Zoe Saldaña, born Zoë Yadira Saldaña, is feeling “deeply grateful and profoundly humbled” after becoming the highest-grossing actor of all time after her latest film, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ — which is the third film in the ‘Avatar‘ franchise.
Saldaña, 47, began her acting career in 1999 with a guest role in the TV series ‘Law & Order.’ Her first film role was in 2000’s ‘Center Stage,’ in which she played a ballet dancer.
Before her acting career, Saldaña, who was born in Passaic, New Jersey, was a trained dancer. She discovered her love of dance while living in the Dominican Republic.
At age 9, her mother, Asalia Nazario, sent her and her two sisters to live with her father Aridio Saldaña’s family after he was killed in a car accident. Aridio was Dominican and Asalia is Dominican and Puerto Rican.
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Brief Overview Of Zoe Saldaña’s Filmography
Following Zoe Saldaña’s introductory roles, she would later receive her breakthrough roles as “Nyota Uhura” in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film series, from 2009 to 2016, and her role as “Neytiri” in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ film series, from 2009 to present.
She continued to gain further global recognition after portraying “Gamora” in five films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ in 2014.
Saldaña has also appeared in films like: ’Crossroads (2002); ‘Drumline (2002);’ ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003);’ ‘Guess Who (2005);’ ‘Vantage Point (2008);’ ‘The Losers (2010);’ ‘Death at a Funeral (2010);’ ‘Colombiana (2011);’ and many more.
Saldaña also recently received the Academy Award (Oscar) for “Best Supporting Actress” for her portrayal of a lawyer in the French musical crime film, ‘Emilia Pérez.’
She’s also earned a BAFTA Award, two Critics Choice Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a SAG Award, and a Cannes Film Festival Award. In 2023, TIME Magazine named her “One of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.”
Zoe Saldaña Reacts To Becoming Highest-Grossing Actor Of All Time With a $15.5 Billion Portfolio
As of January 2026, Zoe Saldaña has officially become the highest-grossing actor of all time. The feat includes her top three selling films (‘Avatar (2009),’ ‘Avengers: Endgame (2019),’ and ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)). Her films have grossed more than $15 billion worldwide. To be exact, the number is $15.47 billion.
Reacting to the big feat, Saldaña took to her Instagram and shared a video extending her gratitude. She captioned the video, “From the bottom of my ♥️. Thank you! In the video, she shared:
“Hi guys, I just want to express my sincerest gratitude for the extraordinary journey that has led me to become the highest-grossing film actor of all time, today — an achievement made possible entirely by the incredible franchises and the collaborators that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of.
To every director who placed their trust in me, thank you. JJ Abrams, Joe and Anthony Russo, James Gunn — and most importantly, thank you, James Cameron for believing in my potential, for seeing something in me that I have not always seen in myself, and for challenging me to always rise to the occasion. Your faith, your guidance, and your vision, they shape not only these films, but me as an artist.
And to the fans around the world, thank you. Thank you! Your unwavering support, passion, and loyalty are the true foundation of this milestone. None of this exists without you showing up time and time again with open hearts and enthusiasm. This accomplishment belongs to all of us and I’m deeply grateful and profoundly humbled. And may the next record-breaker be another woman! Bye!”
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