Charming Spanish woman, inimitable Penelope Cruz sparkled in world cinema in the early nineties. American producers quickly saw a remarkable talent in the young dancer. Today, this is one of the most sought after actresses in Hollywood. She fully corresponds to her on-screen image - passionate, impulsive, inconstant.
If you add the actress’s talent to these qualities, a portrait of a world-class star, Penelope Cruz, looms.
Children and teenagers
On April 28, one thousand nine hundred and seventy-four, in the center of Madrid, the capital of Spain, a girl was born who was destined to become a star. She was called Penelope.
Father - Eduardo Cruz - a small shopkeeper, mother - Encarna Sanchez - a hairdresser. In the family, in addition to Penelope, there are still children - the daughter of Monica and the son of Eduardo. Surprisingly, all children are endowed with some kind of talent. Eduardo is a musician, Monica is a famous actress and dancer in Spain . But Penelope succeeded most of all (in her homeland she is affectionately called Pe).
Dancing and jazz
Since childhood, the girl was seriously fond of ballet and jazz. She was very slim and plastic. Penelope Cruz, whose weight today is only fifty-one kilogram, easily coped with the most complex elements of dance. She even left classes at school to devote herself completely to her favorite business. For a long nine years she successfully studied at the ballet conservatory.
She then moved to the United States, where she continued her studies at Christina Roth's studio.
TV presenter work
At the age of fifteen, the girl's life changed dramatically. At an audition at a talent agency of three hundred applicants, she was chosen to be the host on Spanish television in a youth show. Penelope successfully worked in this position for about two years. During this time, she starred in several shows and music videos.
Carier start
Very soon, the girl felt her true calling and began to look for a way into great cinema. Penelope Cruz, whose filmography is very extensive today, got her very first and very significant role in the comedy film “Ham, Ham” (1992). In this film, a rising star appeared naked in the frame. From her plasticity and magnetic beauty, the Spanish audience experienced a real shock. The seventeen-year-old Penelope herself, after the release of the tape, went through a long depression.
After this film, the girl vowed herself to get rid of the “erotic” image forever. She began to abandon all roles of a sexual nature, cut her hair shortly and for several years did not even kiss in the frame.
The actress starred in many Spanish films, she became incredibly popular in her homeland. In Spain, she is the object of worship. No actress can compare with her in popularity.
In the debut picture, she worked with another future movie star - Javier Bardem. The work turned out to be successful, and in the same year the star was shot in the touching melodramatic story "An Elegant Epoch" (1992). The film was awarded the prestigious international Academy Award. This was a certain stage in the life of the actress. At this time, she was noticed and began to shoot actively. The cinematic career of the young actress began to develop rapidly.
In 1998, the audience remembered the roles of Penelope Cruz in the English films “Country of Hills and Valleys” and “Man with Rain in Boots”.
International recognition
Penelope Cruz, whose filmography includes many successful works, received worldwide recognition after working in the film "All About My Mother." This tape was highly appreciated - she won the Oscar, Golden Globe and many others. Spectators and experts praised the acting skills of the star.
After this film, the actress became extremely popular in many countries of the world. Films with Penelope Cruz, whose list is constantly updated, became an event in the world of cinema. All her roles were vibrant and very natural.
The next major success was the work of the actress in the crime drama "Cocaine" (2001). In this film, she starred with the famous Johnny Depp. In the same year, a turning point occurred in the personal life of a young woman. On the set of the thriller Vanilla Sky, she began a passionate affair with the talented Tom Cruise. This relationship lasted about four years. Fans noted that they are very suitable for each other. The lovers even intended to get married in February two thousand and three. They decided to play a wedding on the island of Malta. But, unfortunately, the celebration did not take place. Since then, they began to call her Penelope Cruz, which is incorrect, since her last name is Cruz. Penelope Cruz, whose biography is inextricably linked with cinema, becomes a world star. Almost all of her roles are resounding success.
Penelope Cruz: filmography
The next three years of the actress's life are marked by participation in such films as the thriller Matthew Kassowitzi “Gothic”, “Bandits”. In the work of Penelope, failures also occurred. One of them, experts believe the role in the remake of "Fanfan Tulip" called "Head in the Clouds." Although this statement cannot be considered completely correct. In 2006, viewers remembered the role of Raimunda in the film "Return", shot by maestro Almodovar. This tape has received many international awards.
From 2007 to 2010, Penelope starred in such films as Manolete (2007), Good Night (2007), Elegy (2008).
Collaboration with Woody Allen
The bright talent of the actress was soon noticed by another cult director. The great Woody Allen offered Penelope a role in the comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Her work was awarded the Academy Award. Cruz became the second Spanish star to receive this prestigious award. The first was the well-known Javier Bardem. In addition, the actress starred in the films “Cannibal Counselor” (2009) and “Barcelona” (2008).
In 2009, Penelope continued to collaborate with Pedro Almodovar. She starred in his fourth film, “Open Hugs,” which was nominated for the Golden Palm Branch at the Cannes Film Festival.
The work of the actress is not limited to roles in a big movie. In 2009, she voiced the animated film “Darwin's Mission” and starred in the colorful musical “Nine” (2009).
In 2011, Penelope fans saw her in the film "Pirates of the Caribbean."
Family Children
In July 2010, Penelope entered into a legal marriage. Penelope Cruz's husband is her old friend, famous actor Javier Bardem. A luxurious wedding took place in the Bahamas, but so far not a single photo from the celebration has leaked to the Internet.
On January 25, Penelope became a mother. She had a boy who was named Leo Enkinas. Already in May, four months after giving birth, the luxurious Spaniard began filming in the film “Roman Vacations” by Woody Allen and “Born Twice” by Sergio Castellitto. Both paintings were released in 2012.
Versatile personality
Penelope speaks four languages. Lives in two houses - in the USA (Los Angeles) and Madrid. She really loves animals. She has a dog that she sheltered after filming in Mexico. The actress is a convinced vegetarian since 2000.
The charitable activities of the star are well known. She volunteered in India and Uganda. She managed to get acquainted with her mother Teresa. She founded a fund for homeless Indian girls. He has his own house, clinic and school in Calcutta.
In 2009, the cosmetic company L'Oreal invited the beautiful Spanish woman to become her face. She began to advertise modern hair care products and mascara. Her annual contract is two million dollars. In addition, in the spring of two thousand and ten, she became the face of another popular brand - Lancom Tresor.
Slender and graceful Penelope Cruz (the height of the actress is 165 cm) starred in an advertisement for the Spanish brand Mango. In 2007, a new collection of clothes appeared in the distribution network of this company, which Penelope created in collaboration with her sister Monica. The actress owns a women's clothing store in Madrid. Together with her sister, she designs jewelry.
Friends
Penelope's closest friends are actresses Salma Hayek and Goya Toledo. In addition, she maintains friendships with Tom Cruise. Penelope was one of the first to see his daughter Suri. Penelope Cruz, whose filmography includes 52 films, is still very popular. On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she has a name star.
Interesting Facts
Penelope knows how and loves to take pictures, the camera is always with her.
The actress recently became interested in Buddhism.
Cruz was among the fifty most beautiful people on the planet.
Penelope has an 887 tattoo on her ankle. This is a lucky combination of numbers for her.