Mariel Molino, born Mariel Chantal, is a Mexican-American actress. She grew up in San Diego, California. Both of her parents are from Mexico City, and she spoke Spanish at home. She began performing in small plays at her school and at the Coronado School of the Arts at the age of six.

By that age, she was certain she wanted to become an actress. Her career began in Mexico City in theater, television, and film. In Los Angeles, Mariel studied at Loyola Marymount University, at the Anthony Meindl Acting Workshop, and at HB Studio in New York.