Detailed Biography

Elsa Pataky is a Spanish actress.

Biography

Early life and career

Pataky was born as Elsa Lafuente Pataky in Madrid, Spain, the daughter of Cristina Pataky Medianu, a publicist with Romanian-Hungarian ancestry, and José Francisco, a Spanish biochemist. 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.

Personal life

Pataky has been dating Academy Award Winner Adrien Brody for the past two years. However, in May 2009 the couple announced their split.

Career

She adopted the surname of her maternal grandfather, a famous Hungarian actor for her new name like actress. 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 starred in the TV series "Queen Of Swords" as Señora Vera Hidalgo, trophy wife of Gaspar Hidalgo and mistress of Captain Grisham appearing in nearly all 22 episodes.

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 , alongside Samuel L. Jackson. She received good reviews for her work in the Spanish film Ninette, helmed by Oscar winner José Luis Garci.

Quotes