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Talisa Soto
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Talisa Soto (born March 27, 1967) is an American retired actress and model. She is known for portraying Bond girl Lupe Lamora in the 1989 James Bond film Licence to Kill and Kitana in the 1995 fantasy action film Mortal Kombat and its 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat Annihilation. Prior to her acting career, Soto worked as a model, appearing in magazines such as Mademoiselle, Glamour and Elle.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Soto was born in Brooklyn, New York City,[5] the youngest of four children of parents who moved to New York from Puerto Rico.[6] During her early childhood, her parents moved to Northampton, Massachusetts, where Soto and her siblings were raised and educated in public schools.[7]
Career
[edit]Modeling
[edit]At age 15, Soto signed with Click Model Management and began modeling during summer vacations. Weeks after being signed, she traveled to Paris where she appeared in a layout for Vogue shot by Bruce Weber. Soto returned to Northampton after the summer to resume her schooling. She modeled only on occasion until after she graduated from high school.[7]
She later was featured on the covers of American and British Vogue, British Elle, Mademoiselle, Glamour and Self magazines. Soto has also been featured in advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein, Cartier, Clarins, Revlon, Salvatore Ferragamo, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Versace.[8]
Soto appeared in her first music video with former boyfriend Nick Kamen, behind Madonna's song "Each Time You Break My Heart", directed by Tony Viramontes.[7] Soto and Kamen were often used as models by Ray Petri, the late fashion stylist and creator of the 1980s London "Buffalo Boy" look.[9]
Acting
[edit]In 1988, when Soto returned to the United States, she auditioned and landed the role of "India" in her feature debut, Spike of Bensonhurst, a comedy starring Sasha Mitchell and Ernest Borgnine. In 1988, Soto was cast as Lupe Lamora, in the James Bond film Licence to Kill, starring Timothy Dalton, and as Maria Rivera in The Mambo Kings.
Soto appeared in more than twenty films, including Mortal Kombat (1995) as Kitana; Island of the Dead as Melissa O'Keefe; Piñero (2001) as Sugar, starring Benjamin Bratt; and Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002) as Ryne alongside Lucy Liu and Antonio Banderas. Soto also made two guest appearances on the television series C-16: FBI.
In 1995, she played the role of Doña Julia, Johnny Depp's first love interest in the tongue-in-cheek romantic comedy Don Juan DeMarco, Depp playing the title role. She also made an appearance in Marc Anthony's music video for "I Need to Know". In 1996, Soto played the title role in the campy film Vampirella[broken anchor] based on the comic book character. Her last major film appearance was in Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever before retiring from acting after marrying Benjamin Bratt.[10]
She made one more film, La Mission (2009), which was directed by her brother-in-law Peter Bratt.[10]
Public image
[edit]In 1990, Soto was chosen by People as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World.[11] In 1995, she was featured in the Sports Illustrated "Swimsuit Issue".[8] She was ranked No. 58 on the Maxim Hot 100 Women of 2002.[12]
Personal life
[edit]In 1997, Soto married actor Costas Mandylor. They divorced in 2000.[10]
In 2002, she began dating actor Benjamin Bratt; they married on April 13 in San Francisco. The two had met ten years earlier during a casting audition. During the filming of Piñero (2001) they began to develop a relationship. They married in April 2002 and their first child, daughter Sophia Rosalinda Bratt, was born on December 6, 2002; their second child, son Mateo Bravery Bratt, was born on October 3, 2005.[13][14]
It was revealed in 2022 that Soto was diagnosed with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that she has since been deemed "cancer-free".[15]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Pope of Greenwich Village | Studio Dancer | Uncredited |
| 1988 | The French as Seen by... | French Girl | Episode: "The Cowboy and the Frenchman" |
| Spike of Bensonhurst | India | ||
| 1989 | Licence to Kill | Lupe Lamora | |
| 1990 | Silhouette | Marianna Herrera | Television film |
| 1991 | Prison Stories: Women on the Inside | Rosina | |
| 1992 | The Mambo Kings | Maria Rivera | |
| Hostage | Joanna | ||
| 1993–1994 | Harts of the West | Cassie | 15 episodes |
| 1994 | Don Juan DeMarco | Doña Julia | |
| 1995 | Mortal Kombat | Princess Kitana | |
| 1996 | Spy Hard | Seductress In Hotel Room | Credited as Desiree More |
| The Sunchaser | Navajo Woman | ||
| Vampirella | Vampirella | Direct-to-video | |
| 1997 | Flypaper | Amanda | |
| The Corporate Ladder | Susan Taylor | ||
| Mortal Kombat Annihilation | Princess Kitana | ||
| 1998 | C-16: FBI | Rosemary Vargas | 2 episodes |
| 2000 | That Summer in L.A. | Marisabel | |
| Flight of Fancy | Mercedes Marquez | Alternative titles: Facing Fear Flight | |
| Island of the Dead | Melissa O'Keefe | Television film | |
| 2001 | Piñero | 'Sugar' | |
| 2002 | Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever | Rayne Ecks / Vinn Gant | |
| 2009 | La Mission | Ana | Credited as Talisa Soto Bratt |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Result | Category | Film |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | ShoWest Convention | Won | Female Star of Tomorrow | -
|
| 2002 | ALMA Award | Nominated | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | Piñero |
References
[edit]- ^ Tomassini, Christine (May 26, 2003). Magill's Cinema Annual. Gale Research International, Limited. ISBN 9781558624597 – via Google Books.
- ^ DeMichael, Tom (December 1, 2012). James Bond FAQ: All That's Left to Know About Everyone's Favorite Superspy. Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 9781480337855 – via Google Books.
- ^ Candelaria, Cordelia (December 26, 2004). Encyclopedia of Latino Popular Culture. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 9780313332111 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Talisa Soto Bratt | Click Models Management".
- ^ Candelaria, Cordelia; Aldama, Arturo J.; García, Peter J. (2004). Encyclopedia of Latino popular culture. Vol. 2. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 778. ISBN 0-313-32215-5.
- ^ Miller, Samantha (April 29, 2002). "Benjamin's Surprise". People. 57 (16). ISSN 0093-7673.
- ^ a b c "Talisa Soto: Catwalk Queen Strides To New Life". New Sunday Times: 2. July 23, 1989.
- ^ a b Talisa Soto at Fashion Model Directory
- ^ Limnander, Armand (October 19, 2009). "Ray Petri's Enduring Style". nytimes.com. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
- ^ a b c "Talisa Soto Biography (1967-)". filmreference.com. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
- ^ "50 Most Beautiful People". People: 57. May 9, 1990. ISSN 0093-7673. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
- ^ "The 2002 Hot 100 List". maxim.com. April 20, 2009. Archived from the original on August 18, 2010. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
- ^ Silverman, Stephen M. (December 17, 2002). "New Bratt in the House for Ben, Talisa". People. Archived from the original on March 19, 2008. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
- ^ "Benjamin Bratt & Wife Have a Boy". People. October 7, 2005. Archived from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
- ^ Donnelly, Erin (March 14, 2022). "Benjamin Bratt reveals wife Talisa Soto was diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic". Yahoo! News. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
External links
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Talisa Soto
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Family background
Talisa Soto, born Miriam Soto on March 27, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, comes from a family of Puerto Rican heritage.[6] Her parents emigrated from Puerto Rico.[7] As the youngest of four siblings, Soto grew up in a household that provided a foundation of strong sibling bonds and cultural pride, influencing her early sense of identity before the family relocated to Northampton, Massachusetts.[8]Upbringing and education
Talisa Soto was born Miriam Soto on March 27, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Puerto Rican descent.[3] In her early childhood, her family relocated from Brooklyn to Northampton, Massachusetts, where she spent much of her formative years.[3][9] As the youngest of four children born to working-class Puerto Rican parents, Soto was raised in Northampton, a move that placed her family in a predominantly white New England town.[10] This relocation influenced her early development; she retains a distinct Puerto Rican accent from her upbringing.[1] Her childhood experiences in Massachusetts involved adapting to a quieter, suburban setting far from the urban energy of New York, though she has always considered New York City her home.[3] Soto completed her high school education in Northampton, graduating before pursuing opportunities beyond her hometown.[10] During this period, she attended local public schools, balancing her studies with emerging personal interests that would later inform her professional path, though specific early pursuits in arts or performance are not well-documented in contemporary accounts.[9]Career
Modeling
Talisa Soto was discovered in her hometown of Northampton, Massachusetts, at the age of 15 through a recommendation from an art gallery owner, who encouraged her to pursue modeling opportunities in New York City.[11] In 1982, she signed with the prestigious Click Model Management agency and quickly secured her first professional assignment, traveling to Paris just weeks after joining.[3] She balanced her burgeoning career with her education, modeling primarily during summer vacations and school breaks while continuing her studies in Massachusetts.[12] Throughout the early to mid-1980s, Soto became a sought-after face in the fashion world, gracing the covers of major international magazines. Notable appearances included the April 1989 issue of American Vogue, where she was the first Latina model to feature on its cover, as well as the February 1986 British Vogue, Vogue Spain in May 1988, Elle France, Elle UK, Glamour, Self, and Town & Country.[3] Her striking features and versatility also led to high-profile advertising campaigns for luxury brands, including Calvin Klein, Cartier, Versace, Revlon, Clarins, and Salvatore Ferragamo.[3][13] Soto modeled on an occasional basis through her high school years, maintaining a selective schedule that aligned with her academic commitments. She retired from full-time modeling upon graduating from high school around 1985, concluding a professional span that lasted from 1982 to the late 1980s.[13][14][12]Acting
Talisa Soto began her acting career following a successful stint in modeling, which opened doors in the entertainment industry. Her first screen appearance came in 1984 with an uncredited role as a studio dancer in the crime comedy The Pope of Greenwich Village, though her feature film debut is often considered her credited role in Spike of Bensonhurst (1988).[15] She remained active in film from 1984 to 2009, accumulating over 20 credits across diverse genres including action and drama.[16] Soto achieved her breakthrough in 1989, portraying the Bond girl Lupe Lamora in the James Bond film Licence to Kill, marking her first major role opposite Timothy Dalton. This led to a string of prominent parts in the 1990s, such as the seductive Doña Julia in the romantic drama Don Juan DeMarco (1995)[17] and the warrior princess Kitana in the fantasy action films Mortal Kombat (1995) and its sequel Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), alongside appearances in the adventure thriller Anaconda (1997). These roles showcased her versatility, blending allure with physicality in high-profile productions. In the early 2000s, Soto continued with action-oriented projects like Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002), where she played agent Rayne, and transitioned toward more dramatic fare. Her final film role was in the independent drama La Mission (2009), co-starring her husband Benjamin Bratt. Following this, Soto retired from acting to prioritize her family and selective personal projects, stepping away from the industry after raising two children.[3]Personal life
Marriages and relationships
Talisa Soto married Australian actor Costas Mandylor in May 1997, following a year of dating that began around 1996 through their shared connections in the acting industry.[18][19] The couple's three-year marriage ended in divorce in 2000.[20] Soto first met actor Benjamin Bratt in the early 1990s during an audition for the film Blood In Blood Out, though their romantic relationship developed later after co-starring in the 2001 biographical drama Piñero.[3] They married on April 13, 2002, in a private ceremony in San Francisco, Bratt's hometown, attended by close family and friends.[21][22] The couple has maintained a low-profile partnership since, with Bratt occasionally crediting Soto for providing stability amid his career demands.[23]Family and children
Talisa Soto and her husband, Benjamin Bratt, welcomed their first child, daughter Sophia Rosalinda Bratt, on December 6, 2002, in New York City.[4] Their second child, son Mateo Bravery Bratt, was born on October 3, 2005, in Los Angeles.[4] The family has primarily resided in New York, where Soto and Bratt have focused on creating a stable home environment for their children.[3] Following the births, Soto largely stepped back from her acting career to prioritize parenthood and family responsibilities, marking a shift toward a more private life away from the spotlight. Soto and Bratt emphasize privacy regarding their children, shielding them from public scrutiny while nurturing close family bonds.[3] This approach has allowed the couple to enjoy everyday family moments without extensive media exposure.Health
Breast cancer diagnosis and recovery
In October 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Talisa Soto discovered a lump through a self-exam, which led to her diagnosis of breast cancer following a yearly mammogram.[5][24][25] The early detection allowed for prompt medical intervention, though specific details of her treatment regimen remain private; she underwent procedures that successfully addressed the cancer, followed by ongoing medication to manage hormonal effects and prevent recurrence.[24][3] Soto achieved cancer-free status by early 2022, a milestone her husband, Benjamin Bratt, publicly shared during interviews to raise awareness about the importance of regular screenings.[24][25] Bratt explained, "She’s doing great… The good news is, she was found to be cancer-free at this point. So we’re just on guard to make sure it doesn’t come back," emphasizing the couple's continued vigilance.[24] This revelation, first detailed on the Today show and in outlets like Yahoo Entertainment, highlighted Soto's hope that her experience would encourage women to self-advocate and prioritize annual mammograms.[25][3][5] The diagnosis profoundly shifted Soto's perspective on health and resilience, fostering a deeper appreciation for proactive wellness amid the isolation of the pandemic.[24] Supported by her family, including Bratt and their children, she focused on recovery, marking the occasion with a celebratory vacation upon reaching remission.[3]Recognition
Awards and nominations
Talisa Soto received early recognition in her acting career with the ShoWest Convention Award for Female Star of Tomorrow in 1989, an honor presented by the National Association of Theatre Owners that highlighted promising talents in the film industry and was particularly tied to her breakout performance as Lupe Lamora in the James Bond film Licence to Kill.[26] In television, Soto earned the Imagen Award for Best Actress - Television in 1994 for her role as Cassie in the Western series Harts of the West, an accolade from the Imagen Foundation that celebrates positive portrayals of Latinos in entertainment.[27] Later in her career, she received a nomination for the ALMA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture in 2002 for her portrayal of Sugar in the biographical drama Piñero, recognizing her contribution to Latino representation in film as presented by the National Council of La Raza.[28]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | ShoWest Convention, USA | Female Star of Tomorrow | Won | - |
| 1994 | Imagen Foundation Awards | Best Actress - Television | Won | Harts of the West |
| 2002 | ALMA Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | Nominated | Piñero |
Public image
Talisa Soto has been celebrated for her striking beauty and poised presence in media features throughout her career. In 1990, she was selected as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World by People magazine, highlighting her emergence as a prominent model and actress. Five years later, in 1995, she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, photographed in Costa Rica showcasing swimwear by designers like Gottex, which further solidified her status as a fashion and beauty icon. These inclusions underscored her appeal in both high-fashion and mainstream pop culture outlets. Soto's public image also encompasses her role as a trailblazing Latina figure in modeling and entertainment. As the first Latina to grace the cover of American Vogue in April 1989, following her debut on British Vogue in 1982 at age 15, she broke significant barriers for women of Puerto Rican descent in international media. Her features in publications like Elle and Harper's Bazaar during the 1980s and 1990s positioned her as a symbol of Latina representation, influencing perceptions of diversity in beauty standards. In 2002, she ranked No. 58 on Maxim's Hot 100 Women list, reflecting her enduring allure as an actress known for roles like the Bond girl Lupe Lamora in Licence to Kill and Kitana in Mortal Kombat. Post-retirement from acting in the early 2000s, Soto has maintained a relatively private yet positive public persona, focusing on family life while occasionally reflecting on her career's impact on representation for Latinas in Hollywood.Works
Film roles
Talisa Soto began her acting career in feature films in the 1980s, accumulating roles in over a dozen productions spanning action, drama, fantasy, and thriller genres.[29][16][1] Her performances often featured strong female characters in high-stakes narratives, from Bond girl archetypes to warrior princesses and dramatic supporting parts.| Year | Title | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Pope of Greenwich Village | Studio Dancer (uncredited) | In this crime drama, Soto made an early appearance amid a story of two Italian-American cousins attempting a diamond heist in New York City's Little Italy.[16] |
| 1988 | Spike of Bensonhurst | India | Soto portrayed India, the Puerto Rican girlfriend of a promising young boxer entangled in Brooklyn's underworld of crime and romance.[29][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 1989 | Licence to Kill | Lupe Lamora | As Lupe Lamora, the abused girlfriend of a powerful drug lord, Soto played a pivotal Bond girl ally to James Bond in this action-packed entry seeking vengeance against a cartel.[29][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 1992 | The Mambo Kings | Maria Rivera | In the musical drama about two Cuban brothers chasing fame as musicians in 1950s New York, Soto played Maria Rivera, a romantic interest adding emotional depth to the immigrant experience.[29][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 1992 | Hostage | Joanna | Soto took on the role of Joanna, a flight attendant caught in a tense action thriller involving terrorists hijacking a plane bound for Los Angeles.[29][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 1995 | Don Juan DeMarco | Doña Julia | As Doña Julia in this romantic comedy-drama, Soto depicted a passionate love interest to Johnny Depp's titular character, a man convinced he is the legendary seducer.[29][16] |
| 1995 | Mortal Kombat | Princess Kitana | Soto embodied Princess Kitana, an ancient warrior princess fighting to save Earthrealm in this martial arts fantasy adaptation of the video game tournament.[29][16][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 1996 | Vampirella | Vampirella | Leading the sci-fi action film as the titular vampire superhero from Drakulon, Soto's character battles evil forces on Earth while seeking her origins.[29] |
| 1996 | Spy Hard | Seductress on Ledge / Seductress in Hotel Room | In this parody spoof of spy films, Soto appeared in dual seductive cameo roles highlighting the comedic take on action tropes.[16][8] |
| 1996 | The Sunchaser | Navajo Woman | Soto played a supporting Navajo woman in this road drama following a terminally ill convict and his kidnapped doctor on a spiritual journey.[](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 1997 | The Corporate Ladder | Susan Taylor | As Susan Taylor in this thriller, Soto portrayed a woman navigating betrayal and ambition in a high-powered corporate environment.[29] |
| 1997 | Flypaper | Amanda | In the crime thriller about a botched bank robbery trapping diverse characters together, Soto's Amanda contributes to the escalating tensions and revelations.[29][16] |
| 1997 | Mortal Kombat: Annihilation | Princess Kitana | Reprising her role as Princess Kitana, Soto joined warriors defending Earth against invading otherworldly forces in this action-fantasy sequel.[29][16][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 2000 | Flight of Fancy | Mercedes Marquez | Soto appeared as Mercedes Marquez in this romantic drama exploring love, loss, and personal reinvention in contemporary settings.[29][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 2000 | Island of the Dead | Melissa O'Keefe / Sgt. Terry Moran | In this horror film, Soto dual-roled as a doctor and military officer among survivors combating a zombie outbreak on a quarantined island.[29] |
| 2001 | Piñero | Sugar | Soto portrayed Sugar, the wife of poet Miguel Piñero, in this biographical drama chronicling the artist's turbulent life in 1970s New York.[29][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 2002 | Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever | Agent Rayne Gant / Vinn | As dual agents in this action thriller, Soto's characters navigate espionage and personal vendettas between rival government operatives.[29][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |
| 2009 | La Mission | Ana | In the family drama set in San Francisco's Mission District, Soto played Ana, the wife of a recovering alcoholic ex-con facing challenges with his gay son.[29][16][](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/181283 |