Penelope Cruz

She’s made a dynamic leap from European actress to Hollywood superstar – but for Penelope Cruz the sudden rise to fame and fortune hasn’t come without a price.

“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.”

The exquisitely beautiful Spanish star was romantically involved with Tom Cruise, but was accused of breaking up his marriage with Nicole Kidman. Their relationship ended after nearly four years.

“I am amazed about how everyone wants to know about my love life. They whisper to me, ‘Tell me the truth? Is it true?’ Who cares? Because we have this job, we are to say to everybody what we do, or with whom we sleep? It’s a bit absurd, but that’s why everybody.”

“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.”