Making History

Born on 28 April 1974 in Madrid, Spain, this Hollywood hottie has raised temperatures up and down the silver screen, leaving a wealth of admirers in her wake. However, there is more to Penelope Cruz Sanchez than her smoldering good looks; she was the first Spanish actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in her role in the film Volver.

Spanish Fly

Cruz, who opted to omit the 'Sanchez' from her name, is also known as the "Spanish Temptress". She studied classical ballet for 9 years at Spain's National Conservatory after which she continued her dance training under some of Spain's most prominent dancers.

From Dance Moves to Movies

Aged 15 years old, Cruz went on to beat 300 entrants that auditioned for a talent agency which led to her landing roles in Spanish TV shows and music videos, but Cruz's sights were set much higher than the odd appearance on the TV, in 1992 she starred alongside Timothy Dalton in the thriller entitled 'Framed'

With a string of movies and endorsements under her belt (her L'Oreal commercials have earned her 2 million per year since 2006), Cruz proves that with talent, brains and beauty, the sky is the limit.

So, for ditching Tom Cruise, not becoming his house wife and for gracing our TV's with your stunning beauty... Penelope, Crumbs salutes you... because you're worth it.