Zoë Yadira Saldaña-Perego ( sahl-DAN-ə, Spanish: [ˈsoe salˈdaɲa]; née Saldaña Nazario; born June 19, 1978) is an American actress. Known primarily for her work in science fiction film franchises, she has starred in four of the highest-grossing films of all time (Avatar,
Avatar: The Way of Water,
Avengers: Infinity War, and
Avengers: Endgame). Films she has appeared in have grossed more than $15 billion worldwide and, as of 2024, she is the highest-grossing film actress. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023. A trained dancer, Saldaña began her acting career in two 1999 episodes of
Law & Order. Her first film role was in
Center Stage (2000) in which she played a ballet dancer. She received early recognition for her work opposite Britney Spears in the road film
()