penélope cruz sánchez (; ; born 28 april 1974 in madrid, spain) is a spanish television and movie actress. she has starred in many movies of many different genres, including "vicky cristina barcelona". cruz got her start when she was picked from 300 other girls in a talent agency audition at age 15. this led to acting jobs in television and in commercials. her movie debut was in 1992. she has been married to javier bardem since 2010. they have two children.