Penélope Cruz Sánchez, affectionately known as the "Spanish enchantress," was born in Madrid, Spain to Eduardo Cruz, a retailer, and Encarna Sánchez, a hairdresser. As a toddler, she would often re-enact TV commercials for her family's amusement, showcasing her innate flair for performance. However, it wasn't until she was 15 years old that she discovered her true calling after besting over 300 other girls at a talent agency audition. This breakthrough led to a string of roles in Spanish TV shows and music videos, ultimately paving the way for a successful career in film.
Cruz made her movie debut in the 1993 film "El laberinto griego" (The Greek Labyrinth),followed by a brief appearance in the 1992 thriller "Framed" alongside Timothy Dalton. Her third film was the Oscar-winning "Belle Epoque" (1992),in which she played one of four sisters vying for the affection of a handsome army deserter. The film earned several Goyas, the Spanish equivalent of the Academy Awards, solidifying her status as a leading lady of Spanish cinema.
Throughout the 1990s, Cruz continued to grow her resume, appearing in three to four films each year. In 1997, she had the opportunity to work with renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar on the film "Live Flesh," and also starred in the thriller/drama/mystery/sci-fi film "Open Your Eyes," which became a huge hit in Spain and earned eight Goyas. Although she didn't receive an award for her performance, her luck changed in 1998 when she won the Best Actress Goya for her role in the comedy "The Girl of Your Dreams."
Cruz's breakthrough into international stardom came with Almodóvar's 1999 film "All About My Mother," in which she played an unchaste but well-meaning nun. The film received widespread critical acclaim and earned Cruz a spot as a sought-after actress on both sides of the Atlantic. She went on to star in the American comedy "Woman on Top" (2000),about a chef with extraordinary culinary skills and a severe case of motion sickness, as well as the drug-trafficking drama "Blow" (2001) alongside Johnny Depp and the drama "All the Pretty Horses" (2000) opposite Matt Damon.
Despite her concerns about being typecast as a beautiful young damsel, Cruz's wide-eyed charm and generous nature make it difficult to imagine her in any other role. Fortunately, with upcoming projects including Cameron Crowe's "Vanilla Sky" (2001) and a collaboration with John Madden, it's unlikely that Damsel Penelope will disappear anytime soon.
