Isabela Merced is a name that is lighting up screens and playlists alike. From starring as Dora the Explorer’s live-action avatar to voicing roles in popular video games, this young dynamo has worn many hats—and mastered them all. But who exactly is Isabela Merced? What is her story beyond the flashing cameras and spotlight? 

Isabela Merced, born Isabela Yolanda Moner on July 10, 2001, in Cleveland, Ohio, is an American actress, singer, and performer known for her magnetic presence on screen and stage. She first captivated audiences as CJ Martin in Nickelodeon's 100 Things to Do Before High School and swiftly rose through Hollywood ranks with roles in Transformers: The Last Knight, Instant Family, and Sicario: Day of the Soldado.

Her career took a luminous leap when she starred as Dora in Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019), blending charm and adventure effortlessly. Merced made her Broadway debut at age 10 in Evita, showcasing her theatrical roots early in life. Always pushing the envelope, she is now known for strong, nuanced characters like Hawkgirl in the DC Universe and Dina in HBO's The Last of Us, proving her versatility and star power.

Isabela Merced's heritage is as colorful as her career. She is the daughter of Katherine Moner, a nurse from Lima, Peru, and Patrick Moner, a firefighter from Louisiana with Polish and Slovak roots. Growing up bilingual, Spanish was her first language, which shaped her identity and artistry by blending Latin spirit with Midwestern values.

Her early life was marked by resilience; when a fire destroyed her family home, her father was the firefighter on call. To help her cope, her parents encouraged her to act. She began performing in local theaters at age six and made her Broadway debut at ten. Her family even relocated temporarily to New York City to support her emerging career. She considers herself half Peruvian and half from Ohio, embracing both her cultural roots and American upbringing.

Isabela Merced’s filmography boasts an impressive and charming mix of roles. Starting with Nickelodeon's 100 Things to Do Before High School, where she played the lead, CJ Martin, she soon moved into major movies. Highlights include Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), and Instant Family (2018).

Her title role in Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) blended live-action adventure with a beloved animated legacy. More recent projects include Madame Web and Turtles All the Way Down (2024), which are expanding her footprint in major studio productions.

Merced also made her game-to-show debut in 2025 with HBO’s The Last of Us second season, an emotionally intense and critically acclaimed role. A major milestone this year is her portrayal of Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl in the DC Universe’s Superman film and the Peacemaker series, propelling her into the superhero spotlight.

With not only the tag of an actress already basking in range, Isabela Merced is also a talented and active singer blending pop with Latin influences. She debuted musically with the album ‘Stopping Time’ in 2015 and has since delivered hits like ‘PAPI’, ‘My Only One (No Hay Nadie Más),’ and ‘Fearless,’ a collaboration with J Balvin featured in Spirit Untamed.

Her songs, sung in both English and Spanish, explore themes of love, bravery, and identity, resonating deeply with diverse audiences across platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Recent releases such as ‘AGONIA’ (2022) showcase her vocal maturity and versatility, establishing her as a rising star in the music world.

By 2025, Isabela Merced’s net worth is estimated at between $3 million and $4 million. Her earnings derive from a mix of high-profile film and TV roles, music royalties, voice acting, and endorsements.

Beginning with Broadway and Nickelodeon, she strategically built a portfolio of commercially and critically successful projects. Her balance of family-friendly cinema and mature dramas, alongside growing musical success, ensures her financial growth remains steady and promising.

Isabela Merced keeps her personal life mostly private, apart from being an admirer of the hustle Sydney Sweeney embodies. Her most public relationship was with fellow Nickelodeon actor Jace Norman in 2016. She was later linked to Dylan Summerall in 2017 and had a significant relationship with graphic designer Kiana from 2021 to 2023, aligning with her public embrace of her queer identity.

Currently, she appears focused on career development and personal growth, stepping back from public romantic headlines.

Isabela Merced shines beyond entertainment through active support of various charitable causes, focusing on animal welfare, cancer research, and children’s mental health. She advocates for organizations such as Real Good Rescue and Stand Up To Cancer.

Her philanthropic spirit is genuine, involving fundraising efforts and fan mobilization for awareness campaigns. Her dedication to making a positive impact reflects a thoughtful and compassionate side of the young star.

In 2025, Isabela Merced steps fully into the DC Universe spotlight as Kendra Saunders, aka Hawkgirl, in the Superman film, released on July 11, 2025. Hawkgirl is a complex superhero with Thanagarian origins, wielding superhuman strength, agility, flight, and formidable weaponry made from Nth Metal. This portrayal will highlight Hawkgirl’s grumpy but self-aware personality, mixing trauma with humor—a role Merced embraces enthusiastically. She brings a fresh dynamic to the hero ensemble, following her recent role as Anya Corazon in Madame Web.

Isabela Merced is a vibrant blend of talent, culture, and heart. At just 24, she commands roles in blockbuster films, sophisticated TV dramas, and a lively music career with equal flair. From early theater days and Nickelodeon to stepping into the role of Hawkgirl in the DC Universe, she exemplifies perseverance and versatility. Her strong cultural identity, career savvy, and philanthropic spirit set her apart as both a star and a role model. With exciting projects ahead, Merced’s journey is one to watch and cheer for in the years to come.