Penelope Cruz Husband Javier Bardem: Marriage, Kids

When it comes to experiencing true love in Hollywood, everybody knows Penélope Cruz and her husband, Javier Bardem, are the real deal. Though it’s rare for the Volver actress and the Skyfall actor to flaunt their romance, it’s obvious the two share an unbreakable bond.

Penélope and Javier’s love story goes way. The pair first met on the set of the Spanish comedy-drama Jamón, Jamón in 1992, but their romantic relationship didn’t blossom until they reunited for Woody Allen‘s 2008 film Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

The lovebirds started dating in 2007, according to Hello!, but Penélope and Javier kept a tight lip on their relationship from the very start. Aside from few rare outings, the duo didn’t make their first red carpet appearance together until 2010. They confirmed their romance when they stepped out at the 2010 Goya Awards in February.

The twosome also attended the 2010 Cannes Film Festival three months later in May. As Javier premiered his movie Biutiful, Penélope showed her support for the Spanish actor. During the festival’s closing ceremony, Javier proclaimed his love for the actress, gushing, “I share this joy with my friend, my companion, my love: Penélope,” he said while accepting the best actor prize. “I owe you a lot and I love you so much.”

Not long after, the couple got married in July 2010. In January 2011, they welcomed their first child, son Leo. Penélope and Javier expanded their family when their second kiddo, daughter Luna, was born in July 2013.

It’s not often for Penélope to open up about her family, but in January 2019, she gave a rare glimpse at her life at home while gushing over her hubby and kids. During an interview with Marie Claire, the Everybody Knows actress got candid about the beautiful journey they’re on together.

“My life is … a very different life. But it’s the life that I always wanted since I was a little girl,” she gushed at the time. “When I was 4 or 5, I was already performing, and the characters in my games were always mothers. I really wanted to be a mother, for as long as I can remember. But I did it when I felt the time was right—the right time, the right person.”

Keep scrolling to learn more about the actress’ longtime love!

Javier is an Actor

Like his spouse, Javier is also an extremely accomplished actor. Overall, he has more than 60 acting credits in films like Skyfall, Eat Pray Love, No Country for Old Men, Loving Pablo, The Roads Not Taken and tons more, per IMDb. He’s also produced a few documentaries, including Sanctuary, Sons of the Clouds and Invisibles.

Javier’s work as an actor has earned him countless awards. In addition to a handful of Goya Awards — which is the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars — Javier has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, two SAG Awards and more.

Javier and Penélope Had a Secret Wedding

At the time the two tied the knot in July 2010, Javier and Penélope were able to keep the details on the down-low. According to The Telegraph, the lovebirds married in an extremely private wedding at a friend’s house in the Bahamas. The ceremony was so small that only family members were present.

Javier is a Doting Dad

When he’s not working, you can find Javier spending time with Penélope and their two kids, Leo and Luna. Since becoming a dad, Javier said fatherhood has completely changed him.

“Only in the sense that nothing is that important anymore. Helping to educate someone, knowing you have to educate yourself, knowing that what you learned once may not be what you need to know now in order for someone to be held. It’s a great thing,” he once shared with The Talks. “Now there are new times, there are new values, thank God, and you have to learn them. Time and experience help Penélope and me as parents and as a couple who also work together.”