Penélope Cruz Sánchez is a Spanish actress who has received numerous accolades for her roles in films of various genres, particularly those in the Spanish language.
She is the only Spanish actress to have won an Academy Award and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Cruz began her acting career at a young age, signing with an agent at 15 and making her television debut at 16.
Her feature film debut came the following year in Jamón Jamón. She has since appeared in many notable films, including Vicky Cristina Barcelona, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Cruz has worked frequently with Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar and has also collaborated with director Woody Allen.
In addition to her film work, she has done modeling for various brands and has designed clothing for Mango with her sister Mónica. She has been a house ambassador for Chanel since 2018.
Outside of her career, Cruz has volunteered in Uganda and India and donated her salary from The Hi-Lo Country to help fund Mother Teresa’s mission.
She was raised as a Roman Catholic and studied classical ballet for nine years at Spain’s National Conservatory.
Cruz became interested in acting as a teenager after seeing the film Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! by Pedro Almodóvar.
She faced rejection from agents because of her age, but eventually won an audition at a talent agency at the age of 15. Cruz’s father, Eduardo, passed away from a heart attack in 2015.
Penélope Cruz Children, Meet Her 2 Kids
Leo Encinas Cruz
Penelope Cruz had her first son named Leo Encinas Cruz on January 23, 2011, at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
She and Javier got married just six months before Leo was born. Penelope said that when she became a mother, she felt a lot of love right away.
It was a big change for her, but she was happy. She hasn’t posted pictures of Leo on social media, but photographers have taken pictures of him when he was out with his parents.
Leo went on trips with his family, and he got a baby sister two years after he was born.
Luna Encinas Cruz
Penelope Cruz had another child, Luna Encinas Cruz, in July 2013, in Madrid, Spain. Like Leo, Penelope and Javier keep Luna away from the public eye.
In December 2021, Penelope explained on CBS Sunday Morning why she doesn’t let her children use social media.
Penelope thinks social media is dangerous for young people and can affect how they see themselves. She said her kids cannot use social media until they are at least 16 years old.
Aiva Arthur
