Actor Penelope Cruz says that her mother Encarna understood her and supported her when she was upset about doing nude scenes in her debut film, Jamon Jamon (1992). The 37-year-old actor says she shed her inhibitions for the first and only time in her life in the movie starring actor Javier Bardem, whom she married in 2010 after a three-year-long relationship.
“She also understood me when I was so upset about my first film, Jamon Jamon. I did not handle it well at all. I had a strong reaction to anything sexual or sensual for a while. I cut my hair short. I didn’t do any love scenes — not even kisses — for many years,” the Sun quoted her as saying.
“I was told by everyone: ‘You are risking your career’ but I followed my heart. My mother was at ease with what I had done and inspired me to go on to do other things. I realise now that Bigas Luna, the director of Jamon Jamon, was giving me a great opportunity and I feel grateful. I first met Javier on that film, too. I have always thought he was one of the most incredible actors in the world,” added the actor, who is known among friends as Pe.
“I was told by everyone: ‘You are risking your career’ but I followed my heart. My mother was at ease with what I had done and inspired me to go on to do other things. I realise now that Bigas Luna, the director of Jamon Jamon, was giving me a great opportunity and I feel grateful. I first met Javier on that film, too. I have always thought he was one of the most incredible actors in the world,” added the actor, who is known among friends as Pe.
The mother of one has also said that she has always enjoyed being a woman and appreciates how wonderful “we are” due to her mother.