Penelope Cruz Biography

On herself:

“I’m strong and opinionated. Those qualities brought me a lot of problems since I was a little girl in school, saying ‘I don’t agree’ and fighting with the children. It’s part of my curiosity for life.”

“I have stepped off the relationship scene to come to terms with myself. I have spent most of my adult life being 'someone's girlfriend', and now I am happy being single.”

On her career:

“The most difficult thing in the world is to start a career known only for your looks, and then to try to become a serious actress. No one will take you seriously once you are known as the pretty woman.”

“There’s so much more I want to do. I refuse to get to 50 and wait at home for the phone to ring. In Spain, actresses work until they are old. That’s my plan.”

Some others:

“I love Salma Hayek, we’ve been friends for a really long time. I admire how she has come such a long way and always remained grounded and who she is. She never compromises to follow her vision and she is loyal. Such qualities only mark the great stars.”

“I love the Italian culture: it’s a beautiful culture. I love the language, the Italian people, their music, their attitudes… I just love it! Sometimes I think I’m an Italian trapped in a Spanish woman’s body.”

“Johnny Depp is so special that he is like a Martian. In fact, that's what I call him, Martian.”