Zoe Saldaña may be known for starring in some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises, but being a mother remains one of her most meaningful roles.
The “Avatar” star shares three sons, twins Cy and Bowie and their younger brother Zen, with husband Marco Perego-Saldaña. Here’s everything to know about her kids.
Meet Cy, Bowie and Zen
Zoe and Marco welcomed identical twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio Perego-Saldaña on November 27, 2014.
The actress announced their arrival in early 2015, telling followers that she and Marco were starting the new year with a “full house.”
Their youngest son, Zen Anton Hilario Perego-Saldaña, was born on December 12, 2016.
“Marco and I are elated to share the news of the birth of our son Zen,” Zoe wrote when announcing his arrival. “We couldn’t feel more blessed with the new addition to our family.”
The Boys Speak Three Languages
Zoe and Marco are raising their children to speak English, Spanish and Italian.
The languages reflect the family’s multicultural heritage. Zoe’s mother is Puerto Rican, and her father was Dominican, while Marco is Italian.
“They understand all three languages, and they also choose who they speak the languages with,” Zoe told People.
The boys speak Italian with their paternal grandparents and Spanish with Spanish-speaking relatives. They generally respond to Zoe and Marco in English, even when their parents address them in another language.
Protecting Their Privacy
Although Zoe occasionally shares family photos, she and Marco are intentional about protecting their sons from the pressures that come with having famous parents.
“Marco and I have a great deal of respect for the privacy of our kids,” Zoe said in 2017.
The couple wants Cy, Bowie and Zen to experience the anonymity necessary to feel safe and avoid becoming overly aware of the public attention surrounding their family.
Zoe has still offered fans occasional glimpses of motherhood, including family vacations, museum visits and days when the boys join her on set.
Creating a Welcoming Home
Zoe and Marco have designed their home to be comfortable and welcoming for their children.
No room is off-limits to the boys. In addition to a family room and playroom, the property includes a garden where they can grow plants together.
Zoe has also said that she prefers to host her sons’ playdates at their house.
“You can always come to our house, our doors are open,” she explained.
Her goal is to create an environment where the boys can play freely without being judged for simply behaving like children.
Her Sons Give Her ‘Street Cred’
Cy, Bowie and Zen are gradually learning more about their mother’s acting career.
Zoe told InStyle that Zen once tried to understand how she could be both his mother and Gamora, her character from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies.
“The fact that that gives me street cred with my kids, it’s fun, it’s great,” she said.
The boys have also visited Zoe on set while she was wearing Gamora’s signature green makeup.
