Which actor portrays President César Gaviria in Narcos?

Raúl Méndez portrays President César Gaviria in Narcos. The Mexican actor plays the Colombian politician across the series’ first two seasons.

Gaviria was a real historical figure who became Colombia’s president in 1990 after the assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán. In Narcos, his administration is shown confronting the Medellín Cartel, negotiating with traffickers, and dealing with the political and security crisis created by Pablo Escobar.

The role is sometimes confused with other Colombian political or cartel figures in the cast. Juan Pablo Raba plays Gustavo Gaviria, Pablo Escobar’s cousin and close associate, while Damián Alcázar plays Cali Cartel leader Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela. Alberto Ammann portrays Hélmer “Pacho” Herrera, another major Cali Cartel figure.

Méndez’s performance is a dramatized portrayal, and Narcos compresses or rearranges some events for television. The character, however, is based on the real César Gaviria, who served as Colombia’s president from 1990 to 1994.