Who Are Zoe Saldana’s Parents Asalia Nazario and Aridio Saldaña

Zoe Saldana’s parents are her mother, Asalia Nazario, and her father, Aridio Saldaña. Her mom is from Puerto Rico, while her father, who was from the Dominican Republic, died when she was nine years and she and her sisters were subsequently brought up by their mom and grandparents.

Zoe Saldana remains close to her mom to date and has praised her as her hero. She has also spoken of the grief she felt at the loss of her father and has shared throwback pictures of him on social media. Zoe is also grateful for her stepfather, Dagoberto Galan, and his positive impact on the family.

Meet Aridio Saldaña, Zoe Saldana’s Father

Zoe Saldana’s father, Aridio Saldaña, was from the Dominican Republic, but he migrated to the United States at some point, and he grew up and made his life there. He was born in the 50s and set about marrying and having a family of his own in the 70s.

Zoe’s father, Aridio, unfortunately, died in a car accident in 1987 when she was nine years old. It was a painful moment for the young girl, and she revisited it periodically.

Aridio’s death at a time his children were young robbed him of the opportunity to fully witness their growth, but they nevertheless love and appreciate him. Saldana has revealed that her father was possessive of his children. She has also revealed that he had a unique laugh and laughed with his whole mouth, a trait that she and her sisters inherited. The actress has shared her late dad’s throwback pictures on social media and wished him a happy Father’s Day.

Who is Zoe Saldana’s Mother, Asalia Nazario?

Zoe Saldana’s mother, Asalia Nazario, is a businesswoman, former hotel maid, and courtroom translator. Asalia is originally from Puerto Rico and was brought over by her mother to the United States when she was ten years old. She naturalized and became a citizen and has made a life for herself there. She was born around 1951.

Asalia Nazaro took over as the family breadwinner after Zoe Saldana’s dad died when the actress was nine. It was quite tough dealing with the loss of her husband and facing the possibility of raising the children alone, but Asalia did a good job.

She sent the kids back to the Dominican Republic to live with their paternal grandparents while she remained in New York and worked hard. Amongst other things, she ran a small clothing store with her seamstress mother.

Asalia sent money home with which her daughters attended good private schools. They also participated in extra mural activities such as ballet and dance classes for Zoe Saldana.

Zoe Saldana has Described her Mom as Her Hero

Zoe Saldana is eternally grateful for all her mom has done for her. She brings her along to red-carpet events and awards. She also posts tributes to her on special days such as her birthday as well as Mother’s Day.

On Mother’s Day 2019, Saldana sent her mom a poignant message, writing; “You protect us, guide us, and nurture our every inquiry. Through the thick of it all, you manage to smile and face the universe with an open heart.”

The actress further posted a photo of her mother standing over three director’s chairs with each of her daughter’s names and wrote, “Your mother raised you well @AsaliaSaldana, and now you get to show her just how powerful you are. Thank you mother! We will always remain your most apt pupils and biggest fans.

Back in 2014, Zoe Saldana and her sisters collaborated on a TV series titled My Hero. It basically spotlighted those that had impacted their lives, and their mom was one. They described her as the ultimate rock star and praised her for showing them humanity when they were too young to understand. They made it clear that they now understood as they grew older and stated that they were grateful.

She also Credits her Mom with Giving Her The Best Career Advice

In 2019, Zoe Saldana revealed that the best career advice that she had ever gotten came from her mother, who taught her never to forget about her happiness, her opinion, and her beauty.

According to the actress, her mom taught her that she mattered, and the self-confidence that came from this helped her to navigate the challenges she faced as a Latina and black woman in Hollywood.

Zoe Saldana has also let the world know that her mom is a big Star Trek fan and convinced her to take up the role of Nyota Uhura in the popular series.

Where are Zoe Saldana’s Parents From?

Zoe Saldana’s mom, Asalia Nazario, is from Puerto Rico but migrated to New York City at the age of ten, while her father, Aridio Saldaña, is originally from the Dominican Republic and migrated to the United States at some point in his youthful years. He made New York City his new home, and this was where he met Asalia Nazario in the 70s.

They most likely bonded over their shared Latina heritage and began dating. They then went on to tie the knot in the mid-70s. The couple were married for more than a decade, during which they had three daughters together. Their marriage could have lasted even longer, but Zoe Saldana’s dad, unfortunately, died in 1987.

It was a tough emotional loss for Asalia, but she had to pull herself together for her daughters. She luckily also found love again in life with the man who became Zoe Saldana’s stepfather.

Meet Zoe Saldana’s Step Father

Following the death of her husband, Asalia Nazario found love again in the arms of a man named Dagoberto Galan, and they tied the knot. Galan is a publicist, sports magazine editor, and businessman. He helped raise Zoe Saldana and her sisters, and they all remain close to date.

Galan has accompanied Zoe Saldana to the red carpet a good number of times. The girls also send him Father’s Day messages regularly. Back in 2012, Saldana described her stepfather as a lifesaver whose patience, humor, and wisdom help keep the women in the family sane. She also stated that she calls him father because that is what he has been to her and her sisters since day one.

Zoe Saldana’s Parents also had Two Other Daughters 

The marriage between Asalia Nazario and Aridio Saldaña produced a total of three daughters. The first is Mariel, who was born before 1978. The second is Zoe Saldana, born in June 1978, and the third is Cisley, born in 1979. Cisley is a budding actress and producer, while Mariel is a nurse. All three girls are quite close and often there for each other in their biggest moments.

Zoe Saldana and her sisters have also set up a production company known as Cinestar Productions. They aim to tell stories that bring people of color and underrepresented communities to the fore. One of their works is the hit 2022 Netflix series, From Scratch.

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