Illustrious Spanish Characters – Penelope Cruz

Penélope Cruz Sánchez was born on April 28, 1974 in Madrid, Spain. She has been nominated twice for both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards, although she has never won either. Her film debut was her in the Spanish Cinema Jamon, Jamon in 1992, in which she played the role of Silvia. Jamon, Jamon was so successful that she won the 1997 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. She received critical acclaim for her work and quickly grew in popularity, earning her work in two more films, The Apple of Your Eyes and Belle Epoque. Her success in Spain allowed her to move on to American cinema, where she is most famous for her work in the films Blow, Vanilla Sky and Bandidas.

Penelope was a very promising actress from a very young age. The daughter of Encara Sánchez, who worked as a personal manager and hairdresser, and Eduardo Cruz, who worked as an auto mechanic and retailer, Penélope recreated the commercials she saw on television. Despite her acting promise, she chose to focus on dancing early in her career. Penélope herself studied classical ballet for nine years at the Spanish National Conservatory, and then received specialized training from Angela Garrido in Spanish Ballet. However, after beating out 300 other girls in an acting audition, she Penelope gave up dancing to further her acting career.

The decision paid off as Penelope’s career quickly blossomed into what it is today as she is among Hollywood’s elite actors. Penélope Cruz has influenced many people through her experience and talent as an actress.