All Top Hollywood Celebrities

Penelope Cruz Sanchez Born on April 28, 1974, in Madrid, Spain, Penelope Cruz studied classical ballet and then earned a place in Spanish cinema as a leading lady before moving to Hollywood at the age of 25. She soon landed roles opposite such stars as Matt Damon and Tom Cruise. Cruz won an Academy Award--becoming the first Spanish actress to do so--for her performance in Vicky Christina Barcelona.
Hollywood Success:
At the age of 25, Cruz made the bold decision to move to Hollywood, California. Fully in command and on top of her career, she took on the role of a control freak and successful chef in Woman on Top (2000) and as the romantic lead in Billy Bob Thornton's western, All the Pretty Horses (2000), both of which received critical success. Her next film, Abre Los Ojos, caught the attention of director Cameron Crowe and film icon Tom Cruise. Impressed by the script and the actress, the duo created an American remake of the film, called Vanilla Sky (2001). The movie helped make Cruz a crossover success. During this time she also began dating her co-star, Tom Cruise, putting her firmly in American headlines.
Cruz proved she could hold her own across from heavy-hitting actors when she starred opposite Johnny Depp in Blow (2001). That same year, she appeared in Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001), and her performance earned her a nomination in the European Film Awards for Best Actress. Cruz's next film, Waking Up in Reno (2002), saw her play alongside fellow cast memberes Billy Bob Thornton and Patrick Swayze. The romantic comedy about two couples headed to a Monster Truck show received little box office attention. In 2005, the actress appeared in Sahara, a comedic adventure film. In real life, Cruz began a relationship with co-star Matthew McConaughey. The couple began a year long romantic relationship, but later split over conflicting film schedules.