Manuel Cortez started acting on stage in Lisbon , Portugal , at the age of 9. During 10 years of acting, he gathered experience in operas, musicals, theatres and street dance performances. At the age of 18, he decided to move to Berlin , Germany , to graduate as a special makeup artist. From there on, he worked as a freelance make-up artist for music videos, fashion shows, and drag queen night shows among others. At the age of 21, he had his first major role in a German TV movie. In the following 7 years, he starred in over 35 movies and series. Through his work as a makeup instructor at the YAB Make-up and Fashion Academy Berlin , he met photographer Philipp Baben der Erde.

In 2005, photographer Philipp Baben der Erde and art director Manuel Cortez started the art project Baben-Cortez. Their works fascinate the viewer with colorful, almost theatrical staging and a combination of elaborate set- and light design. Their topics are a sexy, crazy and provocative approach to society and human conflicts.