Isabela Merced Bio
Isabela Yolanda Moner, known professionally as Isabela Merced, is an American actress born on July 10, 2001, in Cleveland, Ohio. She gained fame for her lead role in the Nickelodeon television series “100 Things to Do Before High School” and has appeared in several films, including “Transformers: The Last Knight” and “Dora and the Lost City of Gold.” Merced’s career began at a young age, leading to numerous roles in acting and music, and she is recognized for her diverse performances in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
Isabela Merced was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Katerine and Patrick Moner. Her mother is a nurse from Lima, Peru, and her father is a firefighter from Louisiana. Spanish was her first language, and she faced challenges with English when she started school. Merced has expressed her identity as being half Peruvian and half from Ohio, reflecting on her cultural background. She has two brothers and was accepted into college at the young age of 15. Merced’s journey into acting began after her family’s home was destroyed by a fire, an event that led her parents to encourage her to audition for a local production of “The Wizard of Oz” to help her cope with the loss. This opportunity marked the beginning of her acting career.
At the age of six, Merced started performing in local community theatre. Her talent was nurtured at the Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory, where she was encouraged to pursue a career in acting. After some initial reluctance, her family moved to New York City for a month to help her audition for Broadway roles. This decision proved pivotal, as she booked her first job in a Claritin commercial during her summer auditions. Merced made her Broadway debut at the age of ten in a production of “Evita,” where she performed alongside Ricky Martin, singing in Spanish.
Path to Hollywood
Merced’s passion for acting was evident from a young age, inspired by classic films featuring stars like Shirley Temple and Judy Garland. Her first significant role was as CJ Martin in the Nickelodeon series “100 Things to Do Before High School,” which aired from 2014 to 2016. During this time, she also voiced the character Kate in the spin-off series “Dora and Friends: Into the City!” from 2014 to 2017. In 2015, she appeared in the Nickelodeon Original Movie “Splitting Adam” and played a leading role in “Legends of the Hidden Temple” in 2016. Merced also ventured into music, releasing her debut album “Stopping Time” in 2015.
In May 2016, she was cast in the film “Transformers: The Last Knight,” which premiered in June 2017. Her role in the film marked a significant step in her transition to film, and she also voiced Heather in the animated feature “The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature.” In 2018, Merced received critical acclaim for her performance in “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” where she played the daughter of a drug cartel head. She also starred in the comedy film “Instant Family,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Isabela Merced Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Isabela Merced began her career in 2013, initially gaining recognition through her work in television and theater. Her breakthrough role came with the Nickelodeon series “100 Things to Do Before High School,” where she showcased her talent and charm. During this period, she also made her mark in the music industry with her debut album, further establishing her presence in entertainment.
Breakthrough (2017–2019)
Merced’s breakthrough in film came with her role in “Transformers: The Last Knight” in 2017, which opened doors for more significant opportunities. In 2018, she starred in “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” earning praise for her compelling performance. The following year, she took on the titular role in “Dora and the Lost City of Gold,” a live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series. This role solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood and showcased her ability to connect with audiences.
Notable Works and Milestones
Isabela Merced’s signature works include her performances in “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” and “Sicario: Day of the Soldado.” She has received recognition for her contributions to both film and television, marking her as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Isabela Merced Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Isabela Merced has received various nominations for her performances, highlighting her talent and impact in the industry.
Isabela Merced Awards Won
Isabela Merced has won several awards for her work, reflecting her achievements and recognition as a talented actress in Hollywood.
Isabela Merced Family
Isabela Merced is the daughter of Katerine and Patrick Moner. Her family background has played a significant role in shaping her identity and career.
Personal Life
Isabela Merced has openly discussed her experiences with her identity and mental health. She describes herself as having been queer her whole life and aims to represent the queer community in American pop culture. Additionally, she has spoken about her struggles with anxiety and her journey towards self-acceptance.
