Who is Benjamin Bratt Married To? Inside His Life with Talisa Soto

The Love Story of Benjamin Bratt and Talisa Soto

Benjamin Bratt, known for his iconic roles in *Law & Order* and *Miss Congeniality*, has lived a life in the public eye for decades. But it’s his relationship with Talisa Soto, an actress and former model, that reveals a softer, more private side of him. Their story is not only captivating because of their Hollywood fame but also due to the genuine connection they’ve built over the years.

Bratt and Soto first crossed paths during a casting call for the movie *Blood In Blood Out* in the early 1990s. However, the true spark didn’t ignite until they worked together on the film *Piñero* in 2001. By 2002, they were married, and Bratt’s life changed in profound ways. He recalls, “Falling in love with Talisa cemented what I’ve instinctively always known: above being an artist, even above defining myself as an actor, I see myself as a husband and a father first”​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Their union wasn’t just a Hollywood marriage; it was the foundation of a family.

How They Met: From Audition to Romance

Meeting on the set of *Blood In Blood Out* in the early 90s, Bratt and Soto didn’t immediately begin dating. As Bratt explained, their romantic relationship blossomed nearly a decade later, “Within six months after consummating our affair, I got down on one knee and proposed”​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. This delayed beginning gave them a unique opportunity to first appreciate each other as professionals.

Their Wedding and Life Together

The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony in San Francisco on April 13, 2002. Soto’s timeless beauty and Bratt’s sharp charm were a perfect match. Their wedding marked the beginning of a partnership that combined love, career, and family life.

Family Life: Raising Two Children

Benjamin and Talisa have two children, Sophia Rosalinda Bratt and Mateo Bravery Bratt. Their daughter Sophia was born in December 2002, just months after their marriage, and their son Mateo was born in October 2005​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}​:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Sophia Rosalinda Bratt

Sophia was born with a brain injury, which led to certain developmental challenges. Bratt has often spoken publicly about the struggles and joys of raising a child with special needs. His commitment to his daughter highlights his dedication as a father, with Bratt stating, “Being her father has been one of the greatest gifts in my life.”

Mateo Bravery Bratt

Mateo, the couple’s second child, has grown up largely out of the public spotlight, though Bratt and Soto have occasionally shared family moments on social media, where their son is seen enjoying his childhood alongside his older sister.

Balancing Career and Family

Both Benjamin and Talisa have managed to maintain their professional careers while prioritizing their family. Bratt has often spoken about the balance he strives to achieve between acting and being a father. “I don’t know if that’s been a hindrance or a help in terms of the professional path I’ve been on, but at this point, it’s hard to really care too much about it”​:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}​:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Bratt’s Major Roles in Film and TV

Bratt has had an illustrious acting career, starring in hit films like *Traffic* (2000) and *Miss Congeniality* (2000), where he shared screen time with Sandra Bullock. He’s also voiced iconic characters, like Ernesto de la Cruz in *Coco* (2017)​:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. His ability to juggle complex roles while being a devoted husband and father speaks to his character and priorities.

Soto’s Journey from Model to Actress

Talisa Soto initially entered the public eye as a model, working with brands such as Calvin Klein and Versace before transitioning to acting. Her role in *License to Kill* as a Bond girl made her a household name, and she continued to act in films like *Mortal Kombat* and *Don Juan DeMarco*. Her career as an actress took a backseat after she and Bratt started a family, as she focused more on raising their children​:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Who is Talisa Soto?

Talisa Soto, born Miriam Talisa Soto, was raised in New York City and Northampton, Massachusetts. With Puerto Rican heritage, she became a leading figure in the fashion world during her teenage years, even becoming the first Latina to be featured on the cover of both British Vogue and American Vogue​:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Early Life and Puerto Rican Heritage

Talisa’s parents emigrated from Puerto Rico, and her upbringing was a mix of New York’s vibrant city life and the quieter life of Northampton. Despite her early fame, she has always remained connected to her roots, crediting her success to her family’s support and work ethic.

Growing Up in New York and Northampton

Soto’s early years were split between the bustling streets of Brooklyn, where she was born, and the serene environment of Northampton, where her family relocated. It was in these formative years that she developed a passion for the arts, eventually leading her into modeling and acting.

Modeling Career Highlights

Talisa’s modeling career began when she was just 15 years old, and she quickly became one of the top models in the world. By 1988, she had been named one of Harper’s Bazaar’s best models, and her face graced the covers of some of the world’s most prestigious magazines. Cartier, Revlon, and Vogue are just a few brands that worked with Soto during her modeling days​:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Transition to Acting

After a successful career in modeling, Soto transitioned to acting. Her role as Lupe Lamora in *License to Kill* put her on the map as one of Hollywood’s most beautiful and talented actresses. She went on to star in films such as *The Mambo Kings* and *Piñero*, where she met her future husband​:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Benjamin Bratt’s Career: Balancing Hollywood and Activism

While Bratt has had an impressive acting career, his passion for activism cannot be overlooked. A proud supporter of Native American rights, Bratt has been involved in causes such as the American Indian Movement and the American Indian College Fund​:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. His activism is something he carries with pride, much like his role as a father.

Career Highlights: From *Law & Order* to *Coco*

Bratt’s work on *Law & Order* as Detective Rey Curtis earned him critical acclaim. This role was a turning point in his career, leading to even more significant roles in films like *Traffic* and *Miss Congeniality*. He also gained recognition for his voice work as Ernesto de la Cruz in Pixar’s *Coco*​:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

Bratt’s Role in *Miss Congeniality*

In *Miss Congeniality*, Bratt portrayed Eric Matthews, a federal agent partnered with Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock). His charm and wit in the role made him a fan favorite.

Bratt’s Activism and Philanthropy

Beyond Hollywood, Bratt dedicates much of his time to supporting Native American causes, such as the Friendship House Association of American Indians and the Native American Health Center​:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Did Bratt and Soto Marry?

Bratt and Soto were married on April 13, 2002, in a private ceremony in San Francisco.

Who Are Their Children?

The couple has two children, Sophia Rosalinda Bratt, born in 2002, and Mateo Bravery Bratt, born in 2005.

What is Talisa Soto Known For?

Soto is best known for her role as a Bond girl in *License to Kill* and her successful modeling career with brands like Calvin Klein and Versace.

What Are Bratt’s Most Famous Roles?

Bratt is famous for his role as Detective Rey Curtis in *Law & Order*, as well as his performances in *Miss Congeniality* and *Coco*.

References:
people.com
wikipedia.org
factceleb.com