Was Penelope Cruz underage when she first met Javier Bardem? Marriage explored as couple reflects on their 16 years together

Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem first met decades before becoming one of Hollywood's most enduring couples, but their romance did not begin until years later.

Their first encounter happened back in 1992 when the two were working together in Jamón Jamón, where Penelope Cruz at the age of 16 made her movie debut while Javier Bardem was 23 years old.

In an interview in GQ magazine in 2017, Javier Bardem recalled that he never saw the possibility of romance because Penelope Cruz was only in her teens at the time.

"She was underage. Nothing happened."

Javier Bardem also talked about the provocative nature of the film by confessing that he would not have acted the same way if one of his children had received such a role at that age.

"It was a very sexy film. It still is. Penelope's parents were brave to allow her to do that film. If my daughter at 16 came to me with a script like that I'd have said no f****** way!"

Then came the time when their paths crossed again years later when they were cast opposite each other in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

At the time, according to the actor, the chemistry between them was undeniable.

However, Javier Bardem admitted that neither of them was willing to make the first move during production.

"Neither of us would make the first move. I don't know if we were shy or trying to be too professional."

As filming came to an end, Javier Bardem realized their chance might slip away unless someone broke the ice. Coincidentally, a mutual friend threw a wrap party, which finally brought the two together.

"I thought, 'We better get drunk!' Luckily, a friend of ours threw a wrap party and, well, the rest is history. Thank God!"

Javier Bardem on marriage to Penelope Cruz: "I'm so blessed"

Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem are to celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary on July 13.

Even as they have been together for a decade and a half, the actor confessed that, at times, he still can't believe that he's married to the "Spanish Enchantress."

"She's a woman I'm so blessed by having had the chance to be at the same time, in the same place, in life. Penelope is an amazing, beautiful, good human being. The way she relates to her family, to her friends, to our kids, to me, to herself. It's been a lot of years, and I haven't seen a hint of malice in her."

Javier Bardem added:

"On top of that, she's amazingly f***** beautiful! When I see her being photographed on some magazines, I go, 'Is that my wife? Jesus, is it? It must be!'"

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The couple, who tied the knot in 2010, have two children together: Leo Encinas Cruz (born January 2011) and daughter Luna Encinas Cruz (born July 2013).

Over the years, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem have become known for keeping their family and personal lives largely out of the spotlight, making only occasional comments about the relationship.

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