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The Untold Story Of Carlos Ponce And Ximena Duque: Six Years Of Pranks, A Shared Business, And Where They Are Now

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The high-profile relationship between Puerto Rican actor Carlos Ponce and Colombian actress Ximena Duque captivated the Latin entertainment world for nearly six years, becoming a beloved fixture on social media and red carpets. Their romance, which blossomed around 2010 and lasted until 2016, was characterized by a playful dynamic, public displays of affection, and, most notably, a series of viral pranks that established them as one of the most entertaining couples in show business. As of December 2025, while the couple has long since moved on to new marriages and families, their enduring professional connection and the legacy of their fun-loving partnership remain a fascinating chapter in their respective careers. The curiosity surrounding this former power couple persists, not just because of their on-screen chemistry, but due to their surprisingly amicable split and the unique business venture they continued to share even after calling off the romance. This is the deep dive into the story of Carlos Ponce and Ximena Duque, from their first meetings to their current, separate, and successful lives.

Complete Biography Profile: Carlos Ponce and Ximena Duque

To understand the scope of their relationship, it is essential to first look at the impressive careers of these two Latin entertainment heavyweights. Both are celebrated actors, hosts, and personalities whose professional paths frequently crossed.

Carlos Ponce Freyre (The Prankster)

  • Born: September 4, 1972, in Santurce, Puerto Rico.
  • Nationality: Puerto Rican-American.
  • Career Highlights: Actor, singer, composer, writer, and television host. Known for roles in telenovelas like *Sentimientos Ajenos* and *Santa Diabla*, and English-language projects such as *Couples Retreat* and *Maya and Miguel* (voice acting).
  • Current Spouse: Married to television host Karina Banda (m. 2020).
  • Children: Four children from his first marriage to Verónica Rubio: Giancarlo, Sebastián, and twins Savannah and Sienna.
  • Key Entities: Telemundo, Univision, Hollywood, *Santa Diabla*, *Couples Retreat*, Karina Banda.

Ximena Duque Giraldo (The Actress)

  • Born: January 30, 1985, in Cali, Colombia.
  • Nationality: Colombian-American.
  • Career Highlights: Actress, model, and entrepreneur. Rose to fame after participating in the reality show *Protagonistas de Novela* and starring in numerous successful telenovelas, including *Corazón Valiente* and *La Casa de al Lado*. She has since transitioned into the wellness and entrepreneurship space.
  • Current Spouse: Married to businessman Jay Adkins (m. 2017).
  • Children: Three children: Christian (from a previous relationship with Christian Carabias), and daughters Luna and Skye from her marriage to Jay Adkins.
  • Key Entities: Telemundo, *Protagonistas de Novela*, *Corazón Valiente*, Jay Adkins, Luna Adkins, Skye Adkins.

The Viral Romance: Six Years of Love, Laughter, and Famous Pranks

The relationship between Carlos Ponce and Ximena Duque began around 2010 and quickly became a media sensation due to their undeniable chemistry and willingness to share their lives with fans. Their six years together were marked by a playful dynamic that set them apart from other celebrity couples.

The Prank War That Went Viral

The couple earned the unofficial title of the "Prank Kings" of Latin television, primarily due to Carlos Ponce's constant, elaborate jokes targeting Ximena. These pranks, often filmed and shared on social media, included everything from jumping out at her from unexpected places to elaborate setups that left Ximena terrified or confused. The videos garnered millions of views, making them "insta-famous" long before the term was commonplace. This lighthearted content established a unique brand for the couple, showcasing their deep, comfortable bond and shared sense of humor. A famous turning point came when Ximena finally got her revenge. After years of being the target, she managed to pull off a successful prank on Carlos at their shared business, which was widely reported as her finally "getting even". This public, friendly rivalry underscored the affection that permeated their relationship.

Professional Collaborations and Public Appearances

While they were a couple, Ponce and Duque frequently appeared together at high-profile events, including the Latin American Music Awards and Premios Tu Mundo. They also shared screen time, most notably in the Telemundo telenovela *Santa Diabla*, where their on-screen performances mirrored the passion of their real-life romance. Their joint appearances, both on the red carpet and on television, solidified their status as one of the most glamorous and recognizable couples in the industry.

Beyond the Breakup: The Shared Business Venture and New Chapters

In 2016, after six years together, Carlos Ponce and Ximena Duque announced their separation. Unlike many celebrity breakups, their split was remarkably amicable, and they made a conscious effort to remain friends and professional partners, a testament to the respect they maintained for one another.

Duchess and Duque Beauty Studio: The Enduring Partnership

Perhaps the most surprising detail of their post-breakup life was their decision to continue co-managing their business. In February 2015, while still a couple, they launched a high-end beauty salon and spa in the Miami Design District called Duchess and Duque Beauty Studio. The name itself was a clever play on Ximena's last name, Duque. Even after they ended their romantic relationship, the two remained business partners in the spa. This arrangement highlighted their maturity and commitment to their joint investment, proving that a high-profile romantic breakup does not always mean the end of all shared ventures. The continued collaboration ensured that the entities of Carlos Ponce and Ximena Duque remained intertwined in the Miami business scene for some time.

Separate Paths, New Families

Since their separation, both actors have found new love and expanded their families, marking new, happy chapters in their lives.
  • Ximena Duque's New Life: Ximena married businessman Jay Adkins in 2017. She has since focused heavily on her family and her career as an entrepreneur and wellness advocate, welcoming two daughters, Luna and Skye, with Adkins. She has often spoken publicly about the joy of her new life, emphasizing her commitment to motherhood and her successful business pursuits.
  • Carlos Ponce's New Life: Carlos Ponce married television host Karina Banda in a private ceremony in 2020. He continues his prolific acting and hosting career, appearing in both Spanish and English-language productions. His current marriage to Karina Banda is frequently featured in Latin media, showcasing a new, equally loving dynamic.
The story of Carlos Ponce and Ximena Duque serves as a unique case study in the entertainment world. Their relationship was a public spectacle of fun and romance, but their breakup proved to be an equally mature and respectful event. By prioritizing friendship and business over drama, they successfully navigated the complexities of a high-profile split, allowing both to move forward into new, fulfilling chapters of their lives. Today, while they are no longer a couple, the entities of Carlos Ponce and Ximena Duque are both thriving, a powerful reminder that some bonds, even after a romance ends, can remain strong and collaborative.
carlos ponce and ximena duque
carlos ponce and ximena duque

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