Zoe Saldana Then and Now

Zoe Saldana Then

Zoe Saldana, born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, is a renowned American actress whose early life was marked by both profound loss and cultural transition.

After spending her formative years in Queens, New York, Saldana faced a pivotal moment when her father tragically died in a car accident when she was just nine years old.

This devastating event led her family to relocate to the Dominican Republic, her father’s native country, where they sought solace and a fresh start.

In the Dominican Republic, Saldana immersed herself in the vibrant culture and artistic environment of her father’s homeland.

At the Ecos Espacio de Danza dance studio, she pursued her passion for dance, a pursuit that not only provided her with a creative outlet but also laid the groundwork for her future career in the performing arts.

Her early experiences in dance and the rich cultural experiences of her time in the Dominican Republic played a significant role in shaping her artistic sensibilities and preparing her for a successful career in acting.

Related Article: Mila Kunis Then and Now

Zoe Saldana Acting Career

Zoe Saldana’s acting career began to take shape when she returned to New York City at the age of 17.

She quickly immersed herself in the local theatre scene, performing with youth theatre groups, which helped her hone her acting skills and gain early experience.

Her talent soon caught the attention of television producers, leading to small guest appearances on the popular TV series Law & Order in 1999.

This early exposure to acting set the stage for her breakout role in Center Stage (2000), a film about ballet students at a prestigious New York City dance school.

Related Article: Olivia Wilde Then and Now

Her performance as a dedicated ballet dancer showcased her versatility and earned her recognition in the industry.

Following this, Saldana appeared in a series of teen-oriented films, including Get Over It (2001) and the Britney Spears vehicle Crossroads (2002). She also had a notable supporting role in Drumline (2002), which further established her as a rising star.

Her role as a female pirate in the surprise hit Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) and as an immigration agent in Steven Spielberg’s The Terminal (2004) continued to build her profile, though, for a few years following these appearances, she predominantly took on minor roles in films and television.

Related Article: Sterling K. Brown Then and Now

Saldana’s career reached new heights in 2009 with two iconic roles. She was cast as Lieutenant Uhura in the reboot of Star Trek, a role she would reprise in Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and Star Trek Beyond (2016).

Her portrayal of Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar showcased her skill with motion capture technology and contributed to the film’s immense success. The role of Neytiri brought her widespread acclaim and established her as a major force in Hollywood.

Saldana continued to build on her success with roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she portrayed Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and its sequel, as well as in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).

Related Article: Matthew Morrison Then and Now

She also reprised her role as Neytiri in Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), solidifying her position in both the science fiction and superhero genres.

In addition to her work in blockbuster films, Saldana took on diverse roles across various genres.

She appeared in the comedy Death at a Funeral (2010) and starred in thrillers such as The Losers (2010), Colombiana (2011), and Out of the Furnace (2013).

Her role as Rosemary in the 2014 TV miniseries adaptation of Rosemary’s Baby and her controversial portrayal of Nina Simone in the biopic Nina (2016) showcased her willingness to tackle complex and varied characters.

Related Article: Ian Somerhalder Then and Now

Saldana’s more recent work includes the thrillers Live by Night (2016) and I Kill Giants (2017), as well as the horror comedy Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020).

Through her diverse and dynamic career, Zoe Saldana has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and talented actresses.

Related Article: Josh Lucas Then and Now

Zoe Saldana Movies

• Center Stage (2000)
• Get Over It (2001)
• Crossroads (2002)
• Drumline (2002)
• Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
• The Terminal (2004)
• The Skeptic (2006)
• Guess Who (2005)
• Avatar (2009)
• Death at a Funeral (2010)
• The Losers (2010)
• Colombiana (2011)
• Out of the Furnace (2013)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
• Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
• Nina (2016)
• Live by Night (2016)
• I Kill Giants (2017)
• Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020)
• Vivo (2021)
• The Suicide Squad (2021)
• Amsterdam (2022)
• Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
• The Adam Project (2022)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
• Good Burger 2 (2023)
• The Absence of Eden (2023)
• Emilia Perez (2024)

Zoe Saldana’s Personal Life

Following her breakup with longtime boyfriend Keith Britton, with whom she co-founded the fashion website My Fashion Database, Zoe Saldana was reported to have been romantically linked with actor Bradley Cooper. Their brief relationship garnered significant media attention but was short-lived.

In 2013, Saldana found lasting love with Italian artist Marco Perego. The couple married that same year in a private ceremony, and their union has been characterized by its strong personal and professional bond.

Related Article: Adam Brody Then and Now

In 2014, Saldana and Perego welcomed their first children, twins named Bowie and Cy.

Three years later, they expanded their family with the birth of another son, Zen.

Saldana’s family life has been a source of joy and stability, balancing her successful acting career with her role as a dedicated mother and partner.

Related Article: Luke Evans Then and Now

Zoe Saldana Now

As of 2024, Zoe Saldana, aged 46, continues to be a prominent figure in the film industry. Renowned for her roles in major science fiction franchises, Saldana has established herself as one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time.

Her impressive filmography includes key roles in four of the highest-grossing films globally, contributing to a cumulative box office gross of over $15 billion.

This remarkable achievement has earned her the distinction of being the second highest-grossing film actress to date.

Related Article: Tom Hiddleston Then and Now

Saldana’s career remains dynamic, as evidenced by her recent casting in the film Emilia Perez in 2024. This role underscores her ongoing versatility and relevance in the industry.

Her continued success and high-profile projects reflect her enduring appeal and significant impact on both audiences and the box office.

As she navigates this exciting phase of her career, Saldana’s contributions to film and her ability to consistently deliver compelling performances ensure that she remains a major force in Hollywood.

Related Article: James McAvoy Then and Now

Zoe Saldana Net Worth

Zoe Saldana, an acclaimed American actress, boasts a net worth of $60 million. This impressive financial status reflects her successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry.

Her significant earnings come from her prominent roles in some of the highest-grossing films of all time, including major franchises such as Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Her financial success is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the widespread popularity of her film work.

Related Article: John Krasinski Then and Now

FAQs