Wagner Moura Met Wife Sandra Delgado at Brazil's Carnival While Dressed as a Ballerina

The couple has been married for over 25 years and has three teenage sons together.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:04pm

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Brazilian actor Wagner Moura, known for his breakout role as Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos, met his wife Sandra Delgado at Brazil's Carnival festival over two decades ago. Moura revealed that he was dressed as a ballerina when the two first crossed paths, and Delgado seemed to take a liking to his costume. The couple soon moved in together in Rio de Janeiro and have now been married for 25 years, raising three teenage sons.

Why it matters

Moura and Delgado's long-lasting relationship and family life provide a heartwarming counterpoint to the intense, dramatic roles Moura is known for on screen. Their story also highlights the serendipitous nature of chance encounters and how they can blossom into lifelong partnerships.

The details

Delgado is a multi-talented creative who has worked as a photographer, journalist, filmmaker, and screenwriter. She directed and produced the Brazilian TV series Terceiro Sinal in 2015 and co-wrote the Disney+ historical drama series Maria: The Outlaw Legend. Delgado is currently working on her debut feature-length fiction film, The Outsider, which will star Moura in a minor role and feature him as an executive producer.

  • Moura and Delgado first met at Brazil's Carnival festival.
  • Shortly after meeting, the couple moved in together in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Moura and Delgado have now been married for over 25 years.

The players

Wagner Moura

A Brazilian actor known for his breakout role as Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos, who was the first Brazilian man ever nominated for a Best Actor Oscar.

Sandra Delgado

Moura's wife of over 25 years, who is a photographer, journalist, filmmaker, and screenwriter. She has directed and produced TV series and is currently working on her debut feature-length fiction film.

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What they’re saying

“I was dressed as a ballerina—that's when I met my wife. She seemed to like the ballerina thing.”

— Wagner Moura

“I was like, 'Do you want to just go to Rio with me?' That's how we started to know each other—living in the same apartment.”

— Wagner Moura

What’s next

Moura and Delgado are currently collaborating on Delgado's debut feature film, The Outsider, with Moura set to star in a minor role and serve as an executive producer.

The takeaway

Moura and Delgado's enduring relationship and family life provide a heartwarming contrast to the intense, dramatic roles Moura is known for, showcasing the power of chance encounters to blossom into lifelong partnerships.