Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazario, born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, is an American actress renowned for her roles in science fiction and superhero films. Raised in Queens, New York, she moved to the Dominican Republic at age nine after her father's tragic death. There, she studied dance at the Ecos Espacio de Danza dance studio.

Returning to New York at seventeen, she began performing with youth theatre groups. Her early career included guest appearances on television and a prominent role in the film Center Stage in 2000.

Her breakthrough came in 2009 with her roles as Nyota Uhura in Star Trek and Neytiri in James Cameron's Avatar. These roles catapulted her to fame, leading to further success in the Star Trek sequels and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy.

Her performances in these blockbuster franchises have made her one of the highest-grossing film actresses, with films grossing over $15 billion worldwide. She has also starred in other notable films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Terminal, and The Adam Project.

In her personal life, she is married to Italian artist Marco Perego, with whom she has three children. The couple is known for their progressive approach to marriage, with Marco taking Zoe's last name.

Zoe Saldaña is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently, and she embraces her Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. She has been open about her experiences with racial identity and the challenges she has faced in Hollywood as a woman of color.

Her lifestyle reflects her vibrant personality and dedication to her craft. She maintains a rigorous fitness routine, often sharing her workouts on social media. Her interests extend beyond acting; she is passionate about dance, having trained as a ballet dancer, and she enjoys spending time with her family.

Throughout her career, Zoe Saldaña has received numerous awards and nominations. She has won three Teen Choice Awards and has been nominated for several others, including a Saturn Award and an MTV Movie & TV Award. Her role in the musical crime film Emilia Pérez earned her and her co-stars the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress in 2024.