Penélope Cruz has offered a rare glimpse into her family life with husband Javier Bardem, discussing their decision to raise their children in Madrid.
In a recent interview with Perfect magazine, Cruz, 52, explained that relocating back to Spain in 2013 was driven by a desire for her children, Leo, 15, and Luna, 12, to grow up closer to their extended family and childhood friends. "All our families are there, and the friends from childhood and from our teenage years; it’s easier to have a normal life, you know?" she stated. Cruz emphasized the importance of protecting her children's privacy as they grow, ensuring they have the "freedom" and are not overly exposed at a young age.
Bardem, 57, has previously echoed this sentiment, revealing that he turns down acting roles that would require him to be away from his family for more than two weeks. He shared that since the birth of their first child, he and Cruz have maintained a policy where at least one parent is consistently home. He described Cruz as an "amazing, beautiful, good human being" and expressed gratitude for their shared life.
Both Cruz and Bardem are accomplished actors with Oscar wins to their names. Cruz received the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (2008), while Bardem won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "No Country for Old Men" (2007). Bardem also notably played the villain Raoul Silva in the 2012 James Bond film "Skyfall."