Mariel Saldaña Nazario may not be a household name like her younger sister, Zoe Saldana, but she has an inspiring story of her own. As a nurse and producer, Mariel has built a meaningful career while maintaining a close bond with her family. This article explores her early life, career, contributions, and personal life, shedding light on the woman behind the famous last name.
Early Life and Family Background
Mariel Saldaña Nazario was born in Passaic, New Jersey, U.S., to Asalia Nazario and Aridio Saldaña. Her family has Dominican and Puerto Rican roots, which played a significant role in shaping her identity and values.
When Mariel’s father tragically passed away in a car accident in 1987, she and her sisters faced immense challenges. At the time, Zoe Saldana was only nine years old. To help the family cope, their mother, Asalia Nazario, moved them to the Dominican Republic, where they lived with their paternal relatives.
In the Dominican Republic, Mariel and her siblings adapted to a new culture and lifestyle. Their mother later worked as a courtroom translator and hotel maid in New York City to provide them with a good education and future. Eventually, the family moved back to Queens, New York, where Mariel and her sisters completed their studies.
Mariel Saldaña Nazario’s Career as a Nurse
Mariel pursued a career in the medical field and became a nurse. While she largely remains out of the public eye, reports indicate that she played a significant role in providing medical assistance during the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Her dedication to helping others has made her a respected professional in her field.
Mariel Saldaña Nazario as a Producer and Co-Owner of Cinestar Pictures
In addition to her medical career, Mariel has made contributions to the entertainment industry. Along with her sisters Zoe and Cisely Saldaña, she co-founded Cinestar Pictures, a production company focused on female-driven storytelling.
Some of the company’s notable projects include:
- Rosemary’s Baby (NBC Miniseries)
- Zoe Saldana Presents My Hero (AOL Digital Series)
- The Honor List
Mariel has worked behind the scenes as an executive producer, ensuring that their company highlights diverse and meaningful stories.
Relationship with Zoe Saldana and Family Bond
Mariel and her sisters share an unbreakable bond, and their close relationship has been evident in many public appearances. They were seen together at the 2014 AOL Newfronts, celebrating their work in entertainment.
Additionally, Mariel was present when Zoe Saldana received her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, showing her unwavering support for her younger sister. Zoe has often spoken about the strength and resilience of the women in her family, emphasizing that they were raised in a household filled with love, hard work, and determination.
Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Losing their father at a young age and moving between two countries was not easy for the Saldaña sisters. However, Mariel, Zoe, and Cisely found strength in one another and in their mother’s sacrifices. Their determination led them to excel in their respective careers and inspire others with their journey.
Personal Life and Private Nature
Unlike her sister Zoe, who is a globally recognized actress, Mariel prefers to live a private life. She stays away from the limelight and focuses on her career and family. Despite her preference for privacy, her contributions as a nurse and producer highlight her dedication to making a difference in people’s lives.
Conclusion
Mariel Saldaña Nazario may not be as well-known as her sister Zoe, but her story is equally inspiring. From her work as a nurse to her role as a film producer, she has made significant contributions in multiple fields. More importantly, she is a pillar of strength and support in her family, showing that success isn’t always about fame—it’s about making an impact in the lives of others.
FAQs About Mariel Saldaña Nazario
1. Who is Mariel Saldaña Nazario?
Mariel Saldaña Nazario is the older sister of actress Zoe Saldana. She works as a nurse and producer. She also helped start a company called Cinestar Pictures, which makes movies and TV shows about women and diverse stories.
2. What is Mariel Saldaña Nazario’s career?
Mariel is a nurse. She helped people after the 9/11 attacks. Mariel is also a producer. She co-founded Cinestar Pictures with her sisters. Some of the movies and TV shows they made are Rosemary’s Baby and The Honor List.
3. How is Mariel Saldaña Nazario related to Zoe Saldana?
Mariel is Zoe Saldana’s older sister. While Zoe is a famous actress, Mariel likes to stay out of the spotlight and live a private life.
4. Where was Mariel Saldaña Nazario born?
Mariel was born in Passaic, New Jersey, USA. Her family has roots in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
5. Did Mariel Saldaña Nazario face any challenges growing up?
Yes, Mariel and her sisters had a tough time. Their father died in a car accident when Mariel was young. The family moved to the Dominican Republic, then later to New York. Their mother worked hard to support them.
6. Does Mariel Saldaña Nazario have any other siblings?
Yes, Mariel has two sisters: Zoe Saldana, who is an actress, and Cisely Saldaña, who works in the entertainment industry too.
7. What is Cinestar Pictures?
Cinestar Pictures is a company that makes movies and TV shows. Mariel, Zoe, and Cisely Saldana all helped start it. The company focuses on stories about women and people from different backgrounds.
8. Why does Mariel Saldaña Nazario stay out of the public eye?
Mariel likes to keep her life private. She focuses on her work as a nurse and producer, instead of being famous. She enjoys staying away from attention.
9. How does Mariel Saldaña Nazario support her family?
Mariel is very close to her sisters. She has supported them at important events, like when Zoe got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They have a strong family bond.
10. What are some of the projects that Cinestar Pictures has worked on?
Cinestar Pictures has worked on projects like Rosemary’s Baby (a TV show), Zoe Saldana Presents My Hero (an online show), and The Honor List (a movie).