George Jung, a name forever linked with the notorious Medellín Cartel, became infamous as one of America’s most well-known drug traffickers in the 1970s and 1980s. But behind the scenes of his chaotic and criminal life stood a woman who played a pivotal yet often misunderstood role—Mirtha Jung, his wife during the height of his empire. While George Jung’s story has been retold through books and the iconic film Blow, Mirtha Jung remains an enigmatic figure whose life has equally fascinated the public. From her early years in Cuba to her involvement in the drug trade and eventual personal transformation, her story is one of danger, love, regret, and resilience.
In this article, we explore everything about George Jung wife, Mirtha Jung—her early life, marriage, arrest, motherhood, and her life after leaving behind the world of crime. This is a deep dive into a woman who has tried to rebuild herself after being part of one of the most turbulent chapters in drug history.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Mirtha Calderon Jung
Date Of Birth: December 3, 1952
Place Of Birth: Cuba
Nationality: Cuban-American
Known For: Ex-wife of drug smuggler George Jung
Marriage To George Jung: 1977–1984
Children: One daughter, Kristina Sunshine Jung
Profession: Former drug trafficker, later a poet and entrepreneur
Portrayed In Film: By Penélope Cruz in Blow (2001)
Current Status: Reportedly living a private, reformed life
Language: Fluent in Spanish and English
Who Was Mirtha Jung? A Brief Overview Of Her Life
Mirtha Jung first gained public attention not for her career or personal achievements, but because of her association with George Jung, the notorious American drug smuggler. Born on December 3, 1952, in Cuba, Mirtha was still in her early twenties when she became entangled in a world of danger, luxury, and crime. Her name became widely known after the release of the movie Blow, which chronicled the life of her ex-husband and featured her character prominently. While she is often labeled as simply “George Jung wife,” her story extends far beyond just being part of someone else’s narrative.
Mirtha Jung’s Early Life And Background
Mirtha Calderon was born and raised in Cuba during a time of political and social change. While much of her early personal history remains private, it is known that she eventually moved to the United States, where her life would take a dramatic turn. Coming from a modest background, her transition into a world of wealth and crime was rapid once she met George Jung. She was in her early twenties, full of ambition and easily influenced by the glamour and financial freedom that came with George’s connections to the drug trade. Her entry into that world was not accidental—it was both a choice and a consequence of the company she kept.
How Mirtha Jung Met George Jung
Mirtha met George Jung in the mid-1970s, reportedly in Colombia, where George was conducting much of his drug business at the time. Introduced through mutual friends, their connection was instant. George was already deeply involved with the Medellín Cartel, smuggling massive amounts of cocaine into the United States. Mirtha, young and captivated by George’s confidence, charisma, and lavish lifestyle, fell in love quickly. Their romance began in a whirlwind of travel, wealth, and excitement, but it was also surrounded by risk and illegality. It was a relationship founded in intensity—and ultimately one that would unravel under the pressure of their lifestyle.
Marriage To George Jung: Love, Chaos, And Crime
In 1977, Mirtha and George officially got married. For a time, their life was filled with extravagance, travel, and the illusion of freedom. But it was also marked by constant tension and the looming threat of arrest. Their relationship was passionate but volatile. Together, they indulged in the very product that made them rich—cocaine. The drug addiction, combined with the stress of running a criminal operation, created cracks in their marriage early on. George, despite his love for Mirtha, struggled to balance his criminal empire and family life. Mirtha, in turn, found herself spiraling deeper into addiction and legal trouble.
Mirtha Jung’s Role In The Drug Trade
Mirtha wasn’t just George Jung wife—she was also directly involved in the drug trade. During their years together, she played a key part in smuggling operations, sometimes transporting cocaine herself. Her participation led to her eventual arrest. She was imprisoned in the late 1970s and served time for drug-related offenses. Mirtha has since spoken about that period with regret, acknowledging the damage it caused—not just to herself, but to her family, especially her daughter. Her involvement in drug trafficking was a central reason why her marriage fell apart and her life took such a drastic turn.
Motherhood: Mirtha Jung And Her Daughter Kristina
One of the most deeply human parts of Mirtha’s story is her experience as a mother. In 1978, she gave birth to her only child, Kristina Sunshine Jung. While Kristina was born into wealth, her early years were anything but stable. Both of her parents were battling addiction and facing legal issues, which meant Kristina spent much of her childhood being raised by her grandparents. Mirtha has said that becoming a mother was a turning point for her. After serving her prison sentence, she made the decision to leave the drug world behind in order to be a better parent. Kristina eventually reconnected with her father after his release from prison in 2014, and while the full state of their current family dynamic is private, Mirtha is believed to maintain a close relationship with her daughter.
Divorce From George Jung: What Led To Their Separation
Mirtha and George’s marriage officially ended in 1984, just seven years after they wed. Their relationship could not survive the chaos of the drug trade, their mutual addictions, and time apart due to imprisonment. Mirtha, after being released from prison in 1981, began the process of rebuilding her life. George, however, continued his criminal career, which led to his eventual arrest and decades in federal prison. Their divorce was inevitable, but it also symbolized the end of one of the most notorious criminal partnerships in modern history. Despite the separation, their stories remained permanently linked in the public eye.
Life After Prison: How Mirtha Jung Rebuilt Herself
After her release from prison, Mirtha Jung made a decision that changed the course of her life. She chose to stay away from the drug world and began focusing on personal recovery and self-expression. Over the years, she has kept a low profile, rarely making public appearances or granting interviews. It is believed that she became involved in writing and poetry, using her experiences as a source of personal growth and reflection. Mirtha has also reportedly started small business ventures, though details are scarce. What’s most important is that she committed to a life of sobriety and used her past as a motivation to create a better future.
Mirtha Jung In The Movie Blow: Fact Vs. Fiction
In 2001, the film Blow, starring Johnny Depp as George Jung and Penélope Cruz as Mirtha, brought renewed attention to their story. While the film followed many real-life events, it also took creative liberties. Mirtha’s character was fictionalized to some extent—especially in how her relationship with George was portrayed. While the movie shows her leaving George to protect their daughter, in real life, their breakup was more gradual and rooted in years of legal troubles, drug use, and instability. Still, the film succeeded in reintroducing Mirtha’s name to a new generation of viewers, many of whom began searching to learn more about the real woman behind the character.
Where Is Mirtha Jung Now?
As of 2025, Mirtha Jung is believed to be alive and living a quiet, private life in the United States. She has largely stepped away from the public eye and social media. Her decision to stay out of the spotlight has helped her maintain the peaceful life she built after years of chaos. Though she is occasionally mentioned in articles and retrospectives about George Jung, Mirtha has remained silent on many aspects of her past, perhaps as a way to protect herself and her family. Her transformation from drug trafficker to private citizen stands as a quiet but powerful example of personal redemption.
Mirtha Jung’s Legacy: More Than Just George Jung Wife
It’s easy to remember Mirtha Jung only in the context of her former husband, but that would be an incomplete picture. Her story is one of intense highs and deep lows, but it’s also a story of recovery, motherhood, and growth. Mirtha has taken steps to distance herself from the legacy of crime, and while she cannot erase her past, she has worked to write a new chapter in her life. Her journey reminds us that people can change—and that behind every headline is a human being trying to find peace after pain.
FAQs About George Jung Wife
Who Was George Jung Wife?
George Jung wife was Mirtha Jung, a Cuban-American woman involved in drug trafficking with him during the 1970s and 1980s. They were married from 1977 to 1984.
Did Mirtha Jung Go To Prison?
Yes, Mirtha Jung was arrested and served time in prison for her role in drug trafficking. She was released in 1981 and later reformed her life.
Did George And Mirtha Jung Have Children?
Yes, they had one daughter named Kristina Sunshine Jung, born in 1978.
Is Mirtha Jung Still Alive?
As of 2025, Mirtha Jung is alive and living privately in the United States.
Was Mirtha Jung In The Movie Blow?
Mirtha Jung was portrayed by Penélope Cruz in the 2001 film Blow, which was based on the life of George Jung.
Why Did George And Mirtha Divorce?
Their marriage ended due to drug addiction, legal troubles, and the toll of their criminal lifestyle.
Where Is Kristina Sunshine Jung Today?
Kristina is an entrepreneur who runs a clothing business called BG Apparel and Merchandise. She maintains a relatively private life.
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