Elsa was born on 18 July 1976 in Madrid,Spain to Spanish father José Francisco,who is a chemist and Hungarian/Romanian mother Cristina,who is a publicist.Her mother's surname Pataky is Hungarian and means "someone who lived near a creek". She is fluent in Spanish,French,English and Romanian.Elsa Pataky is one of the most exciting young actresses to burst onto the international scene. Elsa has appeared in over 10 Spanish films and most recently crossed over into the French market with her co-starring role in the box office hit, IZNOGOUD (2004). Elsa recently completed working in a supporting role in the New Line Cinema film SNAKES ON A PLANE starring Samuel L. Jackson and directed by David Ellis. She is currently receiving rave reviews for her work in the Spanish film, NINETTE, helmed by Oscar winner José Luis Garci.

Elsa attended the Universidad de San Pablo were she studied journalism. During her free time Elsa enrolled in acting classes to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. Eventually Elsa left school when she was cast in the television series “Al Salir de Clase.” This series was very successful and launched Elsa in the Spanish market.

With the success of “Al Salir de Clase,” Elsa was offered her first film, “El Arte de Morir,” which became a huge box office hit in Spain. After “El Arte de Morir,” Elsa went on to work in all genres: comedy, drama, action, and horror. Some of her films were co-productions with the UK and France which introduced her to working in English and French. Today, Elsa speaks four languages (Spanish, French, English and Romanian).

Elsa has studied with Ángel Gutiérrez and Paco Pino in Madrid and was a member of the theatre company, Teatro Cámara de Ángel Guitiérrez, also in Madrid.

--Wikipedia