Mara Hautea Schnittka (/ˈmɑːrə haʊˈteɪə ˈʃnɪtkə/ MAR-ə how-TAY-ə SHNIT-kə;[3] born March 19, 1995), known professionally as Julia Montes (Tagalog: [ˈdʒulja mɔnˈtɛs]), is a Filipino actress.

[4] Montes made her screen debut on GMA Network's Sana ay Ikaw na Nga (2001) as a child actress and appeared in several television commercials.

After her transfer in ABS-CBN, she initially played young versions of characters in several television series such as Hiram (2004), Ligaw Na Bulaklak (2008), I Love Betty La Fea (2008) and eventually became part of the gag show, Goin' Bulilit (2005-08).

Montes rose to stardom after being paired with Coco Martin in the series Walang Hanggan (2012), as Katerina Alcantara, for which she was hailed as the Princess of Philippine Television at the 44th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards.

Other notable appearances include the romantic comedy The Reunion (2012), the horror adventure The Strangers (2012), the independent drama Padre de Familia (2016) and romantic-drama Five Breakups and a Romance (2023).

She began her acting career with minor roles when she was cast in a number of GMA shows such as Sana ay Ikaw na Nga in 2001 as the daughter of actors Robin Da Rosa and Angelu de Leon, and in some episodes of the now defunct drama anthology Magpakailanman.

Also that year, Montes, as Abby, starred in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode titled "Card", a story of a girl who is longing for the love of her parents while under the care of a nursemaid.

[10] In 2011, Montes made her film debut in the family drama Way Back Home, which opened in August 2011 to positive reviews, as Jessica "Jessie" Lorraine S. Santiago, alongside Mara Clara co-star Kathryn Bernardo.

"[11] That same year, she worked with Bernado for the third time in the youth-oriented show entitled Growing Up, in which she portrayed the role of Samantha "Tammy" Magtoto, the daughter of an OFW who entrusted his care to Mikaella Dimalanta (played by Bernardo).

[15] Walang Hanggan emerged as the most watched show during the second half of 2012, ruling the list with a whopping national TV rating of 38.4% based on Kantar Media.

[16] Due to the series' phenomenal success, Walang Hanggan was aired internationally in foreign countries along with Ina, Kapatid, Anak and Be Careful With My Heart.

In 2013, Montes starred in the romantic drama A Moment in Time alongside Martin, as a follow-up success of their preeminent team-up in Walang Hanggan.

Jennifer Dugena of Philippine Entertainment Portal praised her performance, writing: "Julia plays the part with exquisitely combined innocence and maturity.

"[23] Later in 2013, she appeared in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode titled "Krus", a story about a girl named Diana who was sold to a prostitution den by her own foster mother at a young age of 15.

[24] That same year, Montes co-starred with Enchong Dee and Enrique Gil in another television series Muling Buksan ang Puso which centers on the themes of forgiveness and second chances.

[28] During the same year, Montes completed work on Adolfo Alix Jr.'s family drama Padre de Familia, which was released on February 20, 2016, with Martin and Nora Aunor.

[29] After her character's departure from Ikaw Lamang, Montes starred in the romantic horror Halik sa Hangin with Gerald Anderson and JC de Vera.

In a review from Philippine Entertainment Portal, author Jocelyn Valle stated that "Julia, the actress, shows great commitment and earnestness in playing the character of Mia.

She makes the viewer feel Mia's emotional stages of entering into the territory of romantic love — apprehension, excitement, caution, bliss — until reality bites.

[32] Later in 2015, Dreamscape publicity head Eric John Salut confirmed on February 12, 2015 via Twitter that Montes will be reunited once again with Walang Hanggan leading man Coco Martin in an upcoming TV project.

[33] Martin and Montes reunited in a new chapter of Wansapanataym's summer special called "Yamishita's Treasures", marking the second collaboration of the two as a loveteam in television since their hit TV series Walang Hanggan.

[35][36] Later that same year, Montes appeared in an Maalaala Mo Kaya episode titled "Picture", a story about a young woman named Rosa who fell in love with a man who, unknown to her, is already married.

[47] In 2018, Montes stars in the political drama Asintado alongside Lorna Tolentino, Paulo Avelino, Shaina Magdayao, Agot Isidro, Cherry Pie Picache, and Aljur Abrenica.

Her portrayal was met with praises from the critics, with Villanueva of Manila Standard noting that both leads gave "compelling performances" which helped elevate the film.

[63] She revealed via Instagram about her encounter with her father and expressed gratitude towards her German cousin Michelle Lloyd and CocoJul Bukayo fans for paving the way to meet him.

[44] Directors Emmanuel Palo and Trina Dayrit, who directed her in different Dreamscape Entertainment releases such as Walang Hanggan, A Moment in Time, Ikaw Lamang, and Doble Kara, have praised her versatility and maturity.

[68] Actor Sam Milby described Montes as "one of the most important actresses of this time", praising her prowess in playing mature roles at a young age.

[44] The journalist Irish Christianne Dizon of The Philippine Star has identified this as her "trademark" in many of her best projects, adding, "In this age where rabid love team fans compete for the No.

[74] ABS-CBN's Push.com says she is humble about her profession, saying she is "just a person with a job" to make ends meet, attracts little gossip or tabloid attention, and casual in her appearance.