The ability to speak Spanish can open the world. And not just for us regular joes. It is the same for celebrities.
While you may think celebrities wouldn’t need to learn Spanish, there are several them that have done so for a host of different reasons. Some have chosen to do so for a part in a movie, others to better communicate with spouses and even others just to do it. The one thing they all have in common is they all recognize the benefits of learning a new language.
Here is a list of a few celebrities you probably didn’t know speak Spanish. They didn’t all learn the same way. Some did it on their own, others hired private tutors and some even elected to learn Spanish online.
Will Smith
The actor is known for a variety of roles and is renowned for his ability to adapt to a variety of genres. But, did you know he is also capable of adapting to his surroundings by speaking Spanish?
Smith can speak Spanish fluently, even stringing together a series of jokes when needed. Not only does he speak Spanish, but he also is encouraging his kids to learn Spanish and has time at his house when the whole family speaks the language.
He has been known to speak Spanish for interviews and movie premiers when needed, but even more impressive, he has a host of YouTube videos of himself singing along to Spanish songs.
Kobe Bryant
On the basketball court, Kobe Bryant was famous for his determination and never-lose attitude (not to mention his unreal athletic ability!). Off the court, he was known for his intelligence and perspective, which included his ability to speak multiple languages.
Growing up in Italy during his childhood, Bryant learned Italian, which helped him to learn Spanish later in life. He says he gained fluency by watching Spanish television with his wife and mother-in-law.
Bryant became so comfortable with the language that he was actually able to conduct complete interviews in Spanish. This enamored him to Spanish-speaking fans and helped him to expand his brand much farther than he ever thought.
Gwyneth Paltrow
From her range of roles to her high-profile lifestyle company, Gwyneth Paltrow is one of the most recognizable celebrities. Her resume includes starring in blockbuster franchises and indie classics. Though, you probably didn’t know that she speaks Spanish.
She learned Spanish during an exchange program as a teenager and says learning Spanish helped her immensely during her career. She also continues to speak Spanish and will leave reporters with jaws agape when she responds in perfect Spanish to a difficult question!
Matt Damon
When he broke onto the scene in Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon was a relative unknown. Fast forward more than 20 years and he is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time and has headlined multiple billion-dollar film franchises. Yet, despite all this success, he still found time to learn Spanish by immersing himself in the language during a backpacking trip around Mexico and Guatemala.
Damon has continued to improve on his Spanish over the years and for good reason; his wife is from Argentina! Damon says being bilingual has taught him so much and he appreciates the culture more thanks to learning Spanish online.
Natalie Portman
Her love of learning is no secret; neither is her Harvard education. Natalie Portman is one of the most well-known bookworms in Hollywood. Still, it is surprising she can speak so many languages, including Spanish.
While you probably have never heard her speak Spanish, she will surprise you with her ability to speak fluently. She will even do full interviews in Spanish when coaxed into doing so!
So, if you’ve ever thought it wasn’t worth it to learn Spanish online, think again! If it can help some of the biggest names in Hollywood, just think of what it could do for you to learn Spanish.