Love Is Blind’s Izzy Zapata shared about his unconventional upbringing and shared about his parents. His mom is named Reyna Blanco (previously Zapata) and his biological dad is Smiley Zapata.
Find out more about his parents here.
Love Is Blind: Who Are Izzy Zapata Parents?
Love Is Blind’s Izzy Zapata’s parents Reyna and Smiley Zapata raised him in a very conservative and religious household. In 1992, Izzy Zapata was born. He consequently became 31 in 2023. Izzy has been employed by Globe Life Liberty National Agency Division since February 21, 2022, and will continue to do so until March 31, 2023. He briefly mentioned AT&T employment as well.
In the show, Izzy shares that he was raised in a “super strict” and “sheltered,” household then added that “My family was all Jehovah’s Witness.”
To give you some context, Jehovah’s Witnesses are a branch of the Christian Church that regards Jesus Christ as both the Messiah and the Son of Jehovah. They also think that the sole reliable source of religious truth is the Bible. Izzy went on to say that he had to hide the fact that he played baseball since he was a Jehovah’s Witness and couldn’t participate in competitive sports.
“We never celebrated any holidays. We never had any family traditions or anything like that,” Izzy explains about his upbringing.
In fact, Izzy wasn’t allowed to attend class parties for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day when he was in primary school. Either he would have to be fetched up from school early, or he would have to watch a movie by himself in a classroom. He also remembered clearly the Easter that his neighbors had welcomed him to their house for an egg hunt.
“They were so sweet. They gave me a sack. And I’m like over there Easter Egg hunting and, like, my dad I just see him outside the fence,” Izzy explained. “And I remember he was so livid. He like yanked me out and never liked educated me on why.”
Izzy stated that he no longer practices Jehovah’s Witnesses and mentioned that he purchased his first Christmas tree in 2018. He expressed his hatred for his time as a Jehovah’s Witness by saying, “F—–g hated it.” He added that he was looking forward to falling in love so he could get to know their family and participate in their holiday customs.
“I’m like venting it out, and I’m telling [my cousin] and just like out of nowhere he just kinda stops me. He’s like ‘Do you know that’s not your real dad?’ And I was like what? And I lost my s–t.”
“I remember bawling my eyes out and I felt so lost.”
Izzy gave no further details, but in a subsequent conversation with Johnie, he revealed that his mother and aunt reared him and that he did finally meet his biological father.
Meet Reyna Zapata, Izzy Zapata Mother
Izzy Zapata’s mother is named Reyna Zapata AKA Reyna Blanco. Born in March 1970, Reyna is 53 years old.
On the occasion of Mother’s Day in 2021 Izzy wished Reyna, “Happy Mother’s Day you sweet soul. Thank you for shaping me into the man I am today. You’re the most selfless and caring person I know. I love and appreciate every sweet moment with you. Te Amo.”
Meet Smiley Zapata, Izzy Zapata Father
Ismael “Smiley” Zapata is believed to be the biological father of Izzy Zapata. Smiley is the son of Jesus Zapata and the late Maria “Mary Lou” Zapata.
On July 12, 1975, Smiley, a Jehovah’s Witness, underwent baptism. He dutifully served at the Northwest Congregation, where he belonged, with his loved ones. Elisa was his one and only granddaughter Elisa Marie Robledo, and he adored her dearly. He cherished time with his family and barbecuing.
Smiley had a profound impact on many people’s lives since he was a very kind person who always made sure that everyone had what they needed. Ismael was a beloved friend to many people and will be sadly missed by everybody.
Smiley was preceded in death by his mother, Maria “Mary Lou” Zapata; wife, Elisa Ortiz Zapata; nephew, William “Billy” Gonzalez Jr.
Related FAQs
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How Long Were Izzy Zapata Parents Married?
No, Izzy Zapata’s parents were separated long before. At the time of his dad’s passing, Smiley was already married to his late wife Elisa Ortiz Zapata.
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How Many Kids Did Izzy Zapata Parents Have?
Izzy Zapata also has a sister named Cilicia Marie (Ramiro Jr) Robledo.
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Where Are Izzy Zapata Parents From?
Izzy Zapata’s parents hailed from Corpus Christi, Texas.
