Elsa Pataky (born July 18, 1976) is a Spanish actress.
Biography
Early life and career
Pataky was born as Elsa Lafuente Medianu in Madrid, Spain, the daughter of Cristina Pataky, a publicist with Romanian-Hungarian ancestry, and José Francisco, a chemist. Pataky attended the Universidad de San Pablo and studied journalism. During this time, Pataky also enrolled in acting classes. She was also a member of the Madrid theatre company, Teatro Cámara de Ángel Gutiérrez. Eventually, she left school when she was cast in the television series Al salir de clase.
Career
With the success of Al Salir de Clase, Pataky received her first film offer, El arte de morir. Some of her subsequent films were co-productions with the UK and France, which introduced her to working in English and French.
Pataky has appeared in over ten Spanish films and most recently crossed over into the French market with her co-starring role in the 2004 box office hit, Iznogoud. She also appeared in a supporting role in the David Ellis-directed film Snakes on a Plane (2006), alongside Samuel L. Jackson. She is received good reviews for her work in the Spanish film Ninette, helmed by Oscar winner José Luis Garci.
Personal life
Pataky enjoys rollerblading, snowboarding, and horseback riding. She was in a relationship with French actor Michaël Youn (her co-star in Iznogoud), currently she is dating American actor Adrien Brody. She is the face on Nestlé ice cream stands in Spain. She is said to be getting married to Adrien Brody, as reported in Star Magazine.
Quotes
“ I don’t think Sam [Samuel L. Jackson] liked the snakes very much. I think I was the only one who did. I love them! There was a room on the set that housed the snakes—we worked with at least 400 of them for the movie—and you could go and visit them whenever you wanted. So when I was waiting around the set, I’d hang out with the snake handlers.
Biography from Wikipedia
Click here for Elsa Pataky Photos
