Fear on the Road: Penélope Cruz Opens Up About Driving Anxiety, Shares Harrowing Experience of Sister Being Hit by a Car

Behind the Wheel, Beyond the Fear: Penélope Cruz Reveals Driving Anxiety Stemming from Traumatic Past

Despite her riveting performance in the 2023 sports film "Ferrari," Penélope Cruz unveils a deeply personal struggle—her intense fear of driving. In a candid interview with ELLE, the acclaimed actor sheds light on the roots of this fear, tracing it back to a traumatic incident from her childhood. At the tender age of "eight or nine," Cruz witnessed her sister being hit by a car, an experience that left an indelible mark on her psyche.

Recalling the harrowing event, Cruz shares, "For me, time stopped. It’s a great trauma because I saw her losing consciousness. And I was numb in the hospital, telling people, ‘Oh, my sister just got run over by a car.’" Although her sister survived, Cruz acknowledges that if such an incident were to occur today, she believes she "would have been hysterical.

The 49-year-old Spanish actor, who plays Laura Dominica Garello Ferrari in "Ferrari," goes on to describe how this trauma has manifested in her life, resulting in heightened hypersensitivity—visually, to sound, and to people's emotions. Despite the challenges, Cruz views her heightened emotional awareness as a gift in her profession, acknowledging the delicate balance she must strike to feel deeply without letting those emotions consume her.

In therapy, Cruz confronts this emotional tightrope, striving to maintain equilibrium while navigating the intense feelings that come with her craft. The actor's vulnerability in sharing her struggle adds a layer of depth to her public persona, humanizing the star who graces the silver screen with poise and emotion.

Interestingly, Cruz isn't alone in her distance from the driver's seat on the set of "Ferrari." Co-star Adam Driver, who portrays the film's titular character, revealed that insurance reasons prevented him from actually driving the luxury cars featured in the film. The shared experience highlights the intricacies of filmmaking and the personal challenges that sometimes accompany even the most glamorous roles.

As "Ferrari" hits theaters, Penélope Cruz's revelation adds a layer of authenticity to her portrayal, emphasizing that behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, every star carries a unique and human story.

Preserving Democracy: Support Independent Journalism for $1

In the throes of the 2024 presidential race, where the very bedrock of our democracy is under scrutiny, HuffPost invites you to be a champion of informed citizenship. As the stakes rise, access to unbiased, well-researched news becomes paramount. We understand that not everyone can afford expensive news subscriptions, and that's why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked journalism that is freely accessible to everyone.

Now, we ask for your support. For as little as $1, you can play a crucial role in sustaining independent journalism. In a media landscape where paywalls are becoming more prevalent, HuffPost remains steadfast in our belief that a vibrant democracy necessitates well-informed citizens, regardless of their financial means.

The 2024 presidential race is a pivotal moment, and HuffPost is dedicated to bringing you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analyses, and timely perspectives on one of the most consequential elections in recent history. Your contribution, no matter how small, empowers us to continue this vital work.

At HuffPost, we don't take lightly the responsibility of reporting on the current political climate. We strive to be a beacon of truth and transparency, but we cannot do it alone. Join us in supporting independent journalism by contributing as little as $1 a month. Your contribution will go a long way in preserving the foundations of our democracy.

Empowering Democracy, One Contribution at a Time

As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, the significance of well-informed citizens and robust journalism becomes increasingly evident. In the face of a pivotal moment for our democracy, HuffPost remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering unbiased, carefully fact-checked news freely accessible to all.

The call for support is not just about sustaining independent journalism; it's about safeguarding the very foundations of our democratic principles. In a media landscape where paywalls often restrict access to vital information, HuffPost invites you to be a part of a movement that values informed citizenship over financial barriers.

The responsibility of reporting on the current political climate is one that HuffPost takes seriously, recognizing the pivotal role journalism plays in shaping our collective understanding. The ongoing dedication to hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analyses, and timely perspectives underscores the urgency of the 2024 elections.

Your contribution, no matter how modest, is a direct investment in the preservation of democracy. By supporting independent journalism with as little as $1 a month, you empower HuffPost to continue its crucial work, ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial capacity, can access the information needed to actively participate in the democratic process.

In this critical moment, your support becomes a beacon of hope for the continuation of transparent, truth-driven journalism. Join us in this mission to keep news free for everyone, contributing to the resilience of our democracy for generations to come.