Updated on: August 4, 2025
Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Marietta Tevez |
| Birth Date | April 1947 |
| Current Age (2025) | 78 years old |
| Birthplace | Mar del Plata, Argentina |
| Residence | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Notable Achievement | Winner of Miss Mar del Plata 1966 |
| Marital Status | Widow of Argentine singer Leo Dan (married 1966–2025) |
| Children | Three: Mariana, Vanessa, Nicolás Lazlo (Niko Dan) |
Early Life and Modeling Career
Born in April 1947 in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Marietta Tevez grew up during a cultural revolution. She started ballet at six as the daughter of middle-class professionals who emphasized academics and the arts, building poise and stage presence for her modeling career. At 19, she won the Miss Mar del Plata pageant, a prominent seaside contest that drew thousands of spectators and industry scouts, in 1966. Her January 15, 1966 victory after two days of preliminary rounds pushed her into national prominence and led to fashion publications and commercial contracts.
In the late 1960s, Marietta appeared on the covers of prominent Argentine journals like Para Ti, Gente, and Siete Días. Her editorial photos with Annemarie Heinrich showed her flexibility in swimwear, couture, and perfume ads. In 1968, she endorsed a Buenos Aires cosmetics company for a year, appearing in over twenty print and TV ads. Her third-edition Buenos Aires Fashion Week runway outings confirmed her position as a top “nueva ola” model in Argentina.
Marriage and Family
On February 25, 1966, Marietta met Leo Dan—born Leopoldo Dante Tévez—at a charity banquet in Mar del Plata, changing her life. After 20 days of romance, they married in a discreet civil ceremony on March 17, 1966, surprising admirers and reporters. Their union produced three children and shaped Latin music over 50 years.
| Child Name | Year of Birth | Profession |
|---|---|---|
| Mariana Tevez | 1967 | Musician; real-estate board member |
| Vanessa Tevez | 1970 | Private life; occasional patron |
| Nicolás Lazlo “Niko” Dan | 1973 | Talent manager; former singer |
Mariana, the oldest, produced a solo album in 1992 and eventually developed Miami real estate, establishing a Hispanic cultural foundation. Only at family gatherings and charity auctions does Vanessa, the middle kid, appear. After playing music in the late 1990s, Nicolás, known as Niko Dan, founded a boutique talent agency in 2002 to represent Latino film and TV performers.
Role as Muse and Philanthropy
Marietta was Leo Dan’s muse and emotional anchor, transcending family life. He dedicated his breakout ballad “Mary es mi amor,” recorded in April 1966, to her and ascribed its poignant lyrics to her ongoing support in interviews. In their 58-year partnership, she inspired romantic boleros in the 1970s and country-influenced rancheras in the 1980s with poetic ideas and encouragement during lengthy tours.
Marietta has carefully pursued philanthropic activities in addition to her support. From 1985 to 2005, she worked on the University of Miami’s Latin Music Scholarship Fund advisory group, raising nearly $2 million for poor artists. Since 1993, the Florida Hispanic Women’s Health Initiative has financed yearly galas to promote immigrant health and preventive treatment. She rarely gives interviews, but her statements at fundraising events like the 2000 Miami Beach Benefit demonstrate her dedication to education and health.
Later Years and Lifestyle in Miami
Marietta lived a private, elegant, and selectively sociable life in Coral Gables after moving there in 1982. Her 1979 Mediterranean mansion is known for its walled gardens, Argentine realist art collection, and private library with over 1,200 music history and ballet books. She practices yoga in the morning, piano in the afternoon, and hosts artist and scholar salons.
Key milestones in her Miami life include:
- 1988: Hosted a private retrospective of Leo Dan’s career at the Lowe Art Museum, attended by over 200 guests.
- 1995–2005: Curated an annual Latin Jazz series at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.
- 2010: Donated five original Leo Dan manuscripts to the Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami.
Despite avoiding tabloid publicity, Marietta maintains contacts with cultural figures like choreographer Maria Tallchief and novelist Cristina García. Mediterranean cooking, watercolor painting, and classical music festivals in Provence are her hobbies.
Legacy and Family Influence
Marietta Tevez shows how helping others may change lives. Her legacy lives on in her children’s artistic activities and Leo Dan’s revived streaming success—over 50 million plays on major platforms as of 2024. Mariana’s 2018 Miami Hispano Cultural Center and Niko Dan’s 2020 talent agency expansion into Spain and Mexico demonstrate the family’s arts contributions.
Marietta has never sought recognition, but her private philanthropy, cultural patronage, and familial mentorship make her an unassuming leader. She left a legacy in Latin American culture and beyond by turning her early pageant triumph into lifelong service and artistic development.
FAQ
What is Marietta Tevez best known for?
Marietta Tevez is best known for winning the Miss Mar del Plata title in 1966 and for her role as muse and lifelong partner of Argentine singer Leo Dan.
When and where was Marietta Tevez born?
She was born in April 1947 in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
How did Marietta influence Leo Dan’s career?
She inspired many of his hit songs and provided unwavering emotional support during his touring and recording career.
How many children does Marietta Tevez have?
Marietta has three children: Mariana, Vanessa, and Nicolás Lazlo (Niko Dan).
Is Marietta Tevez still alive after Leo Dan’s death?
Yes, Marietta Tevez continues to live privately in Miami following Leo Dan’s passing on January 1, 2025.