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Chris Pérez: Key Facts About Selena Quintanilla’s Husband
The Netflix series Selena: The Series chronicles the early career of the iconic Selena Quintanilla and her relationship with Chris Pérez. In the initial episodes, Pérez joins Selena’s band, Selena y Los Dinos, and a romance blossoms between him and Selena Quintanilla. However, the first part of the series concludes with Selena’s father dismissing Chris upon discovering their connection. The second installment of the series, available on Netflix, continues to delve into their evolving relationship. Actor Jesse Posey portrays Chris Pérez in this biographical drama.
Chris Pérez remains connected to Selena’s legacy and has publicly addressed significant events related to the beloved “Queen of Tejano music.” Notably, in March 2025, Pérez and the Quintanilla family jointly released a statement regarding the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles’ decision to deny parole to Yolanda Saldívar, Selena’s convicted murderer. The statement expressed gratitude, affirming that “justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.”
From his marriage to Selena to his life in the aftermath of her tragic passing, here are five essential facts to know about Chris Pérez.
Marriage to Selena Quintanilla
The bond between Chris Pérez and Selena Quintanilla began discreetly. Initially, they chose to conceal their romantic involvement from her father, Abraham, and their family. Eventually, their relationship was revealed, leading to Abraham terminating Chris’s band membership. Despite this initial opposition, Chris and Selena solidified their commitment by marrying in 1992. Subsequently, he was embraced by her family. However, Chris acknowledged that their marriage faced challenges. “We were married and together constantly, 24/7. Learning to navigate that dynamic was a mutual process,” Chris disclosed in a 2012 CNN interview. “It wasn’t solely her initiating the need for space; I felt it too.”
Guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos
Chris Pérez and Selena Quintanilla’s initial meeting occurred in 1989 when he became the lead guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos. He remained in the band until 1991 when Abraham discovered their relationship, resulting in his dismissal. Following his marriage to Selena in 1992, he rejoined the group and remained a member until Selena’s untimely death in 1995. Leading up to the release of the first season of Selena: The Series, Chris reflected on his deep appreciation for Selena and her band.
“Even prior to joining the band, I admired her music,” Chris shared on Instagram. “The fact that her brother was credited as producer intrigued me. Keyboardist Ricky Vela was a musical inspiration. Her father’s sound engineering at a San Antonio event was impressive and educational. I learned immensely by tackling and expanding upon the guitar parts of their previous guitarist, Roger Garcia. They featured a powerful female drummer (Suzette indeed is exceptional). Joe and Pete amplified their sound, adding a distinct dimension, and Pete’s profound lyrics were impactful…. They had a strong sound. I will always hold the band and its members in high regard.”
Guilt After Selena’s Death
Selena Quintanilla tragically died on March 31, 1995, at age 23 after being shot by Yolanda Saldívar at a motel. In his memoir, To Selena, With Love, Chris revealed that Yolanda had attempted to coax Selena to the motel the day prior to the fatal event. In the aftermath of her death, Chris wrestled with feelings of guilt for not being able to protect Selena. “Those feelings were pervasive. Intense guilt,” he confessed to the Houston Chronicle in 2012. “But in such sudden and unforeseen circumstances, it’s a natural response. Such events occur precisely because they are unexpected. We underestimated the extent of [Yolanda’s] capacity for such an act.”
Chris Pérez has maintained close ties with Selena’s family since her passing. He was present at the ceremony honoring Selena with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.
Second Marriage and Divorce
Chris Pérez remarried in 2001 to Venessa Villanueva after they began dating in 1998. They have two children together. Their marriage concluded in divorce in 2008.
Continued Music Career
In 1998, Chris Pérez established the Chris Pérez Band. Their debut album, Resurrection, released in 1999, earned a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. The band released one further album, Una Noche Más, in 2000 before disbanding. Chris later joined Kumbia All-Starz, Selena’s brother’s band, in 2005. He subsequently formed a new musical project, the Chris Pérez Project.