…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Penelope Cruz, who turns 49 today, has been recognized as the “Spanish enchantress” of Hollywood for her sultry performances.
However, the actress admitted that the early days of her career were very different, as she dreaded her first-ever nude scene.
In 1992, she was only 18 when she made her feature film debut in the romantic comedy Jamón Jamón, which featured several racy moments with co-star Javier Bardem.
Despite her love of the script, Cruz was still anxious about the nude scenes.
“Of course, I was not looking forward to those scenes, but I did it,” she said.
However, the crew helped her feel comfortable, and everyone was respectful, aware of the fact that she was 18 at that time.
While she may have been nervous about them, the raunchy scenes changed the course of Cruz’s life.
She had a clear spark on set with Bardem, who played an underwear model and former bullfighter tasked with seducing her character.
After filming wrapped up, Cruz became emotional at the thought that it could be the end of her acting career and she might not see her co-stars again.
But her performance in the film saw her acting career take off, and she even reconnected with Bardem years later while on the set of Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2007.
The pair soon realized they were meant to be and romance quickly blossomed between them.
In 2010, the couple secretly got married in a small ceremony in the Bahamas.
The following year, they welcomed their first child together, Luna, and in 2013 they had their second child, Leo.
Bardem credited their first meeting on the racy set of Jamón Jamón with setting them on the course of love.
Cruz has since starred in many raunchy movies, and her appearance in such films has made her a natural sex goddess during her appearances in films like To Rome With Love and Blow.
In an interview with Esquire, Cruz revealed she was thrilled to be cast in the “very sexy” Jamón Jamón, and that she had a feeling the movie was going to be special.
She knew the script was good, and there was something very unique there, brave, and refreshing.
The film’s success helped to catapult Cruz into the international spotlight, and she has become a sought-after actress in Hollywood.
Despite the success, she remains grounded, and is known for her poise and grace both on and off screen.