Ana de Armas began her professional path in Cuba with a lead role in the 2006 romantic drama Virgin Rose. By the age of 18, she transitioned to the Spanish television market, eventually relocating to Los Angeles to navigate the complexities of Hollywood and establish a international career spanning three decades of film and television productions.
Early Development in Havana
Born in Havana in 1988, de Armas was raised in Santa Cruz del Norte. Her father, Ramón de Armas, held various positions including school principal and deputy mayor, while her mother, Ana Caso, worked for the Ministry of Education. She enrolled at Havana's National Theatre of Cuba at age 14, where she completed a significant portion of a four-year drama curriculum. Before completing her final thesis, she appeared in three Cuban film projects.
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Moving to Madrid at 18 allowed her to leverage her Spanish citizenship. Her breakthrough occurred when casting director Luis San Narciso selected her for the popular boarding school drama El Internado. She starred in this series for six seasons between 2007 and 2010. During this period, she also appeared in the comedy Mentiras y Gordas and the historical drama Hispania, eventually expanding into horror projects like El callejón and Anabel.
Establishing a Hollywood Presence
Upon arriving in Los Angeles in 2014, de Armas focused on intensive language training to improve her English. Her early American credits included the thriller Knock Knock and the crime film War Dogs. She gained wider visibility for her performance as the holographic AI Joi in Blade Runner 2049 and as Marta Cabrera in the 2019 mystery film Knives Out. These roles led to higher profile work, including the James Bond film No Time to Die.
Recent Roles and Industry Recognition
In 2022, she portrayed Marilyn Monroe in the psychological drama Blonde. Her recent work includes the 2025 action thriller Ballerina, a spin-off from the John Wick franchise. Throughout her career, she has received several honors, including a 2020 Saturn Award and a 2019 Golden Schmoes Award, and she maintains membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Havana, Cuba
- Citizenship: Spain, United States, Cuba
- Early debut: Virgin Rose (2006)
- Notable TV role: El Internado (2007–2010)
- Languages spoken: Spanish, English, Cuban Spanish
- Member: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
- Recent work: Ballerina (2025)
Questions readers ask
What was her first Hollywood film?
Her first major English-speaking release was the 2015 thriller Knock Knock, in which she starred opposite Keanu Reeves.
Did she study acting in Cuba?
Yes, she auditioned for the National Theatre of Cuba in 2002 and attended their four-year drama course before moving to Spain at age 18.
Achievements
- Worked as actor and model
