Penélope Cruz and her younger sister, Monica Cruz, share an astonishing resemblance, so much so that they’ve even mistaken each other’s faces in reflections. Born three years apart in Madrid to their late parents, Encarna Sánchez and Eduardo Cruz, the sisters grew up alongside their younger brother, Eduardo.
Despite Penélope’s move to Hollywood, their bond remained strong, with constant communication even through digital means like BlackBerry messages. Monica dismissed any notion of sibling rivalry, emphasizing their close relationship.
Both sisters pursued entertainment careers, but Monica noted their contrasting personalities—she was the calmer one while Penélope was more hyperactive. Despite this, their sisterly bond prevails. Now, let’s explore more about Monica Cruz, the younger sister of Penélope Cruz.
#1 Monica is three years younger than Penélope
Source: PENELOPE CRUZ INSTAGRAM
Monica Cruz was born to Encarna Sánchez and Eduardo Cruz on March 14, 1977, arriving just under three years after her older sister, Penélope, who was born on April 28, 1974.
Reflecting on their childhood dynamic, Monica shared with The Daily Mail that while Penélope was always the lively one, acting, singing, and clowning around, she would often find herself quietly observing her big sister.
In March 2017, Penélope celebrated Monica’s 40th birthday by sharing a heartwarming throwback photo of the two sisters together on Instagram, accompanied by a sweet caption: “Happy birthday my beautiful sister!! I love you.”
#2 Monica and Penélope design clothes together
Source: LALO YASKY/WIREIMAGE
Since 2007, Penélope and Monica have ventured into fashion design, starting with a handbag line for Samantha Thavasa. Drawing on their childhood experiences of creating designs together, they’ve collaborated on collections for various fashion brands including Charles Vögele, Mango, Agent Provocateur, Loewe, and Geox. Penélope described their partnership as natural, citing their seamless collaboration and shared creative vision.
Their joint ventures not only provide opportunities for professional growth but also strengthen their bond as sisters. Despite their identical styles and frequent borrowing of each other’s clothes, they rarely clash creatively. According to Monica, their ability to understand each other’s thoughts with just a glance makes collaboration effortless and honest.
Their fashion endeavors serve as a unique way for them to connect and express their shared creativity, enriching both their personal and professional lives.
#3 Monica and Penélope were pregnant at the same time
Source: NICK HARVEY/WIREIMAGE
In January 2013, Monica shared the news of her pregnancy via artificial insemination. Shortly after, Penélope’s representative confirmed to HOLA that the actress, too, was expecting, expressing Penélope’s immense joy and excitement.
On May 14, 2013, Monica welcomed her daughter, Antonella Cruz Sánchez, according to Hello!. Penélope stood by her sister’s side during the birth, alongside their mother, Encarna, and brother, Eduardo.
Just two months later, on July 22, 2013, Penélope and her husband Javier Bardem welcomed their second child, daughter Luna, completing a whirlwind of family additions within a short span of time.
#4 Penélope and Monica’s younger brother is a famous singer
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The Cruz sisters, Penélope and Monica, were not alone in their upbringing; they were accompanied by their younger brother, Eduardo Cruz, who has gained fame as a singer in Spain.
In a 2011 interview with The Daily Mail, Monica expressed the importance of individuality in their family, acknowledging Eduardo’s pursuit of a music career. She commended his approach to his profession, recognizing the intelligence behind his choices.
Beyond their immediate family, Penélope and Monica also have a half-sister named Salma from their late father Eduardo’s second marriage to Carmen Moreno, expanding their familial connections.
#5 Monica and Penélope are both professionally trained dancers
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Despite Penélope’s acclaim as an actress, both she and Monica embarked on their ballet journey at the tender age of 4, as reported by The Daily Mail. While Monica continued to pursue dance throughout her teenage years and beyond, eventually joining the prestigious Joaquín Cortés Dance Company at just 17.
For Monica, dance isn’t just a skill—it’s her first passion, as she revealed to the publication in 2014. She described dance as a means of storytelling through the body, emphasizing its profound expressive power.
Moreover, Monica credits ballet with instilling a sense of discipline that has remained with her and her sister throughout their lives. Reflecting on their shared experience, Monica expressed gratitude for the invaluable lessons learned through dance and the enduring bond it has forged between herself and Penélope.
#6 Monica is also an actress
Source: CHRIS POLK/FILMMAGIC
After her time with the Joaquín Cortés Dance Company, Monica transitioned into acting, following in her sister’s footsteps. She made her debut in the Spanish TV series Un Paso Adelante, subsequently landing roles in The Final Inquiry, Velvet Colección, and UPA Next.
In a 2007 interview with The Daily Mail, Monica discussed her decision to shift her focus from dance to acting, citing the physical demands and potential career-ending injuries associated with dancing. She emphasized her commitment to her new path, stating, “I am going to focus on my acting.”
While Monica didn’t envision herself pursuing a career in Hollywood, she expressed her dedication to her acting roles. Despite her roots in dance, she identified increasingly as an actress, highlighting her evolving career trajectory.
#7 Monica was Penélope’s body double in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Source: Getty
Unlike Penélope, Monica’s acting career has predominantly encompassed foreign titles. However, she did share the screen with her sister in the 2011 blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, albeit incognito to the audience.
According to the Irish Independent, Monica was enlisted to serve as her sister’s body double during Penélope’s pregnancy with her son, Leo. Director Rob Marshall acknowledged Monica’s contribution to the film during a 2011 Cannes Film Festival conference, praising her assistance with wide and long shots to achieve a seamless continuity. He described Monica as “fantastic and a real friend to the film.”
#8 Monica has starred in several music videos
Source: JUAN NAHARRO GIMENEZ/WIREIMAGE
In addition to her onscreen roles, Monica has appeared in several music videos.
In 2014, both she and Penélope appeared in brother Eduardo’s music video for “Cosas Que Contar.” Monica spoke to The Daily Mail about how important it was for the musician to make it on his own before involving his sisters in his work. “It’s only now that he is established that he has asked us to be in his new video,” she said in 2007.
Three years later, Monica made a cameo in Jamiroquai’s music video for “Cloud 9” as an entrancing woman dancing in a nightclub.