1. 16-Year-Old Penélope Cruz Makes Acting Debut

At the tender age of 16, Penélope Cruz made her acting debut on a Spanish television show. The following year, she starred in her first feature film, Jamón, jamón (1992), which was met with high praise and critical acclaim. Her performance in the film was so impressive that it launched her career and established her as a rising star in the industry.

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2. Turning Veggie After 'Pretty Horses'

After starring in the 2000 movie "All the Pretty Horses", Penélope Cruz made a life-changing decision to turn vegetarian. The film, which was based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, follows the story of two young cowboys who embark on a journey to Mexico in search of a better life. After completing the movie, Cruz was so moved by the story that she decided to make a change in her own life and adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. Since then, she has been an advocate for animal rights and a vegetarian lifestyle.

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3. Penélope Cruz denies donating salary to children's sanctuary

Penélope Cruz has been the subject of much speculation, with reports claiming that she had donated her entire salary from the movie The Hi-Lo Country to Mother Teresa's children's sanctuary in Kolkata. After spending a week volunteering at the center, Cruz was alleged to have made the generous donation. However, the actress later denounced the reports, as confirmed by a Reuters news article.

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4. Penélope Cruz's Sabera Foundation helps homeless girls in Kolkata

Penélope Cruz is a humanitarian at heart, having founded the Sabera Foundation to help those in need. The non-profit organization provides aid to homeless girls and people suffering from tuberculosis in Kolkata, India. Cruz's foundation has provided food, shelter, and medical care to those in need, and has even gone so far as to build a school for the homeless girls in the area. Cruz's commitment to helping those in need is truly inspiring, and her foundation has made a real difference in the lives of those in Kolkata.

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5. Penélope Cruz Named After Spanish Singer-Songwriter's Classic

Penélope Cruz was named after the song of the same name by Spanish singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat. The song, released in 1972, is a tribute to the Greek mythological figure Penelope, the faithful wife of Odysseus. Cruz has said that she was drawn to the song's lyrics, which speak of a woman's strength and perseverance. She has since become an international star, appearing in films such as Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Nine, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

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6. Multilingual Superstar

Penélope Cruz is a multilingual powerhouse, speaking four languages fluently: Spanish, her native tongue; Italian, which she learned while filming in Rome; French, which she picked up while living in Paris; and English, which she has mastered since moving to the United States. Her impressive language skills have enabled her to star in films in all four languages, making her one of the most sought-after actresses in the world.

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7. Penélope Cruz becomes second Spanish actor to win Oscar

Penélope Cruz is a Spanish actor who made history by becoming the second Spanish actor to win an Oscar for acting. She follows in the footsteps of her husband, Javier Bardem, who was the first Spanish actor to win the prestigious award. The two have been married since 2010 and have since become one of the most iconic couples in Hollywood.

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8. trailblazer in the entertainment industry

Penélope Cruz is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, becoming the first Spanish actress to win an Academy Award and receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her historic achievements have cemented her place in the annals of film history, and her success has opened the door for other Spanish actors to follow in her footsteps.

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9. Penélope Cruz - an acclaimed actress with a versatile range

Penélope Cruz is an acclaimed actress who has starred in a variety of films across multiple genres, including comedies, thrillers, and action-adventure movies. She has appeared in such films as 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona', 'Vanilla Sky', 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides', and 'Zoolander 2', showcasing her versatility and range as an actress. Cruz has also received numerous awards and accolades for her performances, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards.

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10. Penélope Cruz Nominations

Penélope Cruz has been recognized for her outstanding performances in two films, "Nine" and "Volver". Her talent has been acknowledged with Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for her roles in both movies. Cruz's talent and dedication to her craft have been rewarded with these prestigious nominations, making her one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood.

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