With roles in Avatar, Avengers, and other global franchises, Zoe Saldaña has become one of the highest-grossing actors in film history, appearing in movies that together have earned over $15 billion worldwide. Despite her extraordinary box-office dominance, she remains one of Hollywood’s most private and grounded stars.

The release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Cameron’s epic saga, recently surpassed $1 billion globally, further cementing Saldaña’s legacy as the franchise’s leading actress across all three films. According to industry data, she now ranks just behind Scarlett Johansson in total career box-office earnings, surpassing Samuel L. Jackson.

Saldaña is the only actor in history to appear in three of the five highest-grossing films of all time:
Avatar (2009), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).

From Ballet to Global Stardom
Born in New Jersey to Puerto Rican and Dominican parents, Saldaña experienced early tragedy when her father died in a car accident. She later moved to the Dominican Republic, where she trained in ballet—discipline that would later shape her physically demanding action roles. Eventually returning to the U.S., she transitioned to acting, gaining early recognition in Center Stage before her career-defining breakthrough in 2009.

That year, she landed two major roles: Neytiri in Avatar and Nyota Uhura in Star Trek. Her portrayal of Neytiri transformed her into a global star and tied her career to the most successful film franchise in history. She has remained committed to the role for nearly two decades and is expected to appear in future Avatar sequels.

Simultaneously, Saldaña became a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gamora, further reinforcing her status as a rare actor who combines critical recognition, cultural impact, and massive commercial success. In 2025, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, marking a major career milestone beyond blockbuster cinema.

A Life Away from the Spotlight
In stark contrast to her on-screen fame, Zoe Saldaña leads an intentionally private life. She married Italian artist Marco Perego in 2013, and the couple shares three sons. The actress rarely discusses her children publicly, emphasizing the importance of protecting their privacy.

Saldaña has often stated that family and personal values matter more than awards or wealth. She has also been active in philanthropy, co-founding Bese, a digital media platform amplifying underrepresented voices, and supporting numerous humanitarian causes. In 2019, she and her husband received the Global Humanitarian Award for their contributions.

With an estimated net worth of $35 million, Zoe Saldaña stands as a unique figure in Hollywood—a record-breaking box-office icon who prioritizes purpose, privacy, and meaningful storytelling over celebrity itself.