You can’t be mad at Paz Vega. You want to but you can’t. Sure, she’s out of this world gorgeous, a gifted actress, a new mom to an equally beautiful child and is starring in a fantastic movie due out Christmas Day, but try as hard as you may, you can’t be mad. You can only sit back and bask in the glow.
In speaking to the incredibly unpretentious and charming woman, you get the feeling that her breakout role in “Spanglish” wasn’t really that much of a stretch for her. It was this heart-warming, memorable role as Flor Moreno that made the already established Spanish actress a U.S. household name. “It was like a present, a gift,” states Paz. “I was actually working in Spain when I auditioned for Spanglish and Jim Brooks (director/writer/producer) gave me the role. I was like omigod, I can’t believe this because I didn’t even speak English at the time. It was a beautiful surprise but I never thought before to have a career in the United States. So I said, why not?”
The former journalism major is no stranger to less than favorable career choices. She’s the daughter of a bullfighter, no less, so a move to Los Angeles seemed pretty tame in comparison. The Seville born talent had already done numerous television and theatrical work in her home country and that success followed her. She calls the transition quick but not easy. “Nothing is easy. I try to be very selective because the right role is important. This year I did five movies. I worked a lot but I don’t want to say that it’s easy because it’s not.”
What is becoming easier for Paz is her ability to find versatile roles, such as Plaster of Paris in the upcoming flick “The Spirit.” Translated from the comic title, the film stars Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson and Gabriel Macht as the re-born hero who fights bad guys in Central City. “What I most love about The Spirit is the sense of humor. It’s so different. It’s unique. Of course, the images are beautiful.” Paz also loves that she gets to play a wild character like the jeweled-out, hip shaking, knife packing dancer. “She’s a crazy girl in every sense,” she states. “She’s very aggressive but at the same time she’s very sensual. I saw the movie the other day and loved it! It will make you laugh.” A comedienne at heart, the compelling actress is looking forward to doing more comedy. “For me, it’s something natural. “I have a good sense of humor and can laugh at myself. I feel good when I do comedies.”
No matter what the role, this award winning star continues to prove she’s no flash in the pan. Make sure you check out her latest creation in “The Spirit” which opens nationwide on December 25th.
Jan 23 2009
She’s an absolute stunning Spanish beauty who does not possess as much in the closet (acting ability) than Cruz but although both are beautiful, Vega does offer the male eye that little bit more.
Apr 03 2009
She didn’t even speak English when she did the movie. That must have been very hard on her.