Actress Zoe Saldaña, known for her role in Emilia Pérez, shares her deeply personal experiences of growing up between two distinct cultures. Born and raised in New York City, Saldaña's life took a dramatic turn when she was nine years old following a tragic accident that led to her father's untimely death. This event reshaped her family’s dynamics as her mother relocated the children to the Dominican Republic while she stayed in the United States to work multiple jobs. Saldaña recounts this period in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, reflecting on how it impacted her identity and sense of belonging. Despite facing challenges such as language barriers and bullying, these experiences ultimately strengthened her bond with her sisters and allowed her to embrace her Dominican heritage fully.
The sudden move to the Dominican Republic brought numerous challenges for Saldaña. Adjusting to a new environment where only Spanish was spoken proved difficult. "You can't speak English; you have to speak only Spanish," she recalls. The inability to code-switch left her feeling isolated. Moreover, cultural differences made integration into school life tough. Bullying became a significant issue as peers struggled to understand her background. However, rather than succumb to victimhood, Saldaña and her sisters fought back against adversity. Their resilience fostered a stronger connection among them.
Despite the hardships, this period played a crucial role in shaping Saldaña's identity. It not only deepened her ties with her sisters but also enabled her to become fluent in Spanish and connect more closely with her Dominican roots. Her older sister Mariel remembers how they found solace in each other during breaks from school, creating a space that felt like home. Meanwhile, younger sister Cisely notes that their unique experiences set them apart, making them realize that not everyone could relate to what they were going through. These shared struggles created a profound bond between the siblings.
In her current role as attorney Rita Mora in Emilia Pérez, Saldaña speaks fluent Spanish, marking her first major performance in the language. This milestone represents a full circle moment for the actress, who has now embraced both sides of her cultural heritage. Through her journey, Saldaña highlights the importance of navigating one's identity amidst diverse influences, demonstrating how overcoming challenges can lead to personal growth and unity within families.