Mónica Cruz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mónica Cruz
Cruz in 2010
Born	Mónica Cruz Sánchez (1977-03-16) 16 March 1977 (age 48) Alcobendas, Spain
Occupation	Actress, dancer, model
Years active	1999–present
Children	1
Relatives	Penélope Cruz (sister)

Mónica Cruz Sánchez (born on March 16, 1977) is a talented Spanish actress and dancer. She is known for her roles in movies and TV shows. Mónica is also the younger sister of the famous actress Penélope Cruz.

Early Life and Dance

Mónica Cruz was born in Alcobendas, a town near Madrid, Spain. Her mother, Encarna Sánchez, was a hairdresser, and her father, Eduardo Cruz, worked in retail and as a mechanic. Mónica grew up in Alcobendas with her family.

She is the middle child. Her older sister, Penélope Cruz, is also an actress. Her younger brother, Eduardo, is a singer. Both Mónica and Penélope showed great talent for dancing from a young age. They both received professional training. Mónica studied traditional ballet and flamenco at The Royal Academy of Dance.

Acting Career

After finishing her dance studies, Mónica joined Joaquín Cortés' flamenco dance company. She danced with the company for seven years. In 2002, she decided to try acting.

In 2005, Mónica starred in the Spanish TV show Un Paso Adelante. She played the character Silvia Jáuregui. She also appeared in the historical drama film The Inquiry in 2006. Mónica played Detective Rosa Mulero in the crime drama Last Hour (2008). She also had roles in films like Asterix at the Olympic Games (2008), All Inclusive (2008), Jerry Cotton (2010), and Iron Cross (2011).

Cruz at the 2018 Goya Awards

In 2010, Mónica helped her sister Penélope during the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Penélope was pregnant, and Mónica, who looks very much like her sister, acted as her body double for some scenes. This helped the filmmakers complete the movie. In 2012, Mónica also appeared in a TV commercial for the video game New Super Mario Bros. 2.

More recently, in 2017, Mónica was in the music video for the British band Jamiroquai's song "Cloud 9." She also joined the Spanish TV series Velvet Colección, playing Carmela Cortés, a flamenco dancer. In 2021, she had a guest role as Irene in the Spanish comedy series La que se avecina. In 2022, Mónica played Silvia Jáuregui again in UPA Next, which is a new version of the musical drama series Un paso adelante.

Fashion and Design Work

Mónica Cruz has also worked in the fashion world. In 2007, she and her sister Penélope designed a clothing collection for the Spanish brand Mango. They also created jewelry and handbags for the Japanese fashion house Samantha Thavasa.

The sisters designed two collections for the Swiss retailer Charles Vögele in 2010 and 2011. In 2013, they teamed up again to design a lingerie line called L'Agent for the British company Agent Provocateur. Mónica also modeled for Agent Provocateur's campaigns.

In November 2012, Mónica and Penélope signed a deal with the Spanish luxury fashion brand Loewe. They appeared in advertisements and designed a handbag for the brand. In 2018, Mónica launched her own jewelry collection called "Rock Star" for Majorica. A part of the money from these sales went to the Fero Foundation, which supports cancer research.

In September 2023, Penélope Cruz announced that she and Mónica had designed a special collection for Geox. This collection was released for the Spring/Summer 2024 season.

Mónica has been featured on the covers of many international fashion magazines. These include Cosmopolitan and Vanidades in Mexico, and Elle, Mujerhoy, Women's Health, and Glamour in Spain. She has also appeared in advertisements for various brands like Betsson, Nescafe, and Majorica jewelry.

Personal Life

Mónica Cruz at her dance studio in Madrid in July 2007.

Mónica Cruz has one child, a daughter named Antonella Cruz Sánchez, who was born on May 14, 2013.

Mónica truly loves flamenco dancing. She has said that dancing is her first passion. She believes it teaches great discipline, which has helped her throughout her life.

Film and Television Roles

Music Video Appearances

Awards and Recognition

See also

In Spanish: Mónica Cruz para niños