Born on April 28, 1974, in Madrid, Spain, Penélope Cruz Sánchez is a world-renowned actress and model. Raised in a working-class family, her passion for the performing arts became evident at an early age. Initially training as a classical ballet dancer at Spain's National Conservatory, she turned her focus to acting and landed her first TV role at 15. Cruz's career took off when she was cast in the leading role in the critically acclaimed Spanish film Jamon Jamon in 1992. This performance established her as a serious actress and marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. She went on to star in several of Almodóvar's films, including Volver and All About My Mother, both of which garnered international attention and accolades. Cruz made her Hollywood debut in 1998 with The Hi-Lo Country, but it was her role in the 2001 film Vanilla Sky that catapulted her to international stardom. She continued to balance her work in both Hollywood and Spanish cinema, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In 2009, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, becoming the first Spanish actress to win an Oscar. Cruz's talent, determination, and ability to effortlessly traverse between different cinematic worlds have solidified her status as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.