Penelope Cruz
Penélope Cruz was born in Madrid, the daughter of Encarna Sánchez, a hairdresser, and her husband Eduardo Cruz, a retailer and auto mechanic. Her younger sister, Monica Cruz, is Spanish dancer and her younger brother, Eduardo, is a singer.
From a young age Cruz studied classical ballet at Spain's National Conservatory, continuing her training with a number of prominent dancers. However, at 15 she changed her mind and became an actress.
In 2000 Cruz made her first American picture, ALL THE PRETTY HORSES with Matt Damon. Later she made VANILLA SKY, an American version of ABRE LOS OJOS. She starred with Matthew McConaughey in the action adventure SAHARA and appeared with her friend, Salma Hayek, in BANDIDAS. Cruz was highly praised for her performance in Woody Allen's VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA as the mentally unstable ex-wife of Javier Bardem. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, and won a BAFTA and an Academy Award as best supporting actress.
Acknowledged as a fashion icon, Cruz and her sister Monica announced they were designing a collection for the Barcelona-based fashion chain, Mango.
Penelope Cruz Facts
Birth Name | Penélope Cruz Sanches |
Occupation | Actress, Model |
Birthday | April 28, 1974 (49) |
Sign | Taurus |
Birthplace | Madrid, Spain |
Height | 5' 5½" (1m66) How tall is Penelope Cruz compared to you? |
Awards | 2009 Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress (for Vicky Cristina Barcelona) |
2009 BAFTA Awards: Actress in a Supporting Role (for Vicky Cristina Barcelona) |
Selected Filmography
Not available. |