Who Is Alejandra Amarilla? The Amazing Life Story of Steve Nash’s Ex-Wife

Alejandra Amarilla is a Paraguayan film producer, activist, and philanthropist who became widely known as the ex-wife of NBA legend Steve Nash. Yet her story reaches far beyond that famous marriage. Born in Asunción and raised across several countries, she built a career telling stories that give a voice to struggling children and communities. From producing the award-winning documentary Landfill Harmonic to championing humanitarian causes worldwide, Alejandra has carved out an identity defined by purpose rather than celebrity. This article explores her early years, her relationship with Steve Nash, and the meaningful work that shapes her life today.

Alejandra Amarilla: Quick Bio Table

Detail	Information
Full Name	Alejandra Amarilla
Known As	Steve Nash’s ex-wife, film producer, activist
Birth Year	Reportedly 1974
Birthplace	Asunción, Paraguay
Nationality	Paraguayan
Education	Marketing and advertising, Universidad Americana (Paraguay)
Profession	Film producer, activist, philanthropist
Known For	Landfill Harmonic (2015), Unleashing Creativity (2009)
Former Spouse	Steve Nash (m. 2005, div. 2010)
Children	Three: twins Bella and Lola, son Matteo
Residence	Los Angeles, United States

Early Life and Education

Alejandra Amarilla was born in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, and spent much of her childhood on the move. Her father worked for the United Nations, so the family relocated frequently between countries. This constant travel exposed her to a wide range of cultures, languages, and social realities from a young age. Rather than resenting the upheaval, she embraced it, later describing herself as a “world citizen” who felt at home almost anywhere. Those early experiences planted the empathy and global awareness that would guide her adult work.

She later pursued higher education at Universidad Americana in Paraguay, where she studied marketing and advertising in the late 1990s. These studies taught her how to communicate ideas clearly and connect with audiences, skills that proved invaluable when she moved into filmmaking. Before that shift, she relocated to the United States and worked as a personal trainer in New York. Even then, she felt drawn back to her roots and to the causes she cared about most.

Relationship with Steve Nash

Alejandra met Steve Nash in New York City in 2001, when the Canadian point guard was establishing himself as one of the NBA’s brightest talents with the Dallas Mavericks. Their connection was reportedly simple and genuine, built away from the spotlight. The couple welcomed twin daughters, Bella and Lola, on 14 October 2004, and married the following year on 11 June 2005. For a time, they appeared together at high-profile events, from the ESPY Awards to Canada’s Walk of Fame Ball.

Their family grew again with the birth of their son, Matteo, in November 2010. By then, however, the marriage had reached its end. Steve Nash announced the separation just one day after Matteo was born, describing it as a “bittersweet moment”. He explained that the couple had already been living apart in the preceding months. Despite the difficult timing, both parents publicly committed to raising their three children in a loving and stable environment.

The Divorce and Custody Battle

The divorce became one of the more closely followed celebrity splits of its era. Nash filed shortly after the separation, and a lengthy custody dispute followed that made headlines for years. Reports indicated that Amarilla wished to move from Arizona to Los Angeles with the children, while Nash sought to keep them in Arizona. He argued that the relocation was partly motivated by a desire for increased child support, a claim she disputed.

The case drew unusual attention when the court addressed social media conduct, ordering that neither party post derogatory remarks about the other. An Arizona judge ultimately accepted a sealed settlement on 25 September 2013, bringing the dispute to a close. According to reports, Amarilla received a substantial lump sum rather than ongoing monthly support. Both parties eventually moved forward, keeping the welfare of their children at the centre.

Career as a Filmmaker and Activist

Amarilla found her true calling in storytelling. She co-directed Unleashing Creativity (2009), a documentary linked to Free Arts of Arizona, before founding and executive producing her most celebrated project, Landfill Harmonic. Released in 2015, the film tells the remarkable story of the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a group of Paraguayan children who craft musical instruments from rubbish collected at a landfill. She launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance the documentary, raising well over 200,000 dollars from supporters who believed in the mission.

The film earned international acclaim and appeared on major outlets including CBS’s 60 Minutes, NPR, and CNN. It was also shortlisted for the Environmental Award at the 2015 Sheffield Doc/Fest, where it received a special mention. Beyond film, Amarilla has supported numerous charitable organisations, including Athletes for Africa, the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, and the Creative Visions Foundation. Her work consistently reflects a commitment to child advocacy and social change.

Alejandra Amarilla’s Life Today

Today, Alejandra Amarilla lives in Los Angeles with her three children, balancing her creative career with motherhood. She continues to travel with them when possible, hoping they experience the same cultural richness that shaped her own childhood. While her former husband commands a far larger fortune, she has built a stable and comfortable life on her own terms.

Over the years, various rumours circulated around her personal life, particularly during the divorce. She chose not to engage with the speculation, favouring privacy and focusing on her family and her work. That quiet resilience has come to define how she handles public attention.

Conclusion

Alejandra Amarilla’s life is a story of purpose that extends well beyond her marriage to Steve Nash. As a filmmaker and activist, she has used her voice to uplift children and communities, most memorably through Landfill Harmonic. Her journey from a globe-trotting childhood to celebrated storyteller shows how compassion and creativity can create lasting change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Alejandra Amarilla?

Alejandra Amarilla is a Paraguayan film producer and activist, best known as the ex-wife of NBA star Steve Nash and the executive producer of Landfill Harmonic.

Where was Alejandra Amarilla born?

She was born in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, and grew up travelling internationally because of her father’s work with the United Nations.

How many children does Alejandra Amarilla have with Steve Nash?

She has three children: twin daughters Bella and Lola, and a son named Matteo.

When did Alejandra Amarilla and Steve Nash divorce?

The couple separated in November 2010, and their custody settlement was finalised in September 2013.

What is Alejandra Amarilla known for professionally?

She is known for producing the documentaries Landfill Harmonic (2015) and Unleashing Creativity (2009), along with her philanthropic work.