March 22, 2026
Remembering Mónica Santa María, the “Little Dalina” of Nubeluz
The Peruvian entertainment world mourned the tragic loss of Mónica Santa María, a beloved television personality known as one of the “dalinas” – the animated hostesses – on the popular children’s program Nubeluz. Her suicide at the age of 21 in 1994 shocked fans across Latin America and marked a turning point for the show, which had enjoyed widespread success.
Born on December 6, 1972, in Miraflores, Peru, Mónica Janette Santa María Smith was the daughter of Danilo Santa María and Judy Smith, a Canadian citizen. From a young age, her striking looks and outgoing personality drew attention. According to her sister Liz, “people would stop her mother on the street” to compliment her beauty.
Santa María possessed a natural talent for performance, described by those who knew her as both intelligent and charismatic. “She always was a super intelligent girl, she had the first prizes and the teachers always spoke with my parents about her and said that she was an excellent student,” her sister added.
Despite her father’s initial reservations, her mother supported her entry into the world of modeling. At just 11 years old, Mónica starred in a television commercial for the shampoo brand Ammens. She later became the face of the cosmetics company Yanbal.
In 1988, Santa María made a brief appearance on the program Chiquiticosas. The following year, she graduated with honors after completing her studies.
Although, it was her role on Nubeluz that cemented her place in the hearts of Peruvian audiences. The show, which aired in 19 countries – including Chile – and even had a version dubbed in Chinese, became a cultural phenomenon. But the program’s success was ultimately overshadowed by the tragedy surrounding Santa María’s death. The news of her passing resonated deeply with a generation of viewers and remains a poignant moment in Peruvian television history.
