A powerhouse of talent and influence, Zoe Saldaña has captivated audiences worldwide with her versatility, groundbreaking roles and unwavering commitment to cultural representation. As an Academy Award-winning actress, producer and advocate, Saldaña has left a significant mark on the entertainment industry, making her one of the most recognizable and inspiring figures in Hollywood today.
“I just want to be a part of great stories, whether I’m part of an amazing ensemble cast or I’m leading it or the antagonist or whatever,” she says.
With a career spanning over two decades, Saldaña has become a symbol of talent and representation—breaking down barriers for women of color and establishing herself as one of the most influential figures in modern cinema.
Dominican Roots
Born Zoe Yadira Saldaña Nazario in Passaic, New Jersey, Saldaña was raised in a multicultural household that profoundly influenced her career and identity. Her mother is of Puerto Rican descent, while her father was Dominican. Tragically, Saldaña’s father died in a car accident when she was just nine years old. After his death, her family relocated to the Dominican Republic, where Saldaña spent much of her adolescence immersing herself in her father’s heritage. This experience deepened her understanding of her cultural roots and played a vital role in shaping her identity as a proud Latina.
Living in the Dominican Republic not only allowed Saldaña to connect with her heritage but also sparked her passion for the performing arts. She discovered a love for dance, particularly ballet, and began training at the prestigious Ecos Espacio de Danza Academy. Ballet became an integral part of her life, instilling in her the discipline, grace and physical precision that would later define her acting style. Though ballet was her first love, she soon realized the physical toll the art form took on her body, leading her to explore acting as an alternative form of expression. “In dance, you use every part of your body except your voice,” she said. “I wanted to start acting because I wanted to use my voice.”
Zoe Saldana during the 82nd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty Images)
From Ballet to the Big Screen
Saldaña’s transition from dancing to acting marked the beginning of her journey into the entertainment industry. Upon returning to the United States in her late teens, she continued pursuing her artistic passions and joined the Faces theater group in Brooklyn, New York. The group was dedicated to delivering powerful messages of positive social change—a mission that resonated with Saldaña’s deep commitment to social justice and advocacy. Her work in theater was pivotal in shaping her career, as it not only honed her acting skills but also fostered her lifelong commitment to using her platform to bring about change.
Her early roles were in television, most notably in a guest appearance on Law & Order in 1999. Soon after, Saldaña landed the role of ballet dancer Eva Rodriguez in the film Center Stage. It allowed her to merge her love of dance with acting and showcased her unique ability to portray characters that blend physical performance with emotional depth.
“Dancing for the length of time that I did, it centered me in such a way to be really in tune with my body,” she said, “and I just feel like I’m physically able to do things because of my ballet background. Without ballet, I don’t think I’d look graceful at all on screen.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: (L-R) Greta Gerwig, Sienna Miller, Chemena Kamali, Emma Mackey and Zoe Saldana attend The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
Saldaña went on to star in films such as Drumline (2002) and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003). However, it was her role in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot of Star Trek that truly catapulted her to international stardom. “I’m a sci-fi girl,” Saldaña said. “If I can have anything in life, I’d want tons of great science-fiction movies and stories. [They’re] so progressive, beautiful and imaginative.”
Playing the iconic character Nyota Uhura, originally portrayed by Nichelle Nichols, Saldaña not only honored the character’s legacy but also brought a fresh, modern perspective to the role, making it her own. In doing so, she broke barriers for women of color in science fiction—a genre that white male characters have historically dominated.
Breakthrough Roles
The year 2009 proved to be pivotal for Saldaña. In addition to her Star Trek success, she starred in James Cameron’s groundbreaking sci-fi epic Avatar, playing Neytiri—a member of the Na’vi species. The film’s use of cutting-edge motion capture technology pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. Saldaña’s portrayal of Neytiri showcased her ability to embody complex characters and was integral to making Avatar the highest-grossing film of all time.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – MAY 03: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Leron Gubler (L) and honoree Zoe Saldana at the Zoe Saldana Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony on May 3, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
Saldaña’s success with Avatar opened even more doors, and in 2014, she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. As the green-skinned warrior and adopted daughter of the villain Thanos, Saldaña delivered a nuanced and multifaceted performance that became a fan favorite. Gamora is not just a skilled fighter but a deeply emotional character, and Saldaña’s portrayal blended humor, heart and action. Her involvement in the MCU extended across multiple films, including Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), two of the highest-grossing films in history.
A True American Latina
Saldaña’s career has continued to evolve in exciting ways. In January 2025, she achieved a major milestone by winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Emilia Perez, in which Saldaña portrayed the character Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer navigating personal and professional challenges. “To be seen and to be respected for my work and acknowledged as a true American Latina…means a lot to me,” she said.
Beyond her work as an actress, Saldaña has become a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. She has consistently used her platform to speak out about breaking stereotypes and providing opportunities for marginalized voices in film and television. As co-founder of Cinestar Pictures, a production company she established with her sisters, Cisely and Mariel, Saldaña has taken an active role in creating content that highlights diverse narratives and elevates underrepresented talent.
Saldaña is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of women’s empowerment and children’s health. She is an advocate for organizations such as Step Up Women’s Network and Girls Inc., which provide education, mentorship and resources to young girls. Additionally, she is an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, having openly discussed the challenges of balancing a demanding career with the personal pressures of motherhood and maintaining well-being.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: Zoe Saldana and Marco Perego attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix’s “Emilia Perez” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on October 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Family Commitments
Outside of her professional life, Saldaña is deeply committed to her family and cultural heritage.
“I want to be the best daughter, sister, friend and wife I can possibly be,” she said, “because when I die, I am not going to be buried with my Oscar.”
In 2013, she married Italian artist Marco Perego, and the couple has three sons: Cy, Bowie and Zen. “Marco and I have a great deal of respect for the privacy of our kids,” Saldaña told People in a 2017 interview. “We have to choose for them, and part of that is giving them the anonymity that they need.”
Along with raising a family together, Saldaña and Perego collaborate artistically, with Perego contributing his visual talents to some of Saldaña’s projects. The award-winning actress and advocate also devotes her time to attending panels and conferences that discuss equal opportunities for women in the entertainment industry. She has since launched the BESE media platform, which celebrates Latinx culture and provides a platform for Latinx creators and storytellers to share their work and inspire future generations.
Being a Part of Greatness
Saldaña’s future in Hollywood remains bright. Lioness, Taylor Sheridan’s spy thriller series on Paramount+, recently kicked off its second season with Saldaña in the lead role of Joe McNamara, a CIA senior case officer in charge of the Lioness program in the field. She is also set to star in Disney’s animated feature Elio, where she will voice the character Aunt Olga. Additionally, she will reprise her role as Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar 3, continuing her involvement in one of the most successful film franchises of all time, and is rumored to return as Lieutenant Uhura in the upcoming Star Trek: Beyond sequel. Saldaña was also recently announced as part of the cast for The Absence of Eden, a drama that explores themes of immigration and resilience.
As she continues to take on dynamic roles, champion important causes and inspire future generations, Saldaña’s goal is simple: “I just want to be part of great stories that are told and for them to be relevant.”
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