Teresa de Jesús Buenfil López (; born November 23, 1964), commonly known as Erika Buenfil, is a Mexican actress, TV host and singer. She is best known for her lead roles in several successful telenovelas including Amor en Silencio (1988), Marisol (1996), Tres Mujeres (1999–2000) and Amores Verdaderos (2012–2013). Since September 2019, Buenfil runs a YouTube channel named as 'Sazonando con la Buenfil'. Biography Early career Buenfil started her career in show business at the age of 11. Her first telenovela appearance was in 1977 in Acompañame. More roles followed in Ambicion, alongside Edith Gonzalez; Conflictos de un Medico alongside Victoria Ruffo; and Aprendiendo a Amar alongside Susana Dosamantes. An outstanding role was Cristina del Junco in the telenovela El derecho de nacer in 1981, which gave Buenfil international exposure as an upcoming young actress. In 1983 she played the role of Vicky de Martino in El Maleficio. The success of the novela gave Buenfil her first starring role in 1985 in Angelica, where she played the title character. At this point she became recognizable in Latin America thanks to her success in novelas and hosting the Mexican show XETU. The following year, in 1986, Buenfil starred in El Engaño, alongside Frank Moro, Guillermo Garcia Cantu, and Luz Maria Jerez. Amor en silencio Two years later, in 1988, Buenfil appeared in Amor en silencio. This was her third starring role and the most memorable. She played two characters; Marisela in the first half, and Ana in the second half of the telenovela. Her leading men were Arturo Peniche and Omar Fierro. Amor en silencio, produced by Carla Estrada, became an instant hit due to the cast and the well-written story-line. However, her character was killed in a surprise twist during one episode. The story continued with the plot progressing 12 years, and emerged with Buenfil reappearing in the story, now playing the teenage daughter of her former murdered character. Amor en silencio was the most awarded telenovela of the year, winning Best Telenovela and Best Actress for Erika Buenfil in 1989's TVyNovela awards. During this time, Buenfil's popularity had grown and her status as telenovela actress was at its highest. She made appearances in many entertainment magazines and on TV shows. 1990s After her success with Amor en silencio, Buenfil took a few years off from telenovelas before returning in 1991 in Vida Robada alongside Sergio Goyri and Cynthia Klitbo.