Elsa Pataky

Elsa Pataky, born Elsa Lafuente Medianu on July 18, 1976, is a Spanish model and actress. She gained recognition for her portrayal of Elena Neves in the Fast & Furious franchise. Pataky has appeared in various films including Snakes on a Plane (2006), Giallo (2009), Give 'Em Hell, Malone (2009), and the Spanish film Di Di Hollywood (2010). Born in Madrid, Spain, Pataky is the daughter of a Spanish biochemist and a Romanian publicist. She uses the surname Pataky in honor of her Hungarian maternal grandmother. Pataky attended Universidad CEU San Pablo, studying journalism and taking acting classes. Fluent in multiple languages including English, Italian, Portuguese, and French, she is also a former member of the Madrid theatre company Teatro Cámara de Ángel Gutiérrez.