Changing her professional name in October 2019 to honor her deceased grandmother, Isabela Merced built a career spanning television, film, and music. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she initiated her performance career at age six in community theatre before successfully transitioning into Broadway and major film productions within the American entertainment industry.
Early Career and Education
Born on July 10, 2001, to Katerine and Patrick Moner, Merced grew up in Cleveland with two brothers. Her interest in performance was sparked by early exposure to films featuring Shirley Temple and Judy Garland. After a family home fire prompted an interest in local stage productions, she eventually trained at the Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory. Her mother facilitated a move to New York City, leading to a Broadway debut at age ten in Evita, where she performed alongside Ricky Martin. She completed her formal education through the Ohio Virtual Academy and achieved college acceptance at age 15.
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Merced gained early recognition through Nickelodeon projects. From 2014 to 2016, she held the lead role of CJ Martin on the series 100 Things to Do Before High School. Simultaneously, she provided the voice for Kate in the animated spin-off Dora and Friends: Into the City! for three years. Her television work continued with roles in the films Splitting Adam and Legends of the Hidden Temple, establishing a presence in youth-oriented programming before moving toward mainstream film roles.
Film and Transition to Adult Roles
Her film portfolio expanded in 2017 with Transformers: The Last Knight and The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature. Critical notice followed her performance as the daughter of a cartel leader in the 2018 film Sicario: Day of the Soldado. She also starred in Instant Family, contributing to the soundtrack. Subsequent major projects included the title role in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, the Netflix feature Sweet Girl, and 2024 appearances in Madame Web, Turtles All the Way Down, and Alien: Romulus. In 2025, she joined the cast of the HBO series The Last of Us and the DC Universe film Superman as Hawkgirl.
Musical Pursuits and Personal Advocacy
In addition to her screen work, Merced has pursued a recording career. She released her debut album Stopping Time in 2015, followed by the single Papi and the 2020 EP The Better Half of Me. Her personal life involves open discussion regarding her queer identity and her commitment to the queer community. She has also spoken publicly about her experiences with anxiety and managing polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 July 2001, Cleveland, Ohio
- Citizenship: United States and Peru
- Broadway debut: Evita, age 10
- Notable TV role: CJ Martin, 100 Things to Do Before High School
- Stage name change: 14 October 2019
- 2025 DCU role: Kendra Saunders / Hawkgirl
- Education: Ohio Virtual Academy
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the name Isabela Merced?
She adopted the stage name in October 2019 to memorialize her late grandmother.
What languages does she speak?
She is proficient in English, American English, and Peruvian Spanish.
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