Who Is Zoë Saldaña? – Bio, Wiki, Stats & More
Early Life & Background
- Full name: Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazario (now Saldaña‑Perego)
- Born: June 19, 1978, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
- Heritage: Dominican father (Aridio Saldaña) and Puerto Rican mother (Asalia Nazario); raised bilingual in Queens before moving to the Dominican Republic at age nine following her father’s passing.
- Dance training: Trained in ballet, jazz, and modern dance at ECOS Espacio de Danza in the Dominican Republic, laying the groundwork for her initial breakthrough on film.
Career Breakthrough & Filmography
1999–2008: Beginnings
- Began acting with two guest spots on Law & Order (1999).
- Film debut in Center Stage (2000), playing a ballet dancer—skillfully showcasing her dance background.
- Appeared in teen hits like Get Over It and Crossroads (2002), and in Drumline (2002). Played a pirate in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) and an airport agent in Spielberg’s The Terminal (2004).
2009–2019: Sci‑Fi Stardom
- Star Trek (2009) reboot saw her as Lt. Nyota Uhura—earning praise from director J.J. Abrams.
- Cast as Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar (2009), joining the biggest‑grossing film ever (over $2.7 billion).
- Entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), reprising the role in four more films through Guardians Vol. 3 (2023).
- Films she’s starred in have grossed over $15 billion, making her the highest-grossing actress globally—and second-highest-grossing lead actress.
2020–Present: Awards & Streaming
- Starred in Netflix’s The Adam Project and the miniseries From Scratch (2022).
- Leading in Paramount+ spy series Lioness (2023).
- Delivered an acclaimed performance as lawyer Rita Castro in Emilia Pérez (2024), sweeping major awards including Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, SAG, and Critics Choice for Best Supporting Actress.
Accolades & Influence
- First American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar—a historic moment celebrated across awards season.
- Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2023).
- Multiple other nominations and wins across major critics’ circles for Emilia Pérez.
Personal Life
- Previously engaged to Keith Britton; briefly dated Bradley Cooper.
- Married Italian artist Marco Perego in 2013; they adopted one another’s surnames. The couple has three sons and raises them trilingual in Spanish, Italian, and English.
- Manages Hashimoto’s thyroiditis through gluten- and dairy‑free diet.
Stats & Highlights at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1978 (Gemini) |
| Height | ~5’ 7″ (170 cm) |
| Years Active | 1999–present |
| Major Genres | Sci‑Fi, action, drama |
| High‑Grossing Films | Avatar series, Marvel & Star Trek franchises |
| Award Summary | Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, SAG, Critics Choice |
In Summary
Zoë Saldaña’s journey from a dance‑trained teen in Queens and the Dominican Republic to an award-winning Hollywood star is nothing short of inspirational. She has not only made her mark in iconic franchises like Avatar, Star Trek, and the MCU, but also emerged as a powerful dramatic actress, earning prestigious awards for Emilia Pérez. A proud Latina with roots in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, a devoted mother and spouse, and a genre-defining force on screen—Saldaña continues to expand her legacy in entertainment and representation.
(FAQs) about Zoë Saldaña:
Who is Zoë Saldaña?
Zoë Saldaña is an American actress best known for her roles in major sci-fi franchises such as Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel Cinematic Universe), and Star Trek. She is recognized as one of the highest-grossing actresses in film history.
What is Zoë Saldaña’s full name?
Her full name is Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazario. After marrying artist Marco Perego, she began using the name Zoë Saldaña-Perego.
When and where was she born?
Zoë Saldaña was born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, USA.
What is her ethnic background?
She is of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent. Her father was Dominican, and her mother is Puerto Rican.
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What are Zoë Saldaña’s most famous movies?
Some of her most iconic roles include:
- Neytiri in Avatar
- Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy
- Lt. Uhura in Star Trek
Has Zoë Saldaña won any major awards?
Yes, she won Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, SAG Awards, and Critics Choice Awards in 2024 for her role in Emilia Pérez.
Is Zoë Saldaña married?
Yes, she is married to Marco Perego, an Italian artist. They married in 2013 and have three sons together.
How tall is Zoë Saldaña?
Zoë Saldaña is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
What health condition does she have?
Zoë has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition. She manages it with a gluten- and dairy-free diet.
What languages does Zoë Saldaña speak?
She speaks English and Spanish fluently, and is also raising her children to speak Italian.
