, she aims to make a significant impact, whether through acting or creative endeavors, and is determined to return to the screens, bringing her talent and passion back to Colombian audiences.
