She starred in over 100 films and 60 stage productions during her near-60 year career.
Born in Madrid, she began her career in 1947 on a stage play titled Historia de una casa.
In 1959, she made her movie debut with Diez fusiles esperan.
In 1980, she starred as Doña Guillermina in the miniseries Fortunata y Jacinta.
In 2003, Riaza retired saying that the only roles she was getting were in unpopular stage plays.