Trivia

Fluent in Spanish, English (American and British), French and Catalan.

His father was from Puebla, Mexico, where he spend some time in a ranch at the age of 18.

Everytime he travels, takes a notebook with him where he writes. But doesn't share it with anyone.

His father died when he was age 14. His mother died when he was almost age 23. He took her to the Thesis (1996) premiere in Madrid.

Met his wife, Trinidad Oteros, while waiting for a delayed flight in Madrid-Barajas Airport.

Attended a private Catholic school for men.

Lived shortly in Los Angeles but didn't enjoy it.

Attended Santander Music School to become a professional piano player because his mother wanted him to be a musician. Had so much talent that his teachers encouraged him to become a concertist, but after five years of intense work, he grew tired of it and quit.

First Spanish actor to play Che Guevara.

When he was a child he wanted to be a priest.

Decided to become actor almost by chance, because a friend of his was studying drama and convinced him to go to a class.

Was cast to play Che Guevara in Josh Evans first movie, because Evan's mother Ali MacGraw saw Noriega's picture on a magazine and picked him herself. Later, he was interviewed by Evans and got the part.

His favorite actor is Paul Newman.

Father Mexican, mother Spanish.

His surname comes from Astoria, where his family on his father side comes from.

Is the youngest of seven siblings.

Decided to become a lawyer because enjoyed very much TV shows such as Perry Mason.

Loves Buenos Aires. Says that he always felt very well taken care of while staying there.

When he was a child, loved watching Marilyn Monroe's films.

Is a philanthropist. In Spain, collaborates with foundation "Mundo Justo".

Usually works with Alejandro Amenábar and Mateo Gil.

Keeps on taking English classes to improve his English pronunciation.

Is an avid photographer.

Before playing Wolf (2004), he interviewed the real character.

Considered one of the 10 hottest men by People en español magazine. (2009)

Big fan of Luis Buñuel.

The first movie he ever saw on VCR was E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) in 1983.

Practises yoga.

Fan of Argentinian soccer player Lionel Messi.

Smoker.

Majored in the prestigious Santander University Law School, but dropped out soon after to pursue an acting career.

Arrived to Madrid at 19 with his mother.

Discovered by movie director Alejandro Amenábar. Began his acting career by making short films with him.Studied drama at the Spanish National Conservatory.

Learned Catalan for his part in Les mans buides (2003).

Besides being a very accomplished piano player, he also sings.

Chosen the second greatest actor of Spain and the second hottest one, according to a survey made by Glamour Magazine in Spain. (2010)

Often works in different countries and different languages.

Lives in Madrid.

Named as one of European films 'Shooting Stars' by European Film Promotion. (1999)

Was considered for the lead in La paz de tus ojos tristes. (2006)

Honored in Buenos Aires Film Festival and in Nantes Film Festival.

Spanish citizen.

Sang Bob Dylan's hit "Like a Rolling Stone" at the TV show "Buenafuente". (March 15, 2010)

Friend of Leonardo Sbaraglia.

Is the only member of his family that dedicated to show business.

Supported a demonstration to defend the "Sahara Madrid" cause. (April 2012)

Supporter of F.C. Barcelona.

Sang a fragment of Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Lucía" in the movie Cha Cha Cha (1998).

Worked with also Cantabrian actor Antonio Resines in El invierno de las anjanas (2000). Resines is from Torrelavega and Noriega from Santander. The movie was shot in both cities. So they felt like home.

Named European Revelation of 2001 at Cannes Film Festival-Le Studio.