Zoë Yadira Saldaña-Perego, known professionally as Zoe Saldaña, was born on June 19, 1978. An accomplished American actress, she has made a significant impact in the film industry, starring in four of the top ten highest-grossing films of all time. With her films grossing more than fifteen billion dollars worldwide, she holds the title of the highest-grossing actor of all time. Her impressive accolades include an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, two Critics Choice Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a SAG Award, and a Cannes Film Festival Award.
Saldaña's journey in the entertainment world began in 1999 with a guest appearance on the television series Law & Order. She made her film debut in Center Stage in 2000, portraying a ballet dancer. Her early career saw her gain recognition for her roles in the road film Crossroads alongside Britney Spears and in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. However, her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek reboot film series and Neytiri in James Cameron's Avatar series.
In addition to her franchise successes, Saldaña has showcased her versatility in various genres, starring in films such as the comedy Death at a Funeral, the action thriller Colombiana, and the animated comedy Missing Link. Her performance in the French musical crime film Emilia Pérez earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. On television, she has appeared in the Netflix miniseries From Scratch and the Paramount+ series Lioness.
Beyond acting, Saldaña is also a trained dancer and has lent her voice to original songs for the Avatar film series. In 2023, Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in contemporary cinema.