Zoë Saldana Bio
Zoë Yadira Saldaña-Perego (born June 19, 1978) is an American actress best known for her significant roles in major science fiction franchises. A trained dancer, Saldaña began her acting career in 1999. She gained fame for her performances in blockbuster films such as Avatar, which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Saldaña is recognized as the highest-grossing actress and has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award. Her contributions to film have made her an influential figure, and in 2023, she was named one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine.
Early Life and Background
Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazario was born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, and raised in Queens, New York City. Her parents are Aridio Saldaña, who was Dominican, and Asalia Nazario, who is half Dominican and half Puerto Rican. Saldaña and her two sisters, Cisely and Mariel, were raised to be bilingual in English and Spanish, with Spanish being their first language at home. When she was nine, their father was killed in a car accident, which led Saldaña and her sisters to live with their father’s family in the Dominican Republic while their mother remained in New York to support them. Her mother later remarried, and the family returned to New York City after political unrest in the Dominican Republic. Saldaña completed her education at Newtown High School in Queens. Saldaña discovered her love of dance while living in the Dominican Republic and was enrolled in the ECOS Espacio de Danza Academy, where she studied various forms of dance. Although she initially pursued ballet, she eventually transitioned to acting, performing with the Faces theater group in Brooklyn and participating in productions that addressed important social issues.
Path to Hollywood
Saldaña’s first on-screen role was a guest appearance in an episode of Law & Order in 1999. Her film debut came in Center Stage (2000), where she played a ballet dancer. She gained early recognition for her role in the road film Crossroads (2002), alongside Britney Spears. Saldaña’s career began to take off with her participation in the Star Trek reboot film series starting in 2009, where she portrayed Nyota Uhura, and her role as Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar film series. These roles established her as a prominent figure in the science fiction genre and opened doors for further opportunities in the film industry.
Zoë Saldana Career
Early Career (1999–2008)
Saldaña’s early career included notable performances in films such as Drumline (2002) and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003). Her role in Avatar (2009) marked a significant turning point, as the film became the highest-grossing film of all time, grossing over $2.7 billion worldwide. Saldaña’s portrayal of Neytiri was widely praised, and she received a Saturn Award for Best Actress for her performance.
Breakthrough (2009–2019)
Saldaña’s breakthrough came with her roles in two major franchises: Star Trek and Avatar. In Star Trek (2009), she brought Nyota Uhura to life, a character that resonated with audiences and showcased her acting range. The film was a box office success, earning $385.7 million. Simultaneously, Avatar solidified her status as a leading actress, and her performance as Neytiri contributed to the film’s critical acclaim and commercial success. Saldaña continued to build on her success with roles in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and its sequels, where she portrayed Gamora, further establishing her as a key player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Notable Works and Milestones
Saldaña’s signature works include Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Star Trek series. She has received numerous awards for her performances, including an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in the film Emilia Pérez (2024).
Zoë Saldana Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Zoë Saldana has received multiple nominations for prestigious awards, reflecting her talent and impact on the film industry.
Zoë Saldana Awards Won
Zoë Saldana has won several notable awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role.
Zoë Saldana Family
Zoë Saldana is married to Italian artist Marco Perego, whom she wed in 2013. They have three sons together.
Personal Life
In addition to her successful career, Saldaña has been open about her health, revealing that she has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease. She is also a supporter of various charitable organizations and has taken steps to promote diversity in media through her platform BESE. Saldaña is committed to raising her children to be multilingual, reflecting her cultural heritage.
