Milena Smit has quickly become one of Spain’s most talked-about young actresses, known for her emotional depth and strong screen presence across film and television.
advertisement
Early life and first steps
Milena Smit was born Elisa Milena Smit Márquez on October 5, 1996, in Elche, Spain. She spent much of her childhood in Torrevieja, Torre de la Horadada, and Murcia, moving between places as she grew up. With a Dutch father and a Spanish mother, she was raised with a blend of cultures that later became part of her distinct look and personal style.
She began modeling at just 15 years old. Before acting became her main focus, she worked a range of everyday jobs, including as a waitress, shop assistant, babysitter, and helping passengers in the Madrid subway. Those early experiences gave her a grounded outlook and a sense of real life that she often brings into her performances.
Eventually, she moved to Madrid to study acting more seriously. She trained at Cristina Rota’s respected acting school and also worked with acting coach Bernardo Hiller, who has trained international stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio. This mix of formal training and life experience helped shape her approach to acting.
Short films and the big break
Milena’s acting career began with a series of short films, including Diagonales, Innermost, Chimichanga, and Adentro. These projects gave her valuable on-set experience and helped her develop confidence in front of the camera. For Adentro, she even came up with the original concept herself, showing early creative ambition.
Her major breakthrough arrived in 2020 when casting directors discovered her on Instagram and offered her the lead role in the thriller Cross the Line (No matarás). She starred opposite Mario Casas in the tense film, which quickly drew attention.
Her performance as Mila stood out for its intensity and realism. The role earned her a Goya nomination for Best New Actress and marked her as a name to watch in Spanish cinema.
advertisement
Working with Almodóvar
Her next career step came soon after. Pedro Almodóvar cast her as Ana in Parallel Mothers (2021), where she appeared alongside Penélope Cruz in a story centered on motherhood, memory, and identity.
Almodóvar publicly praised her work, saying she brought "emotional intelligence and sincerity that can't be taught." to the role. The performance earned her another Goya nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actress, and further strengthened her reputation.
The film also introduced her to a wider international audience. Critics and viewers outside Spain took notice, opening doors beyond the local film scene.
Building a diverse career
Following that success, Milena continued to choose varied roles. She starred in Dragonflies (Libélulas, 2022), where she shared the Best Actress award at the Málaga Film Festival with co-star Olivia Baglivi.
She then moved into horror with Tin & Tina (2023) on Netflix, playing Lola in a disturbing story about adoption. The role showed her ability to handle darker and more unsettling material.
On television, she appeared in The Girl in the Mirror (Alma, 2022) before taking on one of her most visible roles as journalist Miren Rojo in The Snow Girl (La chica de nieve, 2023–2025), a popular crime drama series on Netflix.
advertisement
Recent work and TV success
Milena returned as Miren in The Snow Girl 2: The Soul Game (2025), continuing the story that had already gained a strong following. The series has kept her firmly in the public eye.
She also appeared in Bellas Artes (2024) as Ulla Groh and played Laura in Los sin nombre (2025), adding further range to her television and film credits.
In 2024, she joined the cast of The Platform 2 on Netflix as Perempuán. The dystopian sequel allowed her to show strength and intensity in a harsh, high-pressure setting.
advertisement
Style, fashion, and what’s next
Outside of acting, Milena has developed a strong presence in the fashion world. She has worked on campaigns for Saint Laurent and attended Paris Fashion Week wearing designs from brands such as Loewe.
She remains active on Instagram (@milenasmitm), where she shares fashion looks, behind-the-scenes moments from sets, and glimpses of her daily life. Fans are drawn to her natural and slightly edgy style.
Her next major project is Bitter Christmas (Amarga Navidad), marking another collaboration with Pedro Almodóvar. Filming wrapped in 2025, with the tragic comedy expected to be released in March 2026.
advertisement
Why she stands out
Milena Smit brings a mix of vulnerability and quiet strength to her roles. Whether she is in an intimate drama or a tense thriller, her performances feel grounded and engaging.
Her journey from everyday jobs to working with one of cinema’s most respected directors feels authentic and relatable. It reflects persistence, preparation, and timing coming together.
With more films and series on the way, Milena appears to be building a long-term career rather than chasing quick success. For those new to her work, Parallel Mothers or The Snow Girl offer a strong place to start.