Talisa Soto

Talisa Soto Biography

Talisa Soto as Lupe Lamora

Talisa Soto is an American former model and actress who was born in Brooklyn, New York City on March 27, 1967. She grew up in Northampton, Massachusetts, as the youngest of four children.

Soto began her modeling career at age 15 when she signed with Click Model Management and started appearing in magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Glamour, as well as advertising campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein, Cartier, Versace and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Talisa Soto made her acting debut in the 1988 film Spike of Bensonhurst, playing the role of India. She went on to play Bond girl Lupe Lamora in the James Bond film Licence to Kill, and Kitana in the Mortal Kombat franchise.

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She appeared in over 20 films, including The Mambo Kings, Don Juan DeMarco, Vampirella, and Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever. Her last part was an uncredited role in the 2013 movie Elysium. In addition to film, she made two guest appearances on the TV series C-16: FBI and starred as Cassie in comedy western TV series Harts of the West from 1993-94.

Soto has received recognition for her acting abilities. In 1989, she won the Female Star of Tomorrow award at the ShoWest Convention. Thirteen years later, in 2002, she was nominated for an ALMA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.

Talis Soto has been married twice, previously to actor Costas Mandylor, but the couple divorced in 2000. In 2002, she married actor Benjamin Bratt, with whom she has two children. She retired from acting after her marriage to Bratt.

Talisa Soto FAQs

Who is Talisa Soto?

Talisa Soto is an American actress and former model best known for her roles in the films Mortal Kombat and Licence to Kill.

What ethnicity is Talisa Soto?

Talisa Soto is of Puerto Rican descent. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Northampton, Massachusetts.

How old is Talisa Soto?

Talisa Soto was born on March 27, 1967, which makes her 56 years old as of May, 2023.

What is Talisa Soto’s net worth?

As of 2023, her estimated net worth is around $6 million.

Is Talisa Soto married?

Yes, she is married to actor Benjamin Bratt. They got married in April 2002 and have two children together.

Why has Talisa Soto stopped acting?

While the exact reason for Talisa Soto’s break from acting is not publicly known, it is speculated that she chose to focus on her family and personal life. Her last credited role was in 2009’s La Mission as Talisa Soto Bratt.

What was Talisa Soto’s big break in Hollywood?

Talisa Soto’s first significant role in Hollywood was as Lupe Lamora in the 1989 James Bond film Licence to Kill, opposite Timothy Dalton.

What other big movies has Talisa Soto appeared in?

Some of Talisa Soto’s other notable film appearances include Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, Don Juan DeMarco, and The Mambo Kings.

What did Talisa Soto do before acting?

Talisa Soto was a model from the age of 15, working with top fashion photographers and appearing on the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Mademoiselle.

Talisa Soto Movies and TV List

YearFilmRole
1984The Pope of Greenwich VillageStudio Dancer
1988The French as Seen By...French Girl
1988Spike of BensonhurstIndia
1989Licence to KillLupe Lamora
1990SilhouetteMarianna Herrera
1991Prison Stories: Women on the InsideRosina
1992The Mambo KingsMaria Rivera
1992HostageJoanna
1993–1994Harts of the WestCassie
1994Don Juan DeMarcoDoña Julia
1995Mortal KombatPrincess Kitana
1996Spy HardSeductress In Hotel Room
1996The SunchaserNavajo Woman
1996VampirellaVampirella
1997FlypaperAmanda
1997The Corporate LadderSusan Taylor
1997Mortal Kombat: AnnihilationPrincess Kitana
1998C-16: FBIRosemary Vargas
2000That Summer in L.A.Marisabel
2000Flight of FancyMercedes Marquez
2000Island of the DeadMelissa O'Keefe
2001Piñero'Sugar'
2002Ballistic: Ecks vs. SeverRayne Ecks / Vinn Gant
2009La MissionAna
2013ElysiumTisha