Zoe Saldaña is an American actress and singer who has become one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood history. As of 2024, she appears in four of the seven highest-grossing films of all time, with her movies generating over $15 billion worldwide. Known for her distinctive presence and emotional depth, she has built a career spanning action franchises, dramas, and musicals—proving her versatility across genres.
This biography covers everything about Zoe Saldaña age, her Dominican-Puerto Rican heritage, her husband Marco Perego, their three sons, her breakthrough roles, and her recent Oscar-winning performance that solidified her as an award-winning actress.
Who is Zoe Saldaña?
Zoe Saldaña is a trained dancer and actress who has transcended typical Hollywood boundaries by starring in some of the most expensive and successful film franchises ever made. Rather than limiting herself to one type of role, she has moved seamlessly between science fiction blockbusters (Avatar, Star Trek, Guardians of the Galaxy), intimate dramas (Colombiana, Emilia Pérez), and family films.
Her casting choices reflect strategic career building. Each major franchise role provided her with worldwide recognition, significant compensation, and leverage to take on smaller, character-driven projects between blockbusters. In 2025, this approach culminated in her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the French musical crime film Emilia Pérez.
Zoe Saldaña Age – How Old is She?
Zoe Saldaña age is 47 years old as of January 2026. She was born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, United States.
Despite being in her late 40s, she continues to take on physically demanding roles that require her early training in dance and martial arts.
Biography / Wiki Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazario (now Saldaña-Perego) |
| Stage Name | Zoe Saldaña |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1978 |
| Age (2026) | 47 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Passaic, New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Dominican and Puerto Rican |
| Father | Aridio Saldana (Dominican) |
| Mother | Asalia Nazario (Puerto Rican) |
| Spouse | Marco Perego-Saldana (married June 2013) |
| Children | Three sons: Zen Anton, Cy Aridio, and Bowie Ezio |
| Profession | Actress, Singer |
| Years Active | 1999–Present (26+ years) |
| First Movie | Center Stage (2000) |
| Most Famous Roles | Neytiri (Avatar), Gamora (Guardians of the Galaxy), Uhura (Star Trek) |
| Awards | Academy Award (2025), Golden Globe (2025), BAFTA (2025), SAG Award |
| Net Worth | Estimated $35–60 Million |
Early Life and Family Background
Zoe was born to Aridio Saldana, a Dominican father, and Asalia Nazario, a Puerto Rican mother. Her Dominican-Puerto Rican heritage reflects the rich cultural blend of the Caribbean, combining Indigenous Taíno, African, Spanish, and European influences that define both island nations.
Growing up in New Jersey exposed her to diverse communities and cultures. Her family later moved to Coronado, California during her childhood, providing her with early exposure to the entertainment industry’s proximity. This relocation proved significant for her artistic development.
Education and Training
Rather than following a traditional college path, Zoe pursued specialized performing arts training. She attended the New York City-based Espacio de Cultura Oscura, a prestigious performing arts school, where she honed her dancing skills and learned theatrical fundamentals.
Her formal theater education continued at the Classical Theatre School at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. This institution provided her with both classical acting training and the discipline required for professional stage work.
Her dance background became a defining characteristic throughout her career. Roles in Center Stage (a ballet-focused drama), Drumline, and even action franchises leveraged her physical training and natural grace. This early commitment to technical performance training distinguished her from actors without dance experience..
Career Journey
Early Beginnings: Theater and Small Roles (1999–2001)
Zoe’s professional career began with a guest appearance on Law & Order in 1999, marking her first on-screen credit. This initial exposure led to her film debut in Center Stage (2000), where she played Eva Rodríguez, a talented ballet dancer.
The role aligned perfectly with her background. Playing a dancer in a film about aspiring ballerinas allowed her to showcase both her acting and dance abilities. Though Center Stage was a modest success, it established her as someone with genuine dance credentials, not just an actress pretending to dance.
Breakthrough Phase: Building Recognition (2001–2003)
Following her debut, Zoe appeared in several teen-focused comedies including Get Over It (2001) and the Britney Spears vehicle Crossroads (2002), where she played Kit, a high school friend embarking on a cross-country road trip. While these films didn’t achieve major critical success, they provided consistent work and growing visibility.
A career-defining moment came with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), where she played Anamaria, a female pirate. Though her screen time was brief, the film became a massive blockbuster, introducing her to global audiences for the first time.
Star Trek and Avatar Breakthroughs (2009)
Two simultaneous releases in 2009 transformed Zoe’s career trajectory:
Star Trek (2009) cast her as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, the communications officer in J.J. Abrams’ action-packed reboot of the iconic series. This role connected her to the passionate Star Trek fan base and demonstrated her ability to carry scenes opposite established actors like Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto.
Avatar (2009) was the defining moment. Director James Cameron cast her as Neytiri, the Na’vi princess and primary female character. It is worth noting that Avatar became the highest-grossing film of all time when it was released in 2009, and Zoe’s performance in a fully motion-captured role showcased her versatility and ability to convey emotion even when her body was digitally transformed, as verified by multiple film industry sources including Variety and Deadline.
The film’s success meant Zoe was now a global star, recognized in every major market worldwide. Avatar’s cultural dominance translated into unprecedented industry leverage for her next projects.
Franchise Dominance and Strategic Choices (2014–2023)
Building on her success, Zoe strategically selected roles in multiple high-grossing franchises:
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) introduced her as Gamora, the green-skinned assassin and love interest of Star-Lord (Chris Pratt). She reprised this role across five films from 2014 to 2023, appearing in:
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) brought Zoe back for the long-awaited sequel, reprising her role as Neytiri. The film became the second highest-grossing film of all time, further cementing her status as the lead actress in the highest-grossing franchises in cinema history.
Award Recognition and Prestige Films (2024–Present)
While franchise work secured her commercial dominance, Zoe balanced these roles with character-driven films. Her performance in Colombiana (2011) as an assassin seeking revenge earned critical praise for its intensity and vulnerability.
The career high came with Emilia Pérez (2024), a French musical crime drama where she played Rita Moro Castro. It is worth noting that Zoe won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 97th Academy Awards in March 2025, with the win verified by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She also swept the 2024-2025 awards season, winning the Golden Globe, BAFTA Award, Critic’s Choice Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award—making her a dominant force in the supporting actress category that year.
Zoe Saldaña Movies and TV Shows List
Zoe’s filmography spans over 25 years, demonstrating her commitment to diverse roles across genres.
Notable Films
| Year | Film Title | Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Center Stage | Eva Rodríguez | Film debut; ballet dancer |
| 2002 | Crossroads | Kit | Britney Spears vehicle; early recognition |
| 2003 | Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl | Anamaria | Breakthrough blockbuster; female pirate |
| 2004 | The Terminal | Dolores Torres | Steven Spielberg film; supporting role |
| 2009 | Star Trek | Lieutenant Uhura | Franchise reboot; lead supporting role |
| 2009 | Avatar | Neytiri | Career-defining role; highest-grossing film |
| 2011 | Colombiana | Zoe/Cataleya Restrepo | Action drama; critical acclaim |
| 2014 | Guardians of the Galaxy | Gamora | Marvel Cinematic Universe debut |
| 2017 | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 | Gamora | MCU continuation |
| 2018 | Avengers: Infinity War | Gamora | Major MCU ensemble film |
| 2019 | Avengers: Endgame | Gamora | Highest-grossing film (at time of release) |
| 2022 | Avatar: The Way of Water | Neytiri | Second highest-grossing film |
| 2024 | Emilia Pérez | Rita Moro Castro | Oscar-winning performance |
| 2025 | Avatar: Fire and Ash | Neytiri | Upcoming sequel |
Television Appearances
- Law & Order (1999, guest appearance—professional debut)
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2004, guest appearance)
- Six Degrees (2006–2007, recurring role)
- Rosemary’s Baby (2014, miniseries)
- From Scratch (2022, Netflix limited series)
- Lioness (2023–present, Paramount+; CIA officer lead role)
Zoe Saldaña Husband & Marriage
Zoe Saldaña husband is Marco Perego, an Italian artist, painter, and sculptor. Their love story is one of Hollywood’s most romantic and unconventional modern marriage narratives.
How They Met
It is worth noting that Zoe and Marco first met on an airplane in 2013, as verified by multiple credible sources including People Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar. The encounter was serendipitous—two strangers who discovered an immediate connection at 30,000 feet.
Zoe has described the meeting in interviews, saying: “I don’t do the ABCs. I do what my heart says, what my heart feels. So from the moment I met my husband, we were together. We knew.”
Quick Courtship and Marriage
Following their airplane meeting, the couple began dating immediately. They were first photographed together in April 2013, just weeks after their initial encounter.
The relationship moved remarkably fast by Hollywood standards. It is worth noting that Zoe and Marco married in a private, intimate ceremony in London during the summer of 2013, with their marriage confirmed to People Magazine in September 2013, as verified by the publication’s official reporting.
The Name Change
In a touching gesture that made headlines, Marco chose to take Zoe’s last name, becoming Marco Perego-Saldana rather than expecting her to take his name. This decision, made without public announcement, demonstrated his commitment to partnership and equality. The couple now shares the combined surname professionally and personally.
Their Relationship Today
Over a decade into their marriage, Zoe and Marco have built a life centered on family, art, and mutual support. Marco continues his art career while supporting Zoe’s demanding film schedules. Zoe has spoken about Marco’s understanding of her career demands and his willingness to adapt their family life accordingly.
Zoe Saldaña Kids and Family
Zoe Saldaña kids include three sons with her husband Marco Perego-Saldana.
Her Children
| Child’s Name | Birth Year | Age (2026) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zen Anton Perego-Saldana | 2017 | 8 years old | Youngest son |
| Cy Aridio Perego-Saldana | 2014 | 11–12 years old | Twin (with Bowie) |
| Bowie Ezio Perego-Saldana | 2014 | 11–12 years old | Twin (with Cy) |
the family occasionally appears together at major events. In December 2024, Zoe brought her husband and three sons to the Italian premiere of Emilia Pérez. When accepting her Academy Award in March 2025, Zoe mentioned her “beautiful perfect” sons, telling the audience: “They fill our sky every night with stars.”
Zoe Saldaña Net Worth
Zoe Saldaña net worth is estimated between $35 million and $60 million as of 2025, depending on the source.
Her wealth accumulates through multiple streams:
- Blockbuster film salaries: Roles in Avatar, Avengers, and Guardians of the Galaxy films command multi-million dollar compensation.
- Backend participation: She likely has profit participation deals on Avatar sequels, meaning she earns from ticket sales and streaming revenue.
- Franchise continuity: Reprising roles across sequels (Avatar 2 & 3, Guardians Vol. 3, Star Trek films) provided sustained high income.
- Prestige film roles: Critical performances in dramas like Colombiana and Emilia Pérez maintain her credibility as a serious actress.
- Real estate investments: Strategic property investments, both for personal use and rental income.
- Brand partnerships and endorsements: Various commercial deals and brand collaborations.
Also Read: Chum Darang Biography: Age, Wiki, Family, Relationship and More
