Isabela Merced is a rising star in the entertainment industry, known for her acting skills and her promising music career. She recently joined the cast of the popular post-apocalyptic drama series The Last of Us, and Billboard is highlighting her as the season finale approaches.
Isabela plays the character of Dina in the second season of The Last of Us, joining stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Dina is described as warm, bright, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable. The creators of the series, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, were impressed by Isabela’s natural ability to embody all these qualities and were proud to have her join the cast.
Aside from her beloved character in the hit HBO series, Isabela has also appeared in films such as Transformers: The Last Knight, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold, where she played the lead role of Dora.
But Isabela’s talents go beyond acting, as she is also a promising musical artist. Here are some interesting facts about the actress and singer.
Her stage name
Born in Ohio to a Peruvian mother and a father from Louisiana, Isabela’s real name is Isabela Yolanda Moner. When she first started her acting career, she went by the name Isabela Moner. However, when she launched her music career in 2018, she changed her stage name to Isabela Merced in honor of her grandmother, Yolanda Merced, and her Peruvian heritage.
Her music career
In 2019, Isabela officially launched her music career and has already collaborated with artists such as Sebastián Yatra, Matt Hunter, and Danna (formerly known as Danna Paola). Her 2020 EP, The Better Half of Me, features five songs in both English and Spanish, showcasing her fresh bilingual pop sound. Isabela has also recorded songs for the soundtracks of the films Instant Family and Spirit Untamed, and has two Christmas songs, “Caliente Navidad” and “Cuffing Season.” Billboard confirms that she is currently working on new music.
Her Latin roots
Isabela is a proud Peruvian-American, and her music video for her single “Papi” (2019) is a testament to that. The video features a modern version of the traditional Peruvian dance, marinera, and the devil masks worn by her dancers, representing the Diablada. “Different elements of my Peruvian culture, from the coast to the Amazon, are incorporated into every aspect of my music and wardrobe,” Isabela said in an interview with Billboard.
Her philanthropy
Aside from her successful career in the entertainment industry, Isabela is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She has been an advocate for children’s rights and has worked with organizations such as Save the Children and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. In 2019, she was named the Youth Ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Her future projects
Isabela’s career is just getting started, and she has many exciting projects in the works. She will be starring in the upcoming film Sweet Girl alongside Jason Momoa, and she is set to play the lead role in the film adaptation of the popular book series, Let It Snow. She is also working on new music and has hinted at a possible collaboration with her friend and fellow actress, Danna.
In conclusion, Isabela Merced is a talented and versatile artist who has captured the hearts of audiences with her acting and music. With her Latin roots, philanthropic efforts, and promising future projects, she is definitely one to watch in the entertainment industry.