We're always on the lookout for fresh talent, and Alicia Sanz recently caught our attention. The Spanish beauty has had a successful acting career in Spain and is now making a splash in the US with her beauty and talent. You might recognize Alicia Sanz from playing the sexy Paloma Gutierrez in the second season of Robert Rodriguez's series From Dusk Till Dawn, where she costars alongside Eiza Gonzalez and Wilmer Valderrama [1]. We got to know a little more about Alicia when she shared a few fun facts with us on her childhood and her favorite hobbies. Check out the 14 things you need to know about Alicia Sanz.
She was born in Ceuta, Spain.
"I am originally from Ceuta, which is a city of Spain BUT is actually located on the north coast of Africa and is border city with Morocco. So you could say I grew up surrounded by three different cultures."
She is an Aries.
"My astrological sign is Aries. Key traits of this sign I identify with are independent, optimistic, enthusiastic and courageous! BUT I can also be a little impulsive and impatient — also Aries characteristics."
She taught herself to speak English.
"I learned how to speak English all by myself. I was taught French at school (and at home; my dad is a professor of French studies), so I did my best to learn it on my own time by watching movies and listening to music. "
She has always been a performer.
"I’ve always wanted to be in the performing arts. As a kid, I would always find a way to perform something for my family — I would prepare songs and perform them. My grandmother would even make me costumes, making me feel like even more of a real entertainer that I would tip my hat to them expecting tips for my show!"
She likes to sing her heart out.
"Don’t ask me why, but I decided to perform at my first communion and sang Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” Why I chose that song? I guess I just felt inspired to sing my heart out."
She was a rebellious teen.
"I went through a bit of a rebellious phase as a teenager (who doesn’t?). Well, maybe my rebellion was more on the mild side, as the worst thing I did was sneak out at night to meet up with friends. I used one of my giant stuffed animals to fake it was me sleeping under the covers in case my parents checked in on me."
She embraces her womanly curves.
"I was so happy when I finally got my womanly curves! I used to be a super thin kid, so much that my classmates would make fun of me and call me “lollipop.” It made me feel insecure, but that’s just how my body was — what I would give now to have that same metabolism! Regardless, I embrace my body and like to stay fit and healthy."
She values healthy eating and exercise.
"On that same note, even though I like junk food as much as the next person (I can’t get enough Cinnabons!), I feel my best when I eat clean and exercise. Living in LA is the best for exercising outdoors! I regularly like to go on hikes; it’s the most fun with friends. In Spain, I like to take boxing classes, helps get frustration out and works your entire body. I pack quite a punch!"
She knows how to dance Flamenco.
"I was lucky to learn Flamenco as a kid from a pro, as my aunt was a professional Flamenco dancer and singer. I learned all about the passion, the dedication and the true backbone that helps create the ambiance to this beloved tradition of Spanish dance. It’s one of my favorite dances and I loved having that experience with a fellow artist in the family!"
She is a big Spice Girls fan.
"As much as I love traditional dance, I am also a 90’s kid and was a fan of the Spice Girls! We used to perform their dances at school and I would always play “Ginger Spice.” I was so dedicated to my character, I even dressed up in her famous green dress."
She is a serious chocolate lover.
"I have a serious sweet tooth. If I have chocolate in front of me, it’s really hard for me to have just one bite. If it’s a bar of chocolate, you better believe I will make it disappear in the blink of an eye. Also a good way to get on my good side — always have chocolate!"
She is not big on drinking or smoking.
"I’m not much of a drinker; my friends call me a "lightweight" all the time. I can have maybe one glass of wine and I’m done. I’m not a smoker either, and I can thank my dad for that, as the first time I ever tried a cigarette was with him when I was 14 years old — he knew I would hate it on the spot and never want to try again. He was right!"
She is inspired by Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz.
"Roles I aspire to play are those such as Charlize Theron [2] played in Monster or Penelope Cruz [3] played in Vicky Christina Barcelona."
She almost quit acting.
"The only time I ever considered quitting being an actress was when I was 15. My very first boyfriend was my whole universe and I contemplated for a minute not being an actor — and then I snapped right back. What was I thinking? Young love can be a powerful thing."