Quote of the day by Ana de Armas: 'It’s fun to just be true to yourself. There are certain moments in your life…' Hollywood actress’ powerful lesson on staying true to yourself

There are moments in life when following your instincts can feel risky, especially when those around you question your choices. For Hollywood actress Ana de Armas, however, trusting her gut and pursuing ambitious dreams has been a recurring theme. In an interview with Associated Press, de Armas reflected on making decisions that may appear “crazy or extreme” to others and explained why she continues to follow what feels right. Her journey from Cuba to Hollywood offers an inspiring perspective on courage, ambition and authenticity.

Ana de Armas on trusting your instincts

In her conversation with Associated Press, de Armas spoke candidly about the unconventional choices she has made throughout her life. She recalled how certain decisions could seem extreme or even irrational to people around her, with others often advising her against them. Yet, instead of allowing external opinions to dictate her path, the actress said she has consistently chosen to challenge herself, aim high and pursue what she wants. She described following her instincts as part of her “purpose in life” and emphasised the importance of continuing to chase dreams, goals and whatever she is seeking.

For de Armas, staying true to herself ultimately matters more than proving others wrong. She described it as “fun to prove them wrong” but stressed that being authentic is what she considers “more important.”

From Cuba to Hollywood

Ana Celia de Armas Caso was born in Cuba and moved to Madrid at the age of 18. Shortly after arriving, she met casting director Luis San Narciso, who had seen her in Una rosa de Francia. Two months later, he cast her as Carolina in the Spanish drama El Internado. De Armas appeared in the series for six seasons from 2007 to 2010. The popular boarding-school drama helped establish her as a celebrity in Spain. Her transition to Hollywood presented a very different challenge. When she arrived in Los Angeles in 2014, she spoke very little English. Determined not to be restricted to roles written specifically for Latina actresses, she spent four months studying English full-time.

Building a global film career

De Armas made her first Hollywood appearance opposite Keanu Reeves in Eli Roth’s Knock Knock in 2015, learning her lines phonetically. She subsequently gained international recognition for playing the holographic AI Joi in Blade Runner 2049 and nurse Marta Cabrera in Knives Out. Her performance in Knives Out earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She later portrayed Paloma in No Time to Die and played Marilyn Monroe in Blonde. Her performance in Blonde made her the first Cuban actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

In 2025, de Armas took on the lead role in Ballerina, a spin-off from the John Wick franchise, further marking her evolution into a leading action star.