Zoe Saldana Biography: Zoe Yadira Saldaña Nazario, born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, is an acclaimed American actress known for her roles in some of the highest-grossing films of all time. Raised in Queens, New York City, Zoe’s early life was marked by a blend of cultures and languages, as her father, Aridio Saldaña, was Dominican, and her mother, Asalia Nazario, is of half-Dominican and half-Puerto Rican descent. Zoe and her two sisters, Cisely and Mariel, were raised to be bilingual in English and Spanish, with Spanish being their first language at home.
Tragedy struck when Zoe was nine years old, as her father was killed in a car accident. Following this, Zoe and her sisters moved to the Dominican Republic to live with their father’s family, while their mother remained in New York to support them financially. During her time in the Dominican Republic, Zoe discovered her passion for dance and began her training at the prestigious ECOS Espacio de Danza Dance Academy, where she learned ballet and other dance forms. This training provided an excellent outlet for her energy and enthusiasm and laid the foundation for her future career in acting.
After spending several years in the Dominican Republic, Zoe and her family returned to New York City to escape political unrest. Back in the United States, Zoe continued to pursue her love for dance and developed a keen interest in theater performance. She began performing with the Faces theater troupe, which put on plays aimed at providing positive messages for teens on issues such as substance abuse and sex. These performances not only gave her valuable experience but also instilled a sense of pride in making a difference in the lives of young people.
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Zoe’s professional acting career began in 1999 with a guest role in two episodes of Law & Order. Her first film role came in 2000 when she played Eva Rodriguez, a talented and headstrong ballet dancer, in the film Center Stage. This role showcased her dance training and acting skills, earning her early recognition in the industry. Zoe continued to build her career with roles in films such as Crossroads (2002), where she starred opposite Britney Spears, and Drumline (2002).
Zoe’s breakthrough came in 2009 when she was cast as Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek reboot film series and Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar film series. Her portrayal of Neytiri in Avatar was particularly significant, as the film became the highest-grossing film of all time. Zoe’s performance earned her critical acclaim and solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. She reprised her role as Neytiri in Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), further cementing her place in cinematic history.
In addition to her work in the Star Trek and Avatar franchises, Zoe is also known for her role as Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She first appeared as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and reprised the role in several subsequent films, including Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). Her portrayal of Gamora has been praised for its depth and complexity, adding another layer to her impressive filmography.
Zoe’s career is not limited to science fiction and superhero films. She has also starred in a variety of other genres, including the romantic drama miniseries From Scratch (2022) and the science fiction film The Adam Project (2022), both for Netflix. In 2023, she took on the lead role of a CIA officer in the Paramount+ spy series Special Ops: Lioness. Her versatility as an actress is evident in her ability to excel in diverse roles and genres.
In 2024, Zoe starred in the musical crime film Emilia Pérez, for which she received several accolades, including the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. This role further demonstrated her range and talent as an actress, earning her widespread acclaim and recognition.
Zoe’s personal life is marked by her marriage to Italian artist Marco Perego in 2013. The couple has three children together, and they have chosen to raise their children in a bilingual household, reflecting Zoe’s own upbringing. Zoe and Marco’s relationship is characterized by mutual support and respect, with Marco even taking Zoe’s last name, becoming Marco Perego-Saldaña.
Throughout her career, Zoe has been recognized for her contributions to the film industry. In 2023, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Her films have grossed more than $15 billion worldwide, making her the second highest-grossing lead actress and the highest-grossing actress overall as of 2024.
Zoe Saldaña’s journey from a young girl in New Jersey to a leading actress in Hollywood is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication. Her ability to excel in diverse roles and genres, coupled with her commitment to her craft, has made her a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry. As she continues to take on new and challenging roles, Zoe’s legacy as a trailblazing actress will undoubtedly endure.
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Zoe Saldana Husband
Zoe Saldaña’s husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña, is an Italian artist, producer, and director. Born in Salo, Brescia, Italy, Marco initially pursued a career as a professional soccer player. At the age of 17, he joined a professional Venice soccer team but suffered a leg injury at 21, cutting his career short. Afterward, Marco moved to New York City to pursue his passion for art. His first solo art show in 2007 was a tremendous success, earning him the nickname “Pirate Perego” due to his long hair and stylish swagger reminiscent of Johnny Depp in “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
Marco and Zoe met on a flight to New York City in 2013, and their connection was immediate. Zoe described their meeting as a “vibration” that both of them felt. They married in a private ceremony in London just a few months later. Marco adopted Zoe’s surname, becoming Marco Perego-Saldaña, a gesture that symbolized their equality and mutual respect.
The couple has three sons: twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio, born in November 2014, and Zen Anton Hilario, born in 2017. Marco and Zoe have worked together on several projects, including Marco’s directorial debut, “The Absence of Eden,” in which Zoe starred. Their relationship is characterized by mutual support and admiration, with Zoe often praising Marco’s artistic talents and his role as a father.
Zoe Saldana Family
Zoe Saldaña was born to Aridio Saldaña and Asalia Nazario. Her father, Aridio, was Dominican, and her mother, Asalia, is of half-Dominican and half-Puerto Rican descent. Zoe has two sisters, Cisely and Mariel, with whom she shares a close bond. The family was raised in a bilingual household, speaking both English and Spanish.
Tragedy struck the family when Zoe’s father died in a car accident when she was nine years old. Following his death, Zoe and her sisters moved to the Dominican Republic to live with their father’s family, while their mother stayed in New York to support them financially. This period in the Dominican Republic was formative for Zoe, as she discovered her passion for dance and began her training at the ECOS Espacio de Danza Dance Academy.
Zoe’s mother, Asalia, later remarried Dagoberto Galán, who became a stepfather to Zoe and her sisters. The family eventually returned to New York City to escape political unrest in the Dominican Republic. Zoe credits her family, especially her mother, for instilling in her a strong work ethic and a sense of self-confidence.
Zoe Saldana Age
Zoe Saldaña was born on June 19, 1978, making her 46 years old as of 2024. Her career spans over two decades, during which she has become one of the most recognizable and respected actresses in Hollywood. Zoe’s age reflects her wealth of experience and the wisdom she has gained over the years, both personally and professionally.
Zoe’s journey in the entertainment industry began in her early twenties, and she has since starred in some of the highest-grossing films of all time, including “Avatar,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and “Avengers: Endgame.” Her dedication to her craft and her ability to take on diverse roles have contributed to her enduring success.
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Zoe Saldana Height
Zoe Saldaña stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. Her height, combined with her slender build, has made her a striking presence on screen. Zoe’s physical attributes, along with her talent and dedication, have contributed to her success in the film industry.
Her height has also been an asset in her roles as a model and dancer. Zoe’s early training in ballet and other dance forms at the ECOS Espacio de Danza Dance Academy in the Dominican Republic provided her with the grace and poise that have become hallmarks of her performances.
Zoe Saldana Twin Sister
Zoe Saldaña does not have a twin sister, but she has two sisters, Cisely and Mariel. The three sisters share a close bond and have collaborated on various projects. Together, they founded Cinestar Pictures, a production company focused on telling female-driven stories. The sisters’ strong relationship and mutual support have been instrumental in their professional and personal lives.
Cisely and Mariel have been involved in the entertainment industry alongside Zoe, working as producers and writers. Their collaboration on Cinestar Pictures has allowed them to create content that reflects their shared values and experiences. The sisters’ commitment to each other and their work has made them a formidable team in the industry.
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