Arian Cartaya is 13 years old. Born on February 14, 2013, the young actor has quickly transitioned from a viral internet personality to a prominent figure in mainstream television. His birthday, falling on Valentine’s Day, places him under the Aquarius zodiac sign, which many industry observers associate with the creative and independent streak he displays on screen. Currently, he is best known for his central role as Ricardo "Rich" Santos in the high-budget horror prequel series, It: Welcome to Derry, which premiered in 2025.

The Significance of Arian Cartaya at Age 13 in the Entertainment Industry

At the age of 13, Arian Cartaya occupies a unique space in Hollywood. This age often represents a critical junction for child performers, moving from "kid" roles into the more complex territory of early adolescence. For Cartaya, this transition has been marked by a shift toward heavy, atmospheric drama and horror, a genre that demands a level of emotional maturity beyond his years. His presence in a major HBO production suggests a high level of trust from casting directors and producers who look for stability and professional conduct in young leads.

The entertainment industry often tracks the development of young talents like Cartaya because they represent the next generation of diverse leading men. Achieving a breakout role in a billion-dollar franchise universe like Stephen King’s IT by the age of 12 (during filming) and 13 (during the height of the series' popularity) is a feat that requires both natural charisma and a rigorous work ethic. His age also allows him to connect with a younger demographic that is increasingly seeking representation on premium streaming platforms.

Cultural Heritage and the Importance of Bilingual Representation

Arian Cartaya is a Cuban-American actor who maintains a deep connection to his cultural roots. Born in the United States and raised in a bicultural household, he identifies Spanish as his first language. Within his family home, Spanish remains the primary mode of communication, a factor that has played a significant role in his professional versatility. Being fully bilingual allows Cartaya to bridge the gap between English-language mainstream media and the expansive Spanish-language television market.

His cultural background is not merely a personal detail but a professional asset. In the series It: Welcome to Derry, his character Rich Santos shares this Cuban heritage. This alignment between the actor’s real-life identity and the character’s background adds a layer of authenticity to his performance. Industry analysts have noted that this type of casting represents a move toward more nuanced and culturally specific storytelling in big-budget horror. Cartaya has publicly mentioned his fondness for Cuban cuisine and how his heritage makes his professional roles feel more personal and grounded.

The Evolution from Viral Sensation to Professional Screen Actor

Before his name appeared in the credits of major television dramas, Arian Cartaya gained early fame through a completely different medium. Around 2019, at approximately six years old, he became a viral sensation for his impersonations of the global music star Bad Bunny. Often referred to by the moniker "Arian Good Bunny" or "El Conejito Bueno," his videos showcased an innate ability to mimic gestures, clothing styles, and stage presence.

While many viral stars struggle to move past their internet fame, Cartaya used this early exposure as a foundation for a structured acting career. The transition from mimicking a pop star to delivering scripted dialogue in professional sets began in 2021. This shift is notable because it required him to move away from the performative nature of social media clips into the subtler, more disciplined requirements of narrative filmmaking. His early training in short films, such as Un Pequeño Corte, provided the necessary environment to hone his craft before facing the cameras of major networks.

Analyzing the Role of Rich Santos in It Welcome to Derry

In 2025, Arian Cartaya reached a new career height with his casting in It: Welcome to Derry. Set in the 1960s, the series serves as a prequel to the blockbuster IT films, exploring the dark history of the fictional town of Derry, Maine. Cartaya plays Ricardo "Rich" Santos, a character who is central to the group of children facing the malevolent forces inherent to the town’s lore.

The role of Rich Santos is multifaceted, requiring Cartaya to navigate themes of friendship, loyalty, and visceral fear. In a series that balances supernatural horror with coming-of-age drama, his performance has been lauded for its balance. Playing a character in 1962 involves a certain degree of historical immersion—adjusting to the fashion, social norms, and language of a different era. The chemistry among the young cast members, including his character’s bond with Will Hanlon and his dynamic with Marge, forms the emotional core of the series. This role has solidified his reputation as a "breakout star," demonstrating his ability to carry significant screen time in a high-stakes production.

Behind the Scenes of a 1960s Horror Production

Filming a series like It: Welcome to Derry involves complex logistical challenges, especially for a minor. Production for the series required a rigorous schedule that combined intense physical scenes with the technical requirements of horror filmmaking, such as working with practical effects and green screens. For a 13-year-old actor, this environment serves as an accelerated masterclass in professional cinema.

One of the most discussed anecdotes from the production involves a chance reunion between Cartaya and his co-star Blake Cameron James. Years prior to their casting in the IT prequel, both actors had worked together on an AT&T commercial filmed in Georgia. When they recognized each other on the massive HBO set, the existing familiarity helped foster a sense of camaraderie that is visible in their on-screen interactions. This type of professional history is common in the industry, but for young actors, it provides a crucial support system during the long, often demanding hours of a horror shoot.

Furthermore, working alongside Bill Skarsgård, who reprised his role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, offered Cartaya a front-row seat to world-class character acting. Interacting with such a legendary horror figure requires a high degree of focus, as the young actors must remain in character while reacting to intense, often frightening makeup and performance styles.

Filmography Breakdown and Career Trajectory

Arian Cartaya’s professional journey is a clear example of steady, incremental growth. Each project in his filmography has served as a stepping stone to larger opportunities.

  • Un Pequeño Corte (2021): This short film marked his professional debut. It established his ability to work within the constraints of a film set and follow directorial cues at a young age.
  • Gordita Chronicles (2022): In this family comedy series, Cartaya played Alvaro. This role allowed him to showcase his comedic timing and provided his first taste of a major network production. The show was praised for its representation of the immigrant experience, aligning with Cartaya's own background.
  • Juego de mentiras (2023): Transitioning into the thriller genre, he appeared in multiple episodes as Miguel. This project demonstrated his range, proving he could handle more serious, suspenseful material.
  • Bad Monkey (2024): Appearing in this series further diversified his portfolio, placing him in a production with a unique tone that combined crime and dark humor.
  • It: Welcome to Derry (2025): The definitive breakout role as Rich Santos. This series has provided him with global visibility and established his place in a major cinematic universe.
  • Pedro Pan (TBA): His upcoming project, where he is slated to play the character Pedro, continues his trend of participating in stories that carry significant cultural and historical weight.

The Mechanics of Professional Growth for Young Actors in Hollywood

The success of a 13-year-old actor like Arian Cartaya is often the result of a coordinated effort involving family support, professional representation, and personal discipline. In the digital age, managing a child actor’s public image is a delicate task. Cartaya’s social media presence, primarily on Instagram, is managed by his parents. This is a standard industry practice designed to protect minors from the potential pitfalls of online interaction while maintaining a professional connection with his fanbase.

From a technical standpoint, his career is supported by the DDO Artists Agency, a firm known for representing young talent. The trajectory from regional commercials to a leading role in a Stephen King adaptation reflects a strategic approach to casting. Instead of over-exposure, his team appears to have focused on projects that allow for character development and genre variety. This strategy helps prevent the "typecasting" that often limits the long-term careers of child stars.

Maintaining Balance Between Education and High Profile Television Roles

A major aspect of Arian Cartaya's life that remains largely out of the public eye is his education. As a 13-year-old, he is in the middle school years, a time when social and academic development are paramount. Balancing a full-time acting career with schooling is a requirement mandated by labor laws for minors in the entertainment industry.

While specific details of his school are kept private for safety reasons, it is common for actors of his caliber to utilize set teachers and private tutors during filming. This allows them to stay on track with their curriculum while adhering to the erratic schedules of a television production. The ability to switch from studying mathematics or history to performing in a high-intensity horror scene requires a level of mental agility that is often overlooked in child actors. Cartaya’s continued professional output suggests that he has successfully integrated his academic responsibilities with his passion for acting.

Physical Discipline and Personal Interests

Beyond the script and the camera, Cartaya maintains a lifestyle that supports the physical demands of his work. Interestingly, professional profiles have noted his dedication to specific fitness routines, such as back squats. For a teenager, maintaining a level of physical fitness is not only about health but also about the stamina required for long days on set, which can involve running, stunts, and repetitive takes.

His personal interests also provide a glimpse into his life outside of Hollywood. He is an animal lover, specifically of his two cats, and continues to be a fan of the music that first brought him viral attention. These elements of a normal childhood—pets, hobbies, and favorite foods—serve as a vital counterweight to the pressures of a high-profile career. They ensure that as he grows older, he remains grounded in his personal identity rather than being solely defined by his screen roles.

Industry Expectations and Future Outlook

The current trajectory for Arian Cartaya suggests a promising future. In an industry that is increasingly looking for actors who can seamlessly navigate different cultures and languages, his bilingualism is a major competitive advantage. As he enters his mid-teens, the roles available to him will likely become even more complex.

Hollywood watchers are particularly interested in how he will follow up his success in It: Welcome to Derry. Whether he stays within the horror and thriller genres or returns to comedy, the foundation he has built at age 13 is remarkably solid. His involvement in the upcoming film Pedro Pan suggests a continued interest in stories that explore the immigrant experience and historical narratives, further solidifying his brand as an actor of substance.

The rise of Arian Cartaya is a testament to the changing landscape of television, where diverse voices and young talents are given the platform to lead global franchises. By maintaining his cultural authenticity and a disciplined approach to his craft, he has moved beyond the "child star" label to become a respected young professional in the global entertainment market.

Summary

Arian Cartaya is a 13-year-old Cuban-American actor who has captured the attention of international audiences through his role as Rich Santos in It: Welcome to Derry. Born on February 14, 2013, he began his journey in the public eye as a viral Bad Bunny impersonator before establishing a professional acting career in 2021. His bilingual skills, cultural heritage, and ability to handle complex emotional roles in genres ranging from family comedy to supernatural horror have made him one of the most promising young talents of his generation. With a steady filmography and a disciplined approach to his career and education, Cartaya is well-positioned for long-term success in the evolving landscape of Hollywood.

FAQ

How old is Arian Cartaya right now? Arian Cartaya is 13 years old. He was born on February 14, 2013.

What is Arian Cartaya’s ethnicity? He is Cuban-American. He was born in the United States and speaks Spanish as his first language, maintaining a strong connection to his Cuban heritage.

Who does Arian Cartaya play in the It prequel? He plays the character Ricardo "Rich" Santos in the HBO/Max series It: Welcome to Derry.

What was Arian Cartaya’s first acting role? His professional acting debut was in the 2021 short film Un Pequeño Corte, where he played the character of a "Mean Boy."

Is Arian Cartaya bilingual? Yes, he is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Spanish is the primary language spoken in his home.

Was Arian Cartaya famous before acting? Yes, he gained viral fame around 2019 as a Bad Bunny impersonator, often known as "Arian Good Bunny."

What are some of Arian Cartaya’s other TV shows? In addition to It: Welcome to Derry, he has appeared in Gordita Chronicles, Juego de mentiras, and Bad Monkey.

Who manages Arian Cartaya’s social media? His Instagram and other social media accounts are managed by his parents to ensure his safety and professional image.

What are Arian Cartaya's upcoming projects? He is set to appear in the project Pedro Pan, playing the role of Pedro.