biography

The Spanish treasure, Penelope Cruz, hits it big in Hollywood. Following the footsteps of the few foreign actresses (who's first language isn't English) in Hollywood who have made it big, Cruz has caught the attention of casting directors and producers. Magazines are even in on the rush to capture the captivating Cruz for their publications. No one can seem to get enough of the sultry Cruz.

Penélope Cruz Sánchez was born April 28, 1974 in Madrid, Spain. Her mother, Encarna, was a hairdresser and her father, Eduardo, a auto-mechanic. Cruz has two siblings, Eduardo her brother who is a soccer player, and Mónica who is a flamingo dancer. Cruz decided to concentrate on ballet and jazz rather than finish high school. As a result she spent four years in New York studying Theatre at Cristina Rota's school. She is a graduate of the National Conservatory in Madrid, Spain with a major in classical Ballet. After 14 years of ballet, Cruz broke into acting in 1992.

Many of Cruz's first films were foreign films. Many were made in her home town of Madrid. Her role in the film "All About Mother" by Pedro Almodovar that brought her to the attention of Hollywood. She won the roles in "Women on Top" and " All the Pretty Horses" which are sure to win the hearts of audiences. She has already captivated the producers and directors with her dark eyes and impossibly sultry figure.

Cruz isn't fooled by the vices of Hollywood. She understands perfectly that the entertainment industry is fickle. She has also proved she is generous when she donated her year's salary from the film " The Hi-Lo Country" to Mother Theresa's charity.