Zoe Saldaña’s Mom, Asalia Nazario, Has a Story Worth Knowing

When you think of Zoe Saldaña, you probably remember her as the star of Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, or Star Trek. She’s a big name in Hollywood today. But behind her success is a strong and loving mother, Asalia Nazario.

Asalia isn’t a celebrity, but her story is just as powerful. She raised three daughters with love, strength, and hard work. Her life was full of ups and downs, but she never gave up. In this article, we’re going to explore her full journey — from her early life in Puerto Rico to becoming the proud mom of a movie star.

Let’s begin.

Asalia Nazario Quick Bio

Where Asalia Nazario’s Story Begins

Asalia Nazario was born in Puerto Rico, a place full of culture, music, and family traditions. She lived there with her mother during her early childhood. Life in Puerto Rico was simple but meaningful, and her roots always stayed with her.

At the age of 10, Asalia moved with her mom to the United States. They settled in New York, in a neighborhood called Jackson Heights, Queens. It was a new world for her — bigger, louder, and faster than what she was used to. But Asalia was strong. She adapted quickly and started building a new life.

Even though she was young, that big move helped shape the hardworking woman she would become.

Meeting Aridio Saldaña and Starting a Family

While living in New York, Asalia met Aridio Saldaña, a kind and passionate man from the Dominican Republic. They came from different places, but they shared the same dreams — to build a good life and raise a happy family.

Asalia and Aridio fell in love and got married. They supported each other through the highs and lows of life in a busy city. Together, they created a home full of love, respect, and culture. Their bond was strong, and so was their commitment to their growing family.

Their love story was the beginning of something special — a family that would one day be known around the world.

Welcoming Zoe and Her Sisters

Asalia and Aridio had three daughters: Mariel, Zoe, and Cisely. From the start, Asalia raised them to be confident, smart, and proud of who they were. She made sure they knew their Afro-Latina roots, and she taught them to speak both English and Spanish at home.

Family life was filled with love and learning. They watched movies together, talked about their cultures, and always supported each other. Even when money was tight, the girls always felt safe and loved.

As Zoe later said, “We were exceptionally loved by imperfect people.” That kind of love made all the difference.

The Tragic Loss That Changed Everything

In 1987, something happened that would change their lives forever. Zoe’s father, Aridio Saldaña, died in a car accident. Zoe was just nine years old. The loss was sudden and painful.

Zoe remembers the moment clearly. Her grandmother sat with her, drinking coffee, and gently explained that their father was gone. That day, everything changed. The bright, colorful world they knew suddenly felt grey.

Asalia was heartbroken. She had lost her partner, her best friend. For a while, she couldn’t even get out of bed. But as time passed, she gathered strength — because she knew her daughters needed her more than ever.

Why Asalia Sent Her Daughters to the Dominican Republic

After losing Aridio, Asalia had to make a very hard decision. New York was not a safe or easy place to raise three young girls alone in the late 1980s. So, she decided to send her daughters to live with family in the Dominican Republic.

It wasn’t easy. Zoe and her sisters missed their mom deeply. Life in the Dominican Republic was very different. No winter, no Santa Claus, no grapes or apples — only mangoes and guavas. Everything felt new and unfamiliar.

But this decision gave Asalia the time and space to work hard back in New York. She took on two jobs — one as a courtroom translator, and the other as a hotel maid. She worked long hours, saved every penny, and sent money to support her daughters.

This was one of the biggest sacrifices of her life — and she made it for her girls.

Working Hard to Support Her Family

Asalia’s days were long and tiring. She worked in courtrooms during the day and cleaned hotel rooms in the evenings. But no matter how tired she was, she stayed focused on her goal: to give her daughters a better life.

She didn’t have time for rest or breaks. She had rent to pay, food to send, and dreams to keep alive. As a single mother, she carried the weight of the world — but never let it break her spirit.

Even when she couldn’t be physically present with her daughters, she was always guiding them with letters, phone calls, and short visits. Her love never faded, and her strength never gave up.

Zoe Saldaña Says “My Mom Is My Hero”

As Zoe Saldaña grew older and started her career, she never forgot who helped her get there. Again and again, she has called Asalia Nazario her biggest hero.

In interviews and speeches, Zoe has shared stories of how her mom kept going, even when things were hard. She said Asalia had to become “both parents” after her father died — and she did it with love, courage, and grace.

Zoe also created a web series called My Hero, and in the first episode, she chose her mom as the person who inspired her most. She said, “She’s not perfect, but she always did her best.” And that, Zoe believes, is what true strength looks like.

Asalia Nazario and the Power of Education

Asalia Nazario always believed in the power of education. Even when times were hard, she made sure her daughters knew how important learning was. Books, school, and curiosity were always encouraged at home.

Zoe often talks about how their home focused on reading, thinking, and asking questions. Asalia didn’t just tell her daughters to study — she showed them the value of knowledge in everyday life. She raised them in a home where learning never stopped, even when money was tight.

This early focus helped Zoe become who she is today — a smart, confident woman who knows her voice matters. Asalia gave her daughters the tools to grow, and it all started with learning.

Life with Dagoberto Galán

Years after her first husband passed away, Asalia found love again. She married Dagoberto Galán, a kind and caring man who brought peace back into her life.

Zoe has said many times that Dagoberto is more than a stepfather — he’s their dad. He didn’t try to replace Aridio, but instead added more love to their family. He became a strong support for all three daughters and joined them at family events and red carpet nights.

Zoe once said, “He’s our kind of crazy beautiful.” That shows just how much he means to them. Together, Asalia and Dagoberto created a loving home full of warmth, laughter, and healing.

Asalia’s Special Bond with Zoe’s Family Today

Now, Asalia Nazario is not only a proud mother — she’s also a happy grandmother. Zoe and her husband, Marco Perego, have three sons: Cy Aridio, Bowie Ezio, and Zen. The family is close, and Asalia plays an important role in her grandchildren’s lives.

Zoe teaches her kids Spanish to keep their Puerto Rican roots alive. Marco teaches them Italian, and their nanny helps with English. It’s a beautiful mix of cultures and languages — just like the home Asalia once built for her daughters.

Asalia often attends special family moments, and she is always there to support her daughters with quiet strength. Her love continues through each new generation.

The Day Zoe Saldaña Won Her Oscar

In March 2025, Zoe Saldaña won her very first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez. It was a big moment in her career — but it was also a big moment for her mother, Asalia Nazario.

Asalia sat in the audience, proud and emotional, as Zoe gave her speech. Through tears, Zoe thanked her parents — especially her mom — for their love and sacrifice. She said:

“I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands.”

Zoe also became the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar. It was a moment that honored not just Zoe, but also the journey of her mother, who worked so hard to get them there.

Final Thoughts

Asalia Nazario’s life is a story of strength, love, and quiet courage. She didn’t chase fame or fortune. She simply worked hard, gave her best, and raised three strong, talented women.

Her story reminds us that behind every success, there’s often someone who helped make it happen. For Zoe Saldaña, that someone is her mother, Asalia Nazario.

Even today, Asalia continues to inspire. Her story shows how powerful a mother’s love can be. It also reminds us that you don’t need to be famous to make a big difference in the world.

So yes — Asalia Nazario has a story worth knowing.

(FAQs)

What is Asalia Nazario’s background?

Asalia is Afro-Latina and was born in Puerto Rico. She later moved to the United States, where she became a citizen.

How old is Asalia Nazario?

Her exact age isn’t known, but she’s believed to be in her early 70s now. Her birthday hasn’t been shared publicly.

Was Asalia Nazario married?

Yes. Her first husband, Aridio Saldaña, died in a car accident when Zoe was 9. Later, she found love again and married Dagoberto Galán, who Zoe calls “Dad.”

How tall is Asalia Nazario?

Her height isn’t listed anywhere, but people say she has a calm and graceful look. She’s often seen smiling beside Zoe on red carpets.

Where is Asalia Nazario now, and what is she doing?

She lives in the U.S. and enjoys her quiet life as a mom and grandma. She spends time with family and supports Zoe’s big moments, like the Oscars.

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