Isabela Merced has emerged as one of Hollywood's most promising young talents, captivating audiences with her versatile performances across film and television. The 24-year-old American actress, voiceover artist, singer-songwriter, and dancer has built an impressive career that continues to reach new heights.
Early Beginnings and Career Breakthrough
Born Isabela Yolanda Moner on July 10, 2001, in Cleveland, Ohio, Merced began her entertainment journey at a remarkably young age. Her first significant breakthrough came when she landed the lead role as CJ Martin in the Nickelodeon TV series 100 Things to Do Before High School. This platform launched her into the spotlight and opened doors to numerous opportunities in the industry.
Merced's talent wasn't limited to television. At just ten years old, she demonstrated her performing abilities on Broadway in an Evita production, where she sang in Spanish alongside renowned artist Ricky Martin. This early experience showcased her diverse skill set and prepared her for the multifaceted career she would later build.
Name Change and Personal Significance
In October 2019, the actress made a significant personal decision by changing her surname from Moner to Merced. This change held deep emotional meaning, as Merced was her grandmother's surname. She adopted it to honor her late grandmother's memory, keeping her legacy alive despite never having the chance to meet her.
The name change coincided with a pivotal moment in her career, as she transitioned from child star to adult roles in major Hollywood productions.
Rising Film Career and Major Roles
Merced's filmography demonstrates her remarkable range and growing prominence in the entertainment industry. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Izabella in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) and later starred as Isabel in Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018).
One of her most notable performances came in 2019 when she portrayed the titular character in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, bringing the beloved animated character to life in a live-action adaptation. This role particularly resonated with audiences and showcased her ability to carry a major studio production.
Her recent projects highlight her continued success. In 2023, she appeared as Dina in the critically acclaimed series The Last of Us, and she's set to appear as Hawkgirl in the upcoming Superman film scheduled for 2025.
Musical Pursuits and Personal Life
Beyond acting, Merced has cultivated a parallel career in music. She released her first album, Stopping Time, in 2015 and followed with her EP The Better Half of Me in 2020. Her musical catalog includes popular tracks like PAPI, Apocalipsis, and I'll Stay, demonstrating her artistic versatility.
Despite her public profile, Merced maintains a relatively private personal life. As of 2025, she appears to be single, though she previously dated fellow actor Jace Norman in 2016. Her focus remains squarely on her flourishing career.
Background and Education
Merced comes from a multicultural background that has influenced her perspective and career choices. Her mother, Katherine, is Peruvian from Lima, while her father, Patrick, is American with Slovak and Polish roots. This mixed ethnicity has allowed her to connect with diverse audiences and take on varied roles.
The actress was homeschooled through Ohio Virtual Academy and has been open about her early challenges with English, as Spanish was her first language. She developed unique learning strategies that later helped her memorize scripts efficiently.
With an estimated net worth of $3 million, Merced has established herself as a financially successful artist through her acting and music careers. Her journey from Nickelodeon star to Hollywood mainstay serves as an inspiration to young performers everywhere.
As Isabela Merced continues to take on challenging roles in major productions, her star power only continues to grow, solidifying her position as one of Hollywood's most promising young talents with a bright future ahead.
