Biography

Zoë Yadira Saldaña-Perego (born June 19, 1978) is an American actress. Known primarily for her work in science fiction film franchises, she has appeared in the three highest-grossing films of all time (Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water and Avengers: Endgame), a feat not achieved by any other performer. Films she has appeared in have grossed more than $14 billion worldwide and, as of 2023, she is the second-highest-grossing film actress, and the fourth actor overall. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023. A trained dancer, Saldaña began her acting career in two 1999 episodes of Law & Order. Her first film role was in Center Stage (2000) in which she played a ballet dancer. She received early recognition for her work opposite Britney Spears in the road film Crossroads (2002). Beginning in 2009, Saldaña achieved a career breakthrough with her roles as Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek film series and Neytiri in James Cameron's Avatar film series. She portrayed Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). In addition to franchise work, Saldaña has starred in the science fiction film The Adam Project and the romantic drama miniseries From Scratch, both for Netflix in 2022.