Isabela Merced, born on July 10, 2001, in Cleveland, Ohio, is a talented actress and singer quickly making her mark on Hollywood. Known initially as Isabela Moner, she gained early fame through the Nickelodeon series 100 Things to Do Before High School. Since then, she has starred in major films like Transformers: The Last Knight, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. With upcoming roles such as Hawkgirl in Superman and Dina in season 2 of The Last of Us, her future looks incredibly bright.

Early Life and Cultural Roots

Isabela was born Isabela Yolanda Moner into a culturally diverse family. Her mother, Katherine, is from Lima, Peru, and her father, Patrick, is from Louisiana. She is the middle child among three siblings. Spanish was her first language, and she strongly identifies with her Peruvian heritage—so much so that she often describes herself as “more Peruvian than American.” This deep connection later influenced her decision to change her stage name to Isabela Merced, in honor of her late Peruvian grandmother.

Her journey into acting began after a house fire led her parents to encourage her participation in a local production of The Wizard of Oz. That spark ignited her passion for performing. She attended the Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory, and with support from a Broadway producer, her family temporarily relocated to New York City. She continued her studies through online schooling and was accepted into college at the age of 15.

Career Beginnings and Nickelodeon Breakthrough

Isabela’s career took off thanks to a mix of talent, timing, and hard work. On her first trip to New York, she landed a commercial and soon after debuted on Broadway in the 2012 revival of Evita, performing alongside Ricky Martin at just 10 years old.

Her breakout came with Nickelodeon’s 100 Things to Do Before High School (2014–2016), where she played the lead role of CJ Martin. At the same time, she voiced Kate in the animated series Dora and Friends: Into the City!. She also starred in made-for-TV Nickelodeon films like Splitting Adam and Legends of the Hidden Temple, which helped transition her into larger-scale film and TV projects.

Filmography Highlights: From Teen Star to Leading Lady

Isabela made a successful leap from children’s TV to Hollywood blockbusters. She joined the Transformers universe as Izabella in The Last Knight (2017), then showcased her versatility in Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) and the heartwarming Instant Family (2018), where she also performed the song "I'll Stay."

Her major turning point was playing Dora in the live-action adaptation Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019), a role that solidified her as a leading young actress. She followed this with roles in Netflix’s Let It Snow (2019) and Sweet Girl (2021) alongside Jason Momoa.

In animation, she voiced Lucky Prescott in Spirit Untamed (2021) and Kim in Migration (2023). Recent highlights include Rosaline (2022), Madame Web (2024) as Anya Corazon, Turtles All the Way Down (2024), and Alien: Romulus (2024).

Looking ahead, she’s set to play Hawkgirl in James Gunn’s Superman (2025) and Dina in The Last of Us season 2—two highly anticipated roles that underscore her growing influence in the industry.

Television Work and Return to the Small Screen

While much of her success has come in film, Merced’s television roots are key to her journey. Her time with Nickelodeon—including 100 Things to Do Before High School and voicing Kate in Dora and Friends—was pivotal. She also appeared in Growing Up Fisher (2014) and later returned to TV with the animated miniseries Maya and the Three (2021).

Her upcoming portrayal of Dina in The Last of Us season 2 is a strategic return to television, aligning her with one of the most critically acclaimed series of recent years.

Awards and Recognition

Despite her young age, Isabela Merced has earned notable acclaim. In 2016, she won the Imagen Award for Best Young Actress – Television for 100 Things to Do Before High School and was nominated the year before. Her film work led to even more recognition:

• CinemaCon’s Rising Star of the Year (2017)

• Teen Choice Award nomination for Transformers: The Last Knight

• Young Entertainer Award and additional Imagen Award wins for Instant Family (2019) and Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2020)

• Hollywood Music in Media Award (HMMA) nomination for her original song Fearless from Spirit Untamed (2021)

Personal Life and Advocacy

In 2019, Isabela changed her professional name to Isabela Merced to honor her late grandmother, reflecting her deep cultural pride. She has been open about her health struggles, including living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and managing anxiety.

Off-screen, she enjoys outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. She is also a gifted musician, playing the ukulele and writing songs. Her 2020 EP The Better Half of Me showcases her vocal talent and emotional depth.

Conclusion: A Star on the Rise

From humble beginnings in local theater to high-profile roles in major franchises, Isabela Merced represents the next generation of Hollywood talent. With a rich cultural background, strong acting chops, and growing recognition in both film and music, she is not just a star in the making—she's already arrived.

ایزابلا مرسد