Landing a role in "Cantinflas," a biopic about Mario Moreno, the most beloved comedic actor in Mexico was monumental for Mexican actress Gabriela De La Garza. Not only did she challenge herself linguistically and physically, but she's also a native of Mexico City who has a close family connection to the film.

In "Cantinflas," De La Garza plays Olga Ivanova, Valentina's older sister and Moreno's sister-in-law, who is also a Russian ballerina.

"I actually started out as a dancer. I was a ballerina when I was 15 years old and that's how I started in this business. So when they told me that Olga was a ballerina, I was very excited because I was able to put another skill into the character," De La Garza told Latin Post. "This is actually the second time that I played a ballerina. I played a ballerina in 'The Fantastic World of Juan Orol,' which was the first movie of Sebastián del Amo, who also directed 'Cantinflas.' It was a joyful experience."

She took the role a step further, however.

"To meet the director's expectations, I took dance and Russian classes in order to better match Olga's accent and characteristics," De La Garza added. "She was a very beautiful and talented woman."

The importance of wardrobe and costume design, especially for the performers, was evident in the film.

"It was amazing. It was a very fun era. Every day was different ... being in your camper, waiting for people to transform you, and then leaving to another era. It was a very fun experience," she said.

Cantinflas is best remembered for co-starring as Passepartout with David Niven in the 1956 film "Around the World in 80 Days," which won five Academy Awards, including one for Best Picture. Moreno also won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Comedy or Musical for the film.

Endorsed by the iconic Charlie Chaplin himself as "the best comedian alive," Cantinflas was celebrated by Mexican, Latin American and U.S. audiences. In his personal life, Cantinflas (Moreno) was a passionate yet complicated man.

Award-winning Spanish actor Oscar Jaenada, who also spoke with Latin Post in an exclusive interview, took on the multi-faceted role of Cantinflas (Moreno).

"Oscar is an amazing guy and an amazing actor. Cantinflas is a difficult role to play even as a Mexican actor," De La Garza pointed out. "When you watch the movie you forget that he's a Spaniard. You don't see an actor, you see Cantinflas. I really admire his work."

De La Garza's Family Connection to Mexico's Golden Film Era

While the film is an homage to "the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico," one could say that it's also De La Garza's personal tribute to her late grandfather, the legendary Manuel Tames "Regulo," who was one of the most influential actors of Mexico's Golden Film Era. He also worked in the performance tents with Cantinflas (Moreno) during the early stages of their careers.

"My grandfather was very close to me and he always encouraged me to dance, act and sing ... I wish he was with me now, but he knows what I'm doing and he's enjoying it wherever he is," she said.

De La Garza's grandmother also had the pleasure of meeting Cantinflas.

"She told me a lot of anecdotes to help me build my character, so I was very lucky to have her ... We had long, interesting conversations so I could soak up what life was like back then and give a better performance and interpretation of the character," De La Garza explained. "In the film, most of her scenes are with Luis Gerardo Méndez, who plays her husband and Mario Moreno's best friend."

"Cantinflas," which is distributed by Pantelion Films in the U.S. and Videocine Distribucion in Mexico, has been selected by the Mexican Academy of Cinematic Arts and Sciences to represent the country in the Academy Awards, where the film will compete for Best Foreign Language film.

"I am very glad and very happy with what we have accomplished with this movie. Of course it would be the cherry on top if we won the Oscar," De La Garza said. "I am also aware that every movie that is going to be in the competition is great, but it's wonderful that we are in the competition."

De La Garza was a host for the popular music show "Ya-TV," produced by HBO/Warner Music, which made her a recognizable figure throughout South America, Mexico and Miami, and she accomplished this while earning her degree in Psychology from Iberoamericana University in Mexico City, according to her bio.

She landed a supporting role as an avatar in 20th Century Fox's 2009 hit "Dragonball Evolution" and the Jennifer Lopez-produced "Como Ama Una Mujer." She also starred in the hit series "Bienes Raices," and the hugely popular "Las Aparicio," which earned her a Best Actress in a Leading Role honor at the International TV Festival in Argentina in 2010.

In 2013, De La Garza starred in the Mexico City theater hit production of Nora Ephron's play "Love, Loss & What I Wore." She also premiered two films, "Nos Vemos Papa" (See you, Dad) and "Orol," after successful festival runs. She can also be seen in lead roles in "Lynch" (Seasons 2 & 3) on Mundo Fox and in Season 3 of the critically acclaimed HBO Latino series "Capadocia," which are all airing in the U.S.

Check out the official trailer for "Cantinflas," which will also be available on DVD on Dec. 2, 2014, and relive a major piece of cinematic history.