Sofia Boutella was born on April 3, 1982, in Bab El Oued, Algiers, Algeria, to jazz musician Safy Boutella and an architect mother. She moved to France at the age of five. Boutella began classical dance training at the age of five and rhythmic gymnastics at the age of ten, joining the French national team at the age of 18.
Boutella transitioned to hip-hop and street dance, becoming part of a dance crew called the Vagabond Crew. She worked as a dancer in several music videos and concerts, collaborating with artists such as Madonna for her Confessions Tour in 2006 and Rihanna. She has also appeared in commercials for Nike.
Boutella transitioned to acting in the late 2000s. Her breakthrough role was as Gazelle in the 2014 film *Kingsman: The Secret Service*. This role brought her international recognition and launched her acting career.
Boutella has appeared in a variety of film genres, including science fiction, action, and horror. Some of her most notable film roles include: