The season finale of The Last of Us is approaching, and in honor of the popular post-apocalyptic drama series, Billboard is highlighting its season two star, Isabela Merced, who in addition to acting, leads a music career of her own.
Isabela was cast as the last major addition to the show, joining series stars Pedro Pascal (Joel Miller) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie). In season two, Isabela portrays Dina, a freewheeling and loyal spirit who serves as Ellie’s romantic interest and Jesse’s ex.
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“Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” said Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us‘ co-creators, writers, executive producers and directors, according to Deadline. “You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family.”
In addition to the lovable character on the hit HBO series, Isabela has also portrayed roles in films including Transformers: The Last Knight; Sicario: Day of the Soldado; and Dora and the Lost City of Gold, where she portrayed Dora.
But beyond her remarkable screen work, Isabela is also a promising music star. Below, check out some fun facts about the actress and singer.
Her Artist Name
The actress was born in Ohio to a Peruvian mother and a father from Louisiana. Her real name is Isabela Yolanda Moner, and was formerly known as Isabela Moner when she kicked off her acting career. However, when she launched her career as a solo musician in 2018, she changed her artist name to Isabela Merced as a tribute to 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 including Sebastian Yatra, Matt Hunter, and Danna (formerly known as Danna Paola), to name a few. Her 2020 EP The Better Half of Me features five tracks —in English and Spanish — navigating from reggaetón to R&B rhythms, and best putting on the map her fresh bilingual pop sound. Isabela has also recorded songs for the Instant Family and Spirit Untamed movie soundtracks, and has two Christmas songs: “Caliente Navidad” and “Cuffing Season.” Billboard can confirm that she’s currently working on new music.
Her Latin Roots
Isabela is a proud Peruvian-American, and the official music video for her single “Papi” is proof of that. The clip included a modern twist to the traditional Peruvian dance called Marinera and the devil masks worn by her dancers, which represent the Diablada. “Different elements of my Peruvian culture, from the coast to the Amazons, are incorporated into every aspect of my music, wardrobe, dancing, and storytelling of my videos,” she previously said to Billboard. She’s also a UNICEF ambassador in Peru and has visited communities in the Amazon.
The season two finale of The Last of Us will air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 25 on HBO and stream on Max.
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