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Javier Bardem, one of the most famous Spanish-speaking actors in the world, celebrates his birthday on March 1. For the past almost twenty years, it is impossible to imagine him without his wife Penelope Cruz. We tell you more about their love story.
The first spark
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem first met at a costume fitting for the film “Ham, Ham” in 1992. She was only 17, and he was 22. At the time, they had no idea that this teenage chemistry would grow into marriage and children together years later. Bardem recalls that something incomprehensible arose between them, something that went beyond logic. Although after the film ended, their paths diverged for many years due to different life goals, a special energy and trust in each other remained in the memory of both.
A frame from the movie “Ham, Ham”
Fateful reunion
The real flame between Penelope and Javier only flared up in 2007 on the set of Woody Allen's Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona. Bardem joked that they didn't dare to make the first move until the last day of the project, until a wrap party helped melt the ice. The couple officially debuted as lovers at the Goya Awards in 2010, and later that year they secretly got married in the Bahamas in a small family circle.
Between career and parenthood
The couple has two children: son Leo (2011) and daughter Luna (2013). The couple jealously protects the privacy of their offspring from camera flashes. Penelope is convinced that children should decide for themselves whether they want to be public when they grow up. Both actors have learned to clearly distinguish between fiction (cinema) and reality. Cruz has repeatedly emphasized that although they have successfully collaborated on projects such as “Loving Pablo” and “Everybody Knows”, at home they are first and foremost a family that supports each other's needs.
Shared success
Over 15 years of marriage and 30 years of dating, the couple has learned the most important thing: to grow together. In 2022, they made history when they were both nominated for an Oscar at the same time.
Bardem emphasizes that their bond is so strong because they knew each other before “all this noise” of fame arose around them. Even today, whether on the red carpet in San Sebastian or at a Bad Bunny concert, they prove that their spark is still alive.