ELSA PATAKY

Elsa Pataky: Spanish Model, Actress, and Wellness Advocate​

Early Life and Education

Elsa Lafuente Medianu, professionally known as Elsa Pataky, was born on July 18, 1976, in Madrid, Spain. Her father, José Francisco Lafuente, is a Spanish biochemist, and her mother, Cristina Medianu Pataky, is a publicist of Romanian and Hungarian descent. Pataky adopted her maternal grandmother's surname, Pataky, as her professional name. She pursued journalism at Universidad CEU San Pablo in Madrid and simultaneously took acting classes. Her passion for acting was influenced by her maternal grandfather, a theater actor, which led her to join the Madrid theater company Teatro Cámara de Ángel Gutiérrez. 

Modeling Career

Pataky's modeling career includes appearances on the covers of prominent magazines such as Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Elle, and Maxim. She has also been the face of various advertising campaigns, including a collaboration with football star Cristiano Ronaldo for Time Force's jewelry line.

Acting Career

Pataky began her acting career with the Spanish television series "Al salir de clase" (1997–2002), portraying Raquel Alonso. She gained international recognition for her role as Officer Elena Neves in the "Fast & Furious" franchise, appearing in multiple installments from 2011 to 2017. Her filmography also includes roles in "Snakes on a Plane" (2006), "Giallo" (2009), "Give 'Em Hell, Malone" (2009), and the Netflix action film "Interceptor" (2022), where she played the lead role of Captain JJ Collins. ​

Personal Life

In 2010, Pataky married Australian actor Chris Hemsworth. The couple has three children: a daughter, India Rose, born in 2012, and twin sons, Tristan and Sasha, born in 2014. They reside in Byron Bay, Australia, embracing a lifestyle close to nature.

Health and Wellness Advocacy

A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Pataky incorporates strength training, cardio, yoga, and Pilates into her routine. She co-authored the book "Intensidad Max" with her personal trainer, sharing insights into her fitness regimen. ​

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In 2022, Pataky co-founded the skincare brand Purely Byron, inspired by the natural environment of Byron Bay. The brand launched its first product line that year. ​

Elsa Pataky continues to balance her multifaceted career with family life, embodying a commitment to health, wellness, and personal growth.