Isabela Merced

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23 Feb 2024

Isabela Merced

Isabela Yolanda Moner, born on July 10, 2001, is an accomplished American actress and singer who has captivated audiences with her versatile performances. Known professionally as Isabela Merced since 2019, she has left an indelible mark on both the small and big screens.
Moner rose to prominence with her lead role as CJ Martin in the Nickelodeon television series 100 Things to Do Before High School (2014–2016), where she charmed viewers with her charisma and talent. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character Kate in Nickelodeon's animated spinoff series Dora and Friends: Into the City! (2014–2017), showcasing her versatility as a performer.

In the realm of film, Moner has showcased her acting prowess in a variety of roles. She portrayed Izabella in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), leaving a lasting impression with her portrayal of a spirited and resilient character. Moner further solidified her status as a rising star with her performances as Lizzy in Instant Family (2018) and Isabel in Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), displaying her ability to inhabit diverse characters with depth and authenticity.

One of Moner's most notable roles came in 2019 when she took on the titular character in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, a live-action adaptation of the beloved children's television series. Her portrayal of Dora showcased her talent for bringing iconic characters to life with charm and enthusiasm, earning her praise from audiences and critics alike.
Moner continued to impress with her performance as Rachel Cooper in the Netflix film Sweet Girl (2021), further establishing herself as a versatile and accomplished actress in the industry.
With her talent, dedication, and captivating on-screen presence, Isabela Yolanda Moner, now known as Isabela Merced, continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, enchanting audiences with her performances across various mediums.

Isabela Merced was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents Katherine and Patrick Moner. Katherine hails from Lima, Peru, while Patrick was born in Louisiana, reflecting the cultural diversity that shapes Isabela's background. Spanish was her first language, and she faced initial challenges with English when she started grade school. Isabela has openly expressed a strong connection to her Peruvian heritage, stating that she considers herself more Peruvian than American. This cultural richness adds depth to her identity and influences her perspective on life.

At the young age of 15, Isabela achieved an impressive milestone by being accepted into college, highlighting her academic prowess and determination to pursue her passions.
Isabela's journey into acting began as a response to a challenging family situation. After her family's home in Cleveland was destroyed by a fire, Isabela's parents sought to provide her with a positive distraction. Aware of her admiration for Judy Garland, they encouraged her to audition for a local production of The Wizard of Oz. Isabela, embracing the opportunity, landed the role of a Munchkin. Recognizing her talent, a local theatre director suggested that the family relocate to New York City, a move they wholeheartedly embraced to support Isabela in pursuing a career on Broadway.

This pivotal decision not only marked the beginning of Isabela's acting journey but also showcased the unwavering support of her family in helping her pursue her dreams. Isabela's resilience, coupled with her talent, laid the foundation for her remarkable career in the entertainment industry.

Isabela Merced's passion for acting ignited at a tender age, fueled by her admiration for iconic stars like Shirley Temple and Judy Garland. Beginning her theatrical journey at the age of six in local community theatre, Isabela demonstrated a natural talent and love for the craft from the outset.

At the remarkable age of ten, Isabela made her Broadway debut in a production of Evita, an experience that allowed her to showcase her vocal talents alongside the legendary Ricky Martin, singing in Spanish and marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Her Broadway debut was a testament to her dedication and versatility as a performer.
In September 2015, Isabela expanded her artistic horizons with the release of her album, Stopping Time, produced by Broadway Records. This venture into music showcased her multifaceted talents and further solidified her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

Isabela's breakout role came with her portrayal of CJ Martin, the lead character in the Nickelodeon television series 100 Things to Do Before High School, which aired from 2014 to 2016. Her charismatic performance endeared her to audiences and established her as a young talent to watch. Concurrently, she lent her voice to Kate, one of the main characters in the Dora the Explorer spinoff, Dora and Friends: Into the City!, showcasing her versatility in both live-action and animated roles.
Isabela's on-screen presence continued to shine with roles in various Nickelodeon Original Movies, including Splitting Adam (2015) and Legends of the Hidden Temple (2016), where she demonstrated her range as an actress. In 2016, she embarked on her journey into blockbuster films with a role in Transformers: The Last Knight, further expanding her repertoire and reaching a broader audience.
Additionally, Isabela showcased her voice acting skills as Heather in the animated film The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature, proving her versatility across different mediums of entertainment.
Through her early successes and diverse roles, Isabela Merced has cemented her status as a multifaceted talent, captivating audiences with her charisma, talent, and unwavering passion for her craft. Her journey from local theatre to Broadway and beyond is a testament to her dedication, talent, and undeniable star quality.

In 2018, Isabela Merced showcased her versatility and talent with standout performances in a variety of roles. In Sicario: Day of the Soldado, she delivered a "major" performance as the daughter of a drug cartel head, earning acclaim from critics for her portrayal. Anthony Lane of The New Yorker praised Merced's performance, highlighting her ability to convey her character's emotional journey with depth and nuance.
Simultaneously, Merced demonstrated her comedic chops in the comedy film Instant Family, where she played the adopted daughter of characters portrayed by Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne. Not only did she shine on screen, but she also showcased her musical talents by writing and performing the song "I'll Stay" for the film.

In 2019, Merced took on the iconic role of the titular character in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, bringing the beloved animated series to life in a live-action adaptation. Her portrayal of Dora resonated with audiences, further establishing her as a versatile and dynamic actress capable of carrying a big-screen adventure.
Continuing her momentum, Merced joined the cast of the Christmas romantic comedy ensemble film Let It Snow and starred opposite Jason Momoa in the Netflix film Sweet Girl, showcasing her range as an actress across different genres.

In October 2019, Merced made a significant personal and professional decision by announcing her stage name change to Isabela Merced, in honor of her late grandmother. This symbolic gesture underscored the deeper meaning behind her artistry and reflected her commitment to honoring her family's legacy.
Venturing into the music industry, Merced released her debut single "Papi" in October 2019, followed by her first music video. She continued to expand her musical repertoire with the release of her debut EP, The Better Half of Me, in May 2020, garnering recognition as one of Billboard's top 15 new Peruvian artists to listen to.

Looking ahead, Merced's star continues to rise with exciting projects on the horizon. She is set to star in the film adaptation of John Green's novel Turtles All the Way Down, followed by roles in Fede Álvarez's Alien: Romulus and the DC Universe film Superman: Legacy, where she will portray Hawkgirl. Additionally, Merced's casting as Dina in season 2 of The Last of Us further cements her status as a talent to watch in the entertainment industry. With her remarkable talent, dedication, and versatility, Isabela Merced is poised to make a lasting impact on both the big screen and the music industry.