Why Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz Embrace Life in Spain: "It's Home to Us"
Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz have built a life of love and purpose in Spain, the country where they both grew up. In a recent Interview magazine discussion, Bardem opened up about why they've chosen to raise their two children, Leo and Luna, in Madrid. The Oscar winner shares how fame initially brought allure but soon revealed its isolating nature. He explains how living in Spain allows them to enjoy privacy while feeling connected to their roots.
The couple, who met on the set of Jamón Jamón in 1992, didn’t rekindle their romantic spark until 15 years later. Their enduring bond has led to over a decade of marriage and a deep appreciation for life among "their people."
Javier Bardem cherishes the life he shares with his wife, Penélope Cruz, in their native Spain. Speaking with Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd in Interview magazine, the Oscar-winning actor expressed his love for life in Madrid, where he and Cruz, both highly recognizable figures, are met with kindness and respect.
Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz on Feb. 12, 2022. Carlos Alvarez/Getty
"My wife and I are recognized here," Bardem said, "but they leave us alone." The couple, who share two children — Leo, 13, and Luna, 11 — appreciate the privacy and connection they feel in Spain. "Personally, I’ve never felt anything but love, gratitude, joy, and fun on the streets. That’s why we live here; we feel we are among our people."
The duo first met on the set of Jamón Jamón in 1992, a Spanish-language film that marked a turning point in Bardem’s career. The movie’s success catapulted him into the spotlight, but it also brought challenges. Reflecting on that time, Bardem admitted he initially enjoyed the perks of fame. "I thought, 'Wow, this feels good. People recognize me. I’m important.' But you soon realize that everything is superficial. Everyone wants something from you."
Bardem shared how the demands of fame led him to retreat from social circles. "You start to protect yourself by isolating, because nothing feels natural anymore. For actors, who seek truth and observe human behavior, this shift is particularly difficult. It’s challenging personally and professionally when you’re the one being observed."
Though Bardem and Cruz first crossed paths on Jamón Jamón, they didn’t begin dating until they reconnected on the set of Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008. Their chemistry blossomed into a relationship, and they made their first public appearance as a couple at the 2010 Goya Awards. That same year, they married in an intimate ceremony in the Bahamas on July 13.
Reflecting on their journey, Bardem told Gentleman’s Journal, "Back in the day, we had different lives, objectives, and goals. Yet, there was something between us — an energy, a way to rely on each other. Even after years apart, that feeling stayed alive. To our surprise, it was very much still there when we reunited."