SiS Newsletter - March 2010 - Amigos del español: Z. S.

Zoe Saldana
Actress

Zoe Saldana, whose parents are of Dominican and Puerto Rican descents, has been given the nickname “queen of science fiction” because of her roles in two upcoming movies: as Lt. Uhura in the new version of Star Trek and as an alien in James Cameron’s Avatar. She likes the moniker but this 30-year-old New Yorker born Zoe Yadira Zaldaña Nazario says her interests go beyond fantasy and that she remains true to her Hispanic roots.

What are you reading at the moment?
I’m a geek and I’m drawn to science fiction, but as far as comics go my sister tops me.

But when it comes to choosing a book?
As an American with Dominican and Puerto Rican origins, there’s no one like Junot Díaz and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. He’s a writer I’m crazy about and he’s been a friend for 10 years.

Do you read in English or Spanish?
I read everything, but I can only read works by writers like Gabriel García Márquez in Spanish.

And what films do you watch?
I’m a big fan of films from Mexico, Argentina and Spain. I knew who Javier Bardem was before Before Night Falls. I saw Jamón, jamón when I was 13.

Did you give a Hispanic twist to your portrayal of Uhura?
For me it’s not Star Trek. It’s Viaje a las estrellas. But (director and producer) J.J. Abrams didn’t know I was Hispanic until he heard me talking in Spanish. Everyone was surprised.

What book would you recommend for space travel?
I’d love to go to outer space but I’m one of those people who get scared on an airplane. So instead of a book, for me it’s one pill and the problem’s solved.