Top 10 Unknown and Interesting Facts About Penélope Cruz
Penélope Cruz Sánchez is a renowned Spanish actress, celebrated for her versatile roles in both Spanish and English-language films. With an impressive career that spans over three decades, Cruz has earned several prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and nominations for a Primetime Emmy and four Golden Globe Awards.
In this blog, we’ll dive into 10 unknown and interesting facts about Penélope Cruz that showcase her unique background, dedication, and some quirky elements that many fans may not know.
1. Her First Love Was Dance, Not Acting
Before becoming a world-renowned actress, Penélope Cruz was deeply involved in dance. In fact, her first artistic passion wasn’t acting but ballet. As a child, she studied classical ballet for nine years at Spain’s prestigious Conservatorio Nacional and later trained in several dance schools in Spain, including Cristina Rota’s school in Madrid. Her intense training and discipline in dance instilled a strong work ethic, which she has credited for shaping her approach to acting. She has also studied ballet in New York City, dedicating her youth to perfecting her dance skills.
Although she eventually transitioned into acting, Cruz has maintained that her background in dance helped her develop her emotional expression and physical awareness—skills that have certainly translated onto the screen.
2. She Was Discovered Through a Talent Contest
Penélope Cruz’s big break came in a somewhat unusual way. At the age of 15, she entered a talent agency’s open casting call. Her natural beauty, charisma, and talent caught the attention of Katrina Bayonas, the head of a talent agency in Madrid. Out of over 300 girls, Cruz was selected, and this marked the beginning of her acting career. Interestingly, she wasn’t initially focused on being an actress but was drawn to the idea of performing and the arts.
Her early acting roles, including music videos and television work, showcased her raw talent and quickly led to roles in Spanish films, eventually catapulting her to international stardom.
3. Cruz is Fluent in Four Languages
Penélope Cruz is not only an extraordinary actress but also a polyglot. She is fluent in Spanish, English, Italian, and French. Her ability to speak multiple languages has enabled her to take on diverse roles in various languages throughout her career, making her one of the few actresses who seamlessly transitions between Spanish and English-speaking films.
Her fluency in Italian was especially showcased in the movie Don’t Move (2004), a performance that earned her a David di Donatello Award for Best Actress in Italy. Cruz’s multilingual abilities have been pivotal in helping her cross international boundaries in her career, allowing her to appeal to a global audience.
4. Penélope Cruz is a Committed Humanitarian
Beyond her glamorous life in Hollywood, Penélope Cruz is deeply committed to humanitarian causes. One of her most significant contributions includes her work with Mother Teresa’s charity in Calcutta, India. At the age of 20, she took time off from her budding acting career to volunteer at the charity, working for several weeks with Mother Teresa’s organization, where she helped care for children and the elderly.
She has also been involved in other charitable organizations over the years, including Artists for Peace and Justice and RED, supporting efforts to fight AIDS in Africa. Cruz has always kept her humanitarian work relatively private, letting her actions speak for themselves.
5. She Turned Down a Role in The Matrix
In the late ’90s, Cruz was at the height of her rising stardom when she was approached to play the role of Trinity in The Matrix (1999). However, she turned down the offer. While it’s unclear exactly why she passed on the role, some reports suggest that she wanted to focus more on her burgeoning European career at the time.
Instead, the role went to Carrie-Anne Moss, and the film became one of the most iconic science fiction movies of all time. Despite this, Cruz’s career choices have proved to be incredibly successful, and her filmography is filled with critically acclaimed performances that have left an indelible mark on cinema.
6. She Was the First Spanish Actress to Win an Academy Award
In 2009, Penélope Cruz made history by becoming the first Spanish actress ever to win an Academy Award. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as María Elena in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, a Woody Allen-directed romantic drama. Her performance as the fiery and passionate ex-wife of Javier Bardem’s character captivated audiences and critics alike.
This win solidified her status as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation. Since then, Cruz has received two more Oscar nominations, continuing to break boundaries for Spanish actresses in Hollywood.
7. She is Passionate About Cruelty-Free Fashion
Penélope Cruz is a staunch advocate for animal rights and cruelty-free fashion. She has been vocal about her support for ethical fashion practices and has partnered with brands like Swarovski and PETA to raise awareness about the impact of the fashion industry on animals. In 2018, she collaborated with Swarovski to create a sustainable and cruelty-free jewelry collection.
Cruz has also spoken out against the use of fur in fashion and has encouraged others in the industry to opt for cruelty-free alternatives. She leads by example, choosing eco-friendly and animal-conscious designs for her red-carpet appearances.
8. She Was Close Friends with Salma Hayek Before They Became Famous
Penélope Cruz and Mexican actress Salma Hayek have one of the most famous friendships in Hollywood, but their bond started long before they became household names. The two met when Cruz first arrived in Los Angeles in the early ’90s. Hayek, who was already making a name for herself in Hollywood, took Cruz under her wing and even let her stay in her home.
Their friendship blossomed, and the two have remained close ever since, often sharing funny stories about their early days in the industry. Cruz has described Hayek as her “soul sister,” and the two actresses have supported each other throughout their careers.
9. Penélope Cruz Directed Music Videos for Her Brother
Penélope Cruz’s artistic talents extend beyond acting. She has also worked as a director, specifically directing music videos for her younger brother, Eduardo Cruz, who is a singer and composer. Eduardo’s music blends Spanish and international styles, and Penélope has helped him by directing several of his music videos, showcasing a different side of her creativity.
While her directorial work is less known than her acting career, it highlights her versatility and willingness to explore different forms of artistic expression.
10. She Shares a Unique Bond with Pedro Almodóvar
Cruz’s collaboration with Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar is one of the most celebrated director-actor partnerships in modern cinema. She has worked with him on several iconic films, including Volver (2006), All About My Mother (1999), and Pain and Glory (2019). Their creative partnership has produced some of Cruz’s most critically acclaimed performances, and the actress has often described Almodóvar as her “cinematic father.”
Almodóvar was one of the first directors to recognize her talent, casting her in Live Flesh (1997) when she was still relatively unknown outside of Spain. Their collaborations have not only elevated Cruz’s career but have also contributed significantly to the international visibility of Spanish cinema.