This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Saldaña and the second or maternal family name is Nazario. Zoë Saldana-Perego (born Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazario; June 19, 1978), known professionally as Zoë Saldana, is an American actress and dancer. Following her performances with the FACES theater group, Saldana made her screen debut in an episode of Law & Order (1999). Her film career began a year later with Center Stage (2000), followed by a role in Crossroads (2002).