Mirtha Jung is widely recognized as the ex-wife of infamous drug smuggler George Jung, whose life story was dramatically portrayed in the 2001 film “Blow” starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz.
Born on December 3, 1952, Mirtha is now 73 years old and living a completely transformed life far removed from her turbulent past in the drug trade.
Many people search for Mirtha Jung because of her connection to the Medellin Cartel and her incredible journey from drug addiction to recovery. Her story represents both the dangerous allure of the 1970s drug trafficking world and the possibility of redemption.
Penelope Cruz brought Mirtha’s character to life in the Blow movie, introducing her story to millions worldwide.
Today, Mirtha Jung maintains a private lifestyle, focusing on writing, entrepreneurship, and her relationship with her daughter Kristina Sunshine Jung while celebrating over 40 years of sobriety.
Quick Facts About Mirtha Jung
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mirtha Jung (birth name: Mirtha Calderon) |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1952 |
| Age in 2026 | 73 years old |
| Birthplace | Cuba |
| Nationality | Cuban-American |
| Ethnicity | Cuban descent |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Ex-Husband | George Jung (Boston George) |
| Marriage Year | 1977 |
| Divorce Year | 1984 |
| Children | Kristina Sunshine Jung (born August 1, 1978) |
| Occupation | Former drug smuggler, Writer, Poet, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of George Jung, portrayed in Blow (2001) |
| Actress Who Played Her | Penelope Cruz |
| Prison Sentence | 3 years (released 1981) |
| Net Worth 2026 | Estimated $150,000 – $500,000 |
| Current Status | Living privately, sober for 40+ years |
Early Life and Background
Birth and Childhood in Cuba
Mirtha Jung was born Mirtha Calderon on December 3, 1952, in Cuba during a period of significant political change in the country.
Growing up in Cuba, Mirtha experienced a childhood shaped by the island’s culture and the political tensions of the era.
Her family eventually immigrated to the United States seeking better opportunities, a common story for many Cuban families during the 1950s and 1960s.
Little is publicly known about Mirtha’s parents or siblings, as she has kept most details about her early family life private throughout the years.
The Cuban-American experience shaped Mirtha’s identity and would later influence her life choices and the circles she moved in.
Her ethnicity and cultural background connected her to various communities, including those involved in the Colombia drug trade that would later define a significant chapter of her life.
Education and Early Work
Information about Mirtha Jung’s formal education remains limited, but it’s known that after her family settled in the United States, she worked various jobs to support herself.
As a young woman, Mirtha worked as a waitress, a common occupation that allowed her to meet diverse people and experience American culture firsthand.
During her early twenties, Mirtha was drawn to the exciting nightlife and party scene that was prevalent in the 1970s. This lifestyle eventually led her into circles where drugs were not only used recreationally but also trafficked on a large scale.
Before meeting George Jung, Mirtha was already familiar with the drug culture of the era, though she hadn’t yet become deeply involved in drug smuggling operations.
Her Cuban heritage and connections would later prove valuable in the international drug trafficking networks that connected Colombia to the United States.
Meeting George Jung
How They Met
Mirtha Jung met George Jung in the mid-1970s during the height of the marijuana and cocaine trade in the United States. George Jung, who would later be known as “Boston George,” was already establishing himself as a major player in drug trafficking when their paths crossed.
They met through mutual friends in the drug scene, where parties were lavish and money flowed freely. The exact location of their first meeting varies in different accounts, but it’s widely believed they connected in California, where George was building his empire.
George was immediately attracted to Mirtha’s beauty and vivacious personality, while Mirtha was drawn to George’s charisma, wealth, and the exciting lifestyle he offered.
Their meeting occurred during a time when George Jung was transitioning from marijuana smuggling to the more lucrative cocaine trade, having established connections with the Medellin Cartel in Colombia.
Age Difference
When Mirtha and George Jung met, there was a notable age difference between them. George Jung was born on August 6, 1942, making him approximately ten years older than Mirtha, who was born in 1952.
This age gap wasn’t unusual for relationships in that era, especially in the drug smuggling world where experience and connections often attracted younger partners.
George’s decade of additional life experience included years of building his drug empire, connections with major players like Pablo Escobar, and knowledge of how to move massive quantities of drugs across international borders.
Mirtha, despite being younger, brought her own strengths to the relationship, including her Cuban heritage which proved valuable in connecting with Colombian suppliers, and her willingness to fully embrace the dangerous lifestyle.
Their Romance
The romance between Mirtha and George Jung was intense, passionate, and fueled by the adrenaline of their criminal lifestyle and drug addiction. Their relationship embodied the excess of the 1970s drug culture—fast money, luxury purchases, endless parties, and constant drug use.
Both were heavily addicted to cocaine, which they had unlimited access to through George’s connections with the Medellin Cartel.
Their love story, while portrayed somewhat romantically in the Blow movie, was actually quite turbulent and destructive. Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz captured some of this intensity on screen, though the reality was likely even more chaotic.
They traveled extensively, lived in luxurious homes, and surrounded themselves with others in the drug trade.
Despite the obvious dangers and moral implications, Mirtha fully committed to George and his world, becoming not just his romantic partner but also his partner in crime.
Marriage and Drug Smuggling Career
Wedding in 1977
Mirtha and George Jung married in 1977, formalizing their relationship at the peak of George’s drug trafficking success.
The wedding ceremony details remain largely private, but it occurred during a period when George was reportedly making millions of dollars through his cocaine smuggling operations.
The marriage represented more than just a romantic union—it was also a business partnership in many ways. As George Jung’s wife, Mirtha became more deeply entrenched in the drug smuggling operations that connected the United States to Colombia through the powerful Medellin Cartel.
The year 1977 was significant in the drug trade, as cocaine was becoming increasingly popular in America, and George Jung was one of the primary suppliers bringing the drug into the country.
Their marriage began with incredible wealth, but it was built on an unstable and illegal foundation that would eventually crumble.
The Medellin Cartel Connection
Through George Jung, Mirtha became connected to one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in history—the Medellin Cartel. George had established a direct relationship with Carlos Lehder and indirectly with Pablo Escobar, the notorious leader of the cartel.
The Medellin Cartel controlled the majority of cocaine production and distribution from Colombia during the late 1970s and early 1980s. George Jung’s role was crucial—he had established reliable smuggling routes and distribution networks in the United States, particularly in California and Massachusetts.
Mirtha’s Cuban heritage and Spanish language skills made her valuable in communicating with Colombian partners.
The connection to the Medellin Cartel meant access to virtually unlimited quantities of cocaine, which also meant unlimited access to the drug for personal use, feeding both George and Mirtha’s growing addictions.
Her Role in Drug Trafficking
While George Jung was the primary operator, Mirtha Jung actively participated in the drug smuggling operations. She wasn’t merely a wife standing on the sidelines—she was involved in various aspects of the business.
Mirtha helped with money management, acted as a courier on occasion, and used her contacts to facilitate connections between different parties in the drug trade. Her involvement made her equally culpable under the law, which would later result in her own arrest and prison sentence.
The Blow movie portrayed Mirtha as somewhat of a partner in George’s operations, and this representation was largely accurate.
She understood the risks involved but was blinded by the wealth, the lifestyle, and her own drug addiction. Her role as a drug smuggler was significant enough that law enforcement agencies tracked her activities alongside George’s.
Lavish Lifestyle
The proceeds from drug trafficking afforded Mirtha and George Jung an extraordinarily lavish lifestyle during the late 1970s and early 1980s. They reportedly made millions of dollars, with some estimates suggesting George Jung earned up to $15 million at the height of his operations.
This wealth translated into multiple properties, luxury cars, expensive jewelry, designer clothes, and constant parties. They lived in beautiful homes in California, traveled internationally, and had access to anything money could buy.
However, this lifestyle came with constant drug use, primarily cocaine, which they consumed in massive quantities. The excess portrayed in the Blow movie, while dramatic, was actually close to reality. Penelope Cruz’s portrayal showed Mirtha surrounded by wealth but also trapped in addiction.
The lavish lifestyle was unsustainable and built entirely on illegal activities that would inevitably attract law enforcement attention.
Birth of Daughter Kristina Sunshine Jung
Pregnancy and Drug Addiction
In 1978, while deeply involved in drug smuggling and struggling with cocaine addiction, Mirtha became pregnant with her daughter Kristina Sunshine Jung. Her pregnancy occurred during one of the most active periods of George Jung’s drug trafficking career.
Tragically, Mirtha continued using drugs during her pregnancy, unable to break free from her addiction even with a baby on the way.
Drug addiction during pregnancy poses severe risks to both mother and child, including developmental problems, premature birth, and various health complications.
The Blow movie depicted this troubling aspect of Mirtha’s story, showing how addiction controlled her life even during what should have been a transformative time.
George Jung later expressed deep regret about this period in their lives, acknowledging that both parents failed to prioritize their unborn child’s health over their drug use.
Kristina’s Birth (August 1, 1978)
Kristina Sunshine Jung was born on August 1, 1978, during the height of her parents’ involvement in the drug trade. Her birth name, Kristina, was combined with “Sunshine” as a middle name, reflecting the California lifestyle her parents were living. Despite being born into a family with immense wealth from drug smuggling, Kristina’s early life was far from ideal.
Her parents’ drug addiction and criminal activities created an unstable and dangerous environment for a child. In the Blow movie, Kristina’s childhood is portrayed as troubled, with her parents’ arrests, imprisonment, and divorce causing significant trauma.
The birth of their daughter didn’t motivate Mirtha and George to immediately change their lives, though it would eventually become a catalyst for Mirtha’s transformation..
Kristina would later become estranged from both parents for periods of her childhood, being raised partly by her grandparents in a more stable environment.
Arrest and Prison Time
Getting Caught
The illegal lifestyle that Mirtha and George Jung lived couldn’t last forever, and law enforcement agencies had been building cases against them for years. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, both Mirtha and George faced multiple arrests related to their drug smuggling activities.
The authorities had been tracking their operations, connections to the Medellin Cartel, and the flow of cocaine from Colombia to the United States.
Mirtha was arrested on charges related to possession and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Her arrest came during a period when their daughter Kristina was still very young, adding another layer of tragedy to the situation.
Getting caught meant facing the reality of their actions—the lavish lifestyle, the parties, and the wealth were all built on illegal activities that harmed countless people through drug distribution.
3-Year Prison Sentence
Mirtha Jung received a 3-year prison sentence for her role in drug trafficking operations. This sentence, while shorter than what George Jung would eventually serve, was still significant and life-changing. Her possession charges and involvement in the drug smuggling conspiracy resulted in real consequences.
The prison sentence meant being separated from her young daughter Kristina, who was only around 3 years old when Mirtha went to prison.
This separation would have lasting effects on their relationship. The Blow movie portrayed some of these prison scenes, though it focused more heavily on George Jung’s multiple incarcerations.
Mirtha’s time in prison would become a turning point in her life, forcing her to confront her drug addiction without access to cocaine and face the reality of what her choices had cost her.
Life in Prison
During her incarceration, Mirtha Jung experienced life behind bars and began the difficult process of getting clean from cocaine addiction. Prison removed her from the enabling environment of wealth, drugs, and the criminal lifestyle she had been living.
Life in prison for a drug smuggler connected to the Medellin Cartel wasn’t easy, but it provided the forced separation from drugs that Mirtha needed to begin recovery. She had time to reflect on her choices, the impact on her daughter Kristina, and what kind of future she wanted.
While specific details about her daily prison experience remain private, it’s known that this period initiated her journey toward sobriety and transformation. ,
The prison environment, though harsh, offered rehabilitation programs that helped her begin to understand addiction and recovery.
Recovery and Transformation
Getting Clean
The most significant accomplishment in Mirtha Jung’s life has been getting clean from cocaine addiction and maintaining sobriety for over 40 years. Getting clean meant facing the physical withdrawal symptoms, psychological dependency, and underlying issues that contributed to her drug use.
Mirtha began this process during her prison sentence, where she didn’t have access to cocaine and was forced to go through withdrawal.
After her release, she made the conscious decision to continue her recovery rather than returning to her old lifestyle.
This choice wasn’t easy, especially as George Jung continued his drug trafficking activities and eventually returned to prison multiple times.
Mirtha’s recovery involved distancing herself from people and places associated with drug use, including eventually divorcing George Jung.
Release in 1981
Mirtha Jung was released from prison in 1981 after serving her 3-year sentence. Her release marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life—one focused on sobriety, rebuilding her relationship with her daughter Kristina, and creating a legitimate life away from drug smuggling.
Upon release, she faced the challenge of staying clean in the outside world where temptations and old connections could easily pull her back into drug use. Mirtha chose recovery over relapse, which required tremendous strength and commitment.
Her release in 1981 came during a period when George Jung was also facing legal troubles, and their marriage was deteriorating. The woman who walked out of prison was different from the one who had entered—she had clarity about the destructive nature of drug addiction and the criminal lifestyle.
Decision to Change
The decision to change her entire life was perhaps the most courageous choice Mirtha Jung ever made. After her release from prison, she had to actively choose recovery every single day.
This meant cutting ties with people in the drug trade, avoiding situations that could trigger drug use, and building a completely new identity separate from being George Jung’s wife and a drug smuggler.
Mirtha pursued legitimate work, focused on being present for her daughter Kristina as much as their relationship allowed, and built a support system that encouraged sobriety.
Her transformation from a drug-addicted smuggler to a sober writer and entrepreneur required years of hard work and commitment.
The decision to change likely saved her life, as many others who continued in that lifestyle ended up dead or permanently incarcerated.
Divorce from George Jung
Marriage Problems
The marriage between Mirtha and George Jung faced insurmountable problems stemming from drug addiction, criminal activities, imprisonment, and the trauma inflicted on their family.
While they had shared intense love and passion during the early years, the foundation of their relationship was unstable—built on drugs, illegal money, and a destructive lifestyle.
After Mirtha’s release from prison and her commitment to sobriety, the differences between her and George became more apparent. George Jung continued his involvement in drug trafficking even after multiple arrests, unable or unwilling to leave the lifestyle behind.
Mirtha recognized that staying married to George while he continued smuggling drugs would jeopardize her sobriety and her ability to be a present mother to Kristina.
Their opposing directions—Mirtha toward recovery and George toward continued criminal activity—made their marriage unsustainable.
1984 Divorce
Mirtha and George Jung divorced in 1984, officially ending their marriage after approximately seven years together. The divorce occurred during a period when George was again involved in drug trafficking activities that would eventually lead to his longest prison sentence.
For Mirtha, the divorce was a necessary step in her recovery journey and her effort to provide stability for their daughter Kristina. The Blow movie touched on their separation, showing the emotional complexity of Mirtha leaving George while still having feelings for him.
In reality, the divorce was likely less romantic and more pragmatic—Mirtha needed to distance herself from George’s criminal activities and the drug culture that had nearly destroyed her life.
The 1984 divorce allowed Mirtha to fully commit to her new sober lifestyle without the constant pull of her ex-husband’s world.
Reasons for Split
The reasons for Mirtha and George’s split were multifaceted but primarily centered on George’s inability to leave drug trafficking behind and the incompatibility of their life directions. Mirtha had transformed herself, getting clean and staying sober, while George remained entrenched in the drug trade.
The trauma of prison sentences, separation from their daughter, and the realization of how drug addiction had damaged their family all contributed to the divorce.
Additionally, George Jung’s arrest in 1987 for a major drug smuggling operation (which led to a 60-year sentence later reduced) validated Mirtha’s decision to divorce him—staying married would have meant continued instability and association with criminal activities.
The split allowed Mirtha to pursue a legitimate life and focus on recovery, while George continued down a path that kept him incarcerated for nearly two decades.
The Blow Movie (2001)
Movie Release
The Blow movie was released in 2001, directed by Ted Demme and based on Bruce Porter’s book “Blow: How a Small-Town Boy Made $100 Million with the Medellin Cocaine Cartel and Lost It All.” The film brought widespread attention to George Jung’s life story and, by extension, Mirtha Jung’s story as well.
The movie screening introduced millions of viewers to the dramatic rise and fall of George Jung as a drug smuggler. The film starred Johnny Depp as George Jung and Penelope Cruz as Mirtha Jung, with their performances bringing the couple’s turbulent relationship to life on screen.
The Blow movie became a cultural touchstone for understanding the 1970s and 1980s drug trade and its impact on families.
For Mirtha, the movie’s release meant her past being dramatically portrayed for public consumption, though she has largely stayed out of the spotlight since its release.
Penelope Cruz as Mirtha
Penelope Cruz portrayed Mirtha Jung in the Blow movie, bringing star power and acting talent to the role. Cruz captured Mirtha’s beauty, intensity, and the destructive nature of her drug addiction on screen.
Her performance showed both the glamorous aspects of the drug trafficking lifestyle and the tragic consequences of addiction, particularly the impact on Mirtha’s ability to be a mother to Kristina. Penelope Cruz prepared for the role by researching the era and the drug culture of the time.
Her portrayal helped audiences understand Mirtha not just as a drug smuggler’s wife but as a person trapped in addiction and making terrible choices despite loving her daughter.
The movie screening at various theaters introduced Cruz’s interpretation of Mirtha to audiences worldwide. While dramatized for Hollywood, Cruz’s performance captured essential truths about Mirtha’s struggle with cocaine addiction and her eventual choice of recovery.
Movie vs Reality
While the Blow movie captured many true elements of George and Mirtha Jung’s story, it also took creative liberties for dramatic effect, as most biographical films do.
The movie compressed timelines, simplified complex relationships, and focused primarily on George Jung’s perspective rather than Mirtha’s.
The reality of their drug addiction was likely even more severe than portrayed on screen, and the lavish lifestyle, while accurately depicted in terms of wealth, couldn’t fully capture the constant danger they lived under from law enforcement and rival traffickers.
The movie also somewhat romanticized their relationship, whereas the reality probably involved more conflict and dysfunction than shown.
Mirtha Jung’s transformation and recovery, which occurred after the period primarily covered in the film, represents a crucial part of her biography that the movie didn’t fully explore.
The real Mirtha Jung achieved over 40 years of sobriety, became a writer and entrepreneur, and rebuilt her life—a redemptive story that deserves recognition beyond her portrayal in Blow.
Life After Divorce
New Career as Writer and Entrepreneur
After her divorce from George Jung and her commitment to sobriety, Mirtha Jung built a new career as a writer and entrepreneur, completely removed from her past in drug smuggling. She channeled her experiences into creative and business pursuits that provided legitimate income and personal fulfillment.
Mirtha’s Cuban heritage and life experiences gave her unique perspectives that she incorporated into her work. As a writer, she began documenting her journey, offering insights into addiction, recovery, and transformation.
Her entrepreneurial ventures, while not extensively publicized, demonstrated her ability to succeed through legal means.
This career transformation from drug smuggler to legitimate businesswoman and poet shows remarkable personal growth and determination.
Mirtha proved that people can change, regardless of their past, if they commit to recovery and personal development.
Book “Recovery from Blow”
Mirtha Jung authored a book titled “Recovery from Blow,” which tells her story of addiction and transformation in her own words.
The book provides a personal memoir of her experiences with drug addiction, her time with George Jung, the destructive impact of cocaine on her life, and most importantly, her journey to recovery and sustained sobriety.
Unlike the Blow movie which focused primarily on George Jung’s perspective, Mirtha’s book offers her unique viewpoint as a Cuban-American woman who got caught up in the Medellin Cartel’s world.
The book serves as both a cautionary tale about the dangers of drug addiction and an inspirational story about the possibility of change and redemption.
Through “Recovery from Blow,” Mirtha reclaimed her narrative, showing that she is more than just George Jung’s ex-wife or a character played by Penelope Cruz—she’s a survivor and a woman who successfully transformed her life.
Staying Sober for 40+ Years
Perhaps Mirtha Jung’s greatest achievement is maintaining sobriety for over 40 years since her release from prison in 1981. In 2026, she has remained drug-free for more than four decades, which is an extraordinary accomplishment given the severity of her cocaine addiction in the 1970s.
Staying sober for this length of time required daily commitment, ongoing support, and complete lifestyle changes. Mirtha avoided the temptations that led many others from that era to relapse or death.
She watched as her ex-husband George Jung struggled with his own demons, going in and out of prison until his release in 2014. Throughout all of this, Mirtha maintained her sobriety and built a stable life.
Her long-term recovery serves as an inspiration to others struggling with drug addiction, proving that lasting change is possible even after severe addiction and criminal involvement.
Mirtha Jung’s Daughter Kristina
Kristina’s Childhood
Kristina Sunshine Jung’s childhood was marked by trauma, instability, and the consequences of her parents’ involvement in drug smuggling. Born on August 1, 1978, Kristina spent her early years surrounded by wealth but also drug addiction and criminal activity.
When both parents were arrested and imprisoned during her early childhood, Kristina was raised by her grandparents, primarily George Jung’s parents in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
This separation from both parents during formative years created lasting emotional impacts. The Blow movie depicted some of Kristina’s childhood struggles, including scenes where young Kristina witnessed her parents’ dysfunction and drug use.
Growing up as the daughter of infamous drug smugglers connected to the Medellin Cartel meant living with a difficult legacy.
Kristina had to process her parents’ choices and the resulting consequences while forming her own identity separate from their criminal past.
Relationship Today
The relationship between Mirtha and Kristina has evolved significantly over the decades. During Kristina’s childhood and teenage years, their relationship was strained due to Mirtha’s imprisonment, drug addiction, and the chaos of that period.
After Mirtha’s recovery and divorce from George, she worked to rebuild her relationship with her daughter, though this process took years and wasn’t always smooth.
Today, their relationship appears to be more stable, with both women having processed the trauma of the past. Kristina has spoken publicly about forgiving her parents and understanding that drug addiction was controlling their behavior during those years.
Mirtha’s decades of sustained sobriety likely helped Kristina trust that her mother had genuinely changed. While they maintain relatively private lives, indications suggest they have a relationship built on the foundation of Mirtha’s recovery and both women’s healing from the past.
Kristina’s Career
Kristina Sunshine Jung has built her own career as a writer and entrepreneur, distinct from her parents’ notorious past. She has written about her experiences growing up as the daughter of George Jung, offering her perspective on the family’s story.
Kristina has also worked as a businesswoman and has been involved in various ventures. She appeared in the 2016 documentary “Cocaine Godmother” and has given interviews about her unique childhood and her relationship with her father George Jung before his death in 2021.
Kristina married in 2016 and has focused on building a stable, legitimate life—something her parents couldn’t provide during her childhood. Her career choices reflect a desire to control her own narrative and create a life separate from drug smuggling and criminal activity.
Kristina represents the next generation moving beyond the trauma and creating positive outcomes despite a difficult beginning.-
Physical Appearance
Height and Weight
Mirtha Jung stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and has maintained a relatively consistent weight throughout her adult life, currently estimated at around 130 pounds (59 kg). Her height is average for women of her generation and Cuban heritage.
In the Blow movie, Penelope Cruz, who is about 5 feet 6 inches tall, closely matched Mirtha’s actual height, making the portrayal physically accurate.
During her years of cocaine addiction in the 1970s and early 1980s, Mirtha’s weight likely fluctuated significantly, as drug addiction typically causes weight loss and health deterioration.
However, after achieving sobriety and maintaining recovery for over 40 years, Mirtha’s physical health improved dramatically, allowing her to maintain a healthy weight and appearance appropriate for her age.
Age and Appearance
At 73 years old in 2026, Mirtha Jung has aged naturally while maintaining the benefits of long-term sobriety and a healthier lifestyle.
Born on December 3, 1952, she is now in her early seventies and has lived a full life spanning dramatic extremes—from the wealth and danger of drug smuggling with the Medellin Cartel to decades of quiet recovery and legitimate living. Her appearance today reflects her age, but also the benefits of staying drug-free for over four decades.
Long-term drug addiction, particularly cocaine use, typically causes premature aging and severe health problems, but Mirtha’s commitment to sobriety likely preserved her health significantly compared to what might have been.
She maintains a private lifestyle, so recent photographs are limited, but accounts suggest she has aged with dignity, free from the destructive influence of drugs that claimed so many others from that era.
Mirtha Jung Net Worth 2026
Mirtha Jung’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between $150,000 and $500,000, a modest amount compared to the millions she and George Jung had during their drug smuggling days.
After divorcing George Jung in 1984 and distancing herself from illegal activities, Mirtha rebuilt her financial life through legitimate means.
Her sources of income include her work as a writer, particularly her book “Recovery from Blow,” poetry, and entrepreneurial ventures. Unlike her ex-husband’s biography, which focused on massive wealth from drug trafficking followed by poverty, Mirtha’s financial story is one of building sustainable, legal income.
She didn’t benefit from the renewed attention George Jung received after his release from prison in 2014, as they remained divorced and separate.
The modest net worth reflects someone who chose stability and legality over the dangerous pursuit of illegal wealth.
For Mirtha, financial security through honest means represents success far more meaningful than the millions earned through drug smuggling with the Medellin Cartel.
Where is Mirtha Jung Now in 2026?
In 2026, Mirtha Jung lives a private life focused on her personal well-being, sobriety, and relationships with family. At 73 years old, she has successfully maintained a low profile, especially compared to the notoriety brought by the Blow movie in 2001.
She resides somewhere in the United States, though her exact location is not publicly disclosed, likely to maintain privacy and distance from her infamous past.
Mirtha continues her work as a writer and poet, though she doesn’t seek media attention or publicity. Her current life represents the complete opposite of her years with George Jung—instead of lavish parties, drug use, and criminal activity, she lives quietly with the peace that comes from decades of sobriety and legitimate living.
She remains active in recovery communities and may mentor others struggling with drug addiction, though this is not publicly confirmed.
Her private lifestyle demonstrates her desire to be known for her transformation and recovery rather than her past as a drug smuggler connected to the Medellin Cartel.
George Jung’s Death
George Jung died on May 5, 2021, at the age of 78 in his hometown of Weymouth, Massachusetts. His death marked the end of a life that epitomized the rise and fall of the drug trade in America during the 1970s and 1980s.
George had been released from prison in 2014 after serving nearly 20 years of his sentence and had spent his final years relatively quietly, reflecting on his past and maintaining a relationship with his daughter Kristina Sunshine Jung.
His death was announced on his social media accounts, and he was mourned by many who knew him personally, including some from his drug smuggling days.
George’s connection to the Medellin Cartel, his friendship with Carlos Lehder, and his role in bringing cocaine to America had made him a legendary figure in drug trafficking history, immortalized by Johnny Depp’s portrayal in Blow.
Regarding Mirtha’s reaction to George’s death, there has been limited public information. Mirtha has maintained her privacy and hasn’t given interviews about George’s passing. However, their divorce in 1984 had occurred nearly 37 years before his death, and both had moved on with separate lives.
Despite their painful history together—the drug addiction, arrests, prison time, and impact on their daughter—they shared significant years together and a child.
It’s likely that Mirtha processed complex emotions upon hearing of George Jung’s death, including sadness for the man she once loved and reflection on how their lives diverged after she chose recovery.
Their final relationship status was civil but distant; they were not enemies but also not close after decades of separation.
George’s death may have brought closure to a chapter of Mirtha’s life that, while long past, had defined so much of her identity and journey to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old is Mirtha Jung?
Mirtha Jung was born on December 3, 1952, making her 73 years old in 2026. She is a Cuban-American woman who lived through the dramatic era of drug smuggling in the 1970s and 1980s, and has now spent more years in recovery than she did involved in drug trafficking.
Q: What is Mirtha Jung’s net worth?
Mirtha Jung’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between $150,000 and $500,000. This modest net worth comes from legitimate sources including her work as a writer, her book “Recovery from Blow,” poetry, and entrepreneurial activities. This is significantly less than the millions she had access to during her years with George Jung and the Medellin Cartel.
Q: Is Mirtha Jung still alive?
Yes, Mirtha Jung is still alive in 2026. At 73 years old, she has successfully maintained her sobriety for over 40 years since her release from prison in 1981. She lives privately in the United States, focused on her recovery, writing, and family relationships.
Q: Does Mirtha Jung have children?
Yes, Mirtha Jung has one daughter, Kristina Sunshine Jung, who was born on August 1, 1978. Kristina is now 47 years old and has built her own career as a writer and entrepreneur. Despite a difficult childhood due to her parents’ drug addiction and imprisonment, Kristina has maintained relationships with both parents and created a stable life for herself.
Q: What is Mirtha Jung’s height?
Mirtha Jung’s height is approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall, which is average height for women of her generation and ethnicity. Penelope Cruz, who portrayed Mirtha in the Blow movie, is similarly sized at about 5 feet 6 inches, making the casting physically accurate.
Q: Is Mirtha Jung married now?
No, Mirtha Jung is not currently married. She divorced George Jung in 1984, and there is no public information about her remarrying since then. She has maintained a private personal life, focusing on her sobriety, career, and relationship with her daughter Kristina rather than pursuing new romantic relationships publicly.
Conclusion
Mirtha Jung’s life story is one of dramatic contrasts—from Cuban immigrant to wealthy drug smuggler’s wife, from cocaine addict to sober writer and entrepreneur, from prisoner to free woman living authentically.
Her biography encompasses the excess and danger of the 1970s and 1980s drug trade, the devastation of addiction, the pain of imprisonment and divorce, and ultimately, the triumph of sustained recovery.
At 73 years old in 2026, Mirtha has achieved something far more valuable than the millions of dollars she once had access to through drug smuggling with the Medellin Cartel—she has 40+ years of sobriety, a repaired relationship with her daughter Kristina Sunshine Jung, and the dignity of having rebuilt her life through legitimate means.
While the Blow movie and Penelope Cruz’s portrayal introduced her story to millions, the real Mirtha Jung’s greatest achievement happened off-screen: her daily commitment to recovery.
Her book “Recovery from Blow” tells this story in her own words, offering hope to others struggling with drug addiction.
Unlike her ex-husband George Jung, who couldn’t break free from drug trafficking until forced to by lengthy imprisonment, Mirtha chose recovery early and maintained it consistently.
Her story proves that even people deeply involved in criminal activity and severe addiction can transform their lives completely.
The legacy of Mirtha Jung is ultimately one of redemption and transformation. She represents everyone who has made terrible mistakes, hurt loved ones, and lived destructively but found the courage to change.
Her Cuban-American heritage, her experiences with George Jung and the drug trade, her three-year prison sentence, and her decades of recovery all combine to create a biography of a fully realized human being—flawed, complicated, but ultimately committed to doing better.
In 2026, Mirtha Jung lives proof that it’s never too late to change, that recovery is possible, and that a person’s past doesn’t have to define their future.
