Brendan Schaub's wife, Joanna Zanella, has lived a life brimming with colorful experiences. Her career in the entertainment industry began when she was young, pursuing multiple passions, one of which led to a full-circle moment.
Joanna Zanella credited her parents' sacrifices and support for her ambitions in the noteworthy and multi-faceted career she has led. She grew up surrounded by a close-knit family in Mexico, experiencing a fulfilling childhood with all her cousins and family members.
However, her stay in the country ended abruptly when she and her mother moved to the United States. Zanella was deeply saddened when she left Mexico, as she had to start her life anew with her paternal family members, but she learned to adapt.
Brendan Schaub and Joanna Zanella are pictured at the 31st Annual Imagen Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 9, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
With her mother and godmother's support, she joined the entertainment industry, making such a positive impact that it was recognized even by former U.S. president Barack Obama. Among the many hats she donned, her main professions have been acting, modeling, and sports hosting.
Joanna Zanella Is Very Close to Her Family
During a November 2020 chat with IKONTUBE, Zanella delved into the details of her upbringing. She stayed with her maternal family in Mexico until she was nine, and though relocating led to a depressive state of mind, her parents were supportive and caring.
Zanella developed a tight bond with them, as her loving tributes on social media have indicated. In October 2020, she posted a birthday tribute for her dad, wishing him a happy birthday and declaring that she loved him with all her heart.
Alongside a black-and-white childhood photo of herself and Juan posing adorably, Joanna said she would "always be a daddy's girl." A few days after her 34th birthday, on May 8, she wished her mom, whom she referred to as "the best mama in the world," a happy Mother's Day, saying:
"You've taught me everything about being a mom, and seeing you be the grandma you are to my boys makes me hopeful so that one day when I am a grandma not only will I be a good mom but the best grandma."
Zanella also has a younger brother, Steven Camberos, who recently turned 29. She posted a sweet tribute on his 27th birthday, alongside another childhood photo of herself and Steven, talking about how they could always rely on each other when it mattered most. Zanella then added:
"I think you're the best little brother anyone could ever ask for. 27 is not so little anymore but I'll always see u just like this, holding your Woody with that cheesy smile I love. Happy birthday Love you Bro bro."
Joanna Zanella Began Her Career as a Child
While dealing with the blues of no longer being in a familiar space or around familiar faces, Zanella's mom enrolled her in acting classes. During her IKONTUBE interview, she said the lady who trained her eventually became her godmother.
Afterward, she started booking commercials on screen and in print and even worked with Nickelodeon, though acting didn't become her main profession. Still, she has a few credits under her name. The most well-known include 2012's "Sin Vergüenza" and 2013's "Reality Terror Night."
Most recently, Zanella starred in the 2018 drama thriller "Sleeping Dogs Lie." After graduating high school, she took a keen interest in sports reporting. Having trained as an actor, though, she was torn between moving to Miami to shoot telenovelas or hosting.
She said she was passionate about both fields, but her heart leaned more toward sports hosting. Something about it felt more natural, and she found that she was good at it. Zanella had grown up watching Univision sports programs, and her love for the industry grew from then.
Joanna Zanella poses at the 31st Annual Imagen Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 9, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Around age 11 or 12, she participated in a hosting contest held by Univision and won. Her mom had a picture of her holding a Univision mic commemorating the moment. After a few hosting gigs, Zanella caught the broadcasting company's attention, and she was invited to work for it.
The first time she broadcasted was nerve-wracking, but she was determined to do well, and it was a full-circle moment. Zanella's career catapulted from onwards, interviewing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal.
Joanna Zanella poses at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 12, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
She went on to host for UFC and is now currently working with "FOX Deportes." Zanella also ventured into modeling. She competed in a pageant presented by FOX Sports, where she won the Miss Mexico Fox Sports USA title.
Zanella also modeled for her own clothing brand, JZSTYLE, which she started shortly before she fell pregnant with her first son. She launched the brand after struggling to find clothes that fit just right on her curvy body.
However, she had to put the label on hold after her baby was born and returned to running it afterward. Zanella is also a self-proclaimed handywoman who enjoyed "upgrading" her home. She enrolled in interior design school but, once again, had to put those classes on hold due to pregnancy.
Joanna Zanella poses at the Padres Contra El Cancer's 15th Annual "El Seuno De Esperanza" at Boulevard3 on September 17, 2015, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
She stated her intent on returning and finishing her interior design course. Still, Zanella's work hasn't gone unnoticed. She gained prestigious recognition with a Gabriel award for her dubbing and voicework for a Brazillian soap opera as a teenager.
She then starred in another show that tackled the stigma around HIV and STIs within Latin communities. Her role as a young girl who fell pregnant touched many people and caught the attention of Barack Obama, who once spoke about the show. It aired for three seasons on Univision and gained much prestigious acclaim.
Joanna and Brendan Schaub Have Been Together for Nearly a Decade
Zanella and Schaub started dating in 2014 and married spontaneously five years later, on May 24, 2019. They welcomed two boys into their union, the first being Tiger and the youngest being Boston.
After Schaub retired from fighting, the father of two became a comedian, which led to constant traveling and limited quality time with family and his wife. Though they made time for each other, Zanella said being apart for lengthy periods was still difficult.
Joanna Zanella and Brendan Schaub are pictured at the screening of "Americons" at ArcLight Cinemas on January 22, 2015, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Joanna's Sons Taught Her a Lot
After sharing a tribute for her mom in 2022, Joanna shared an appreciation post, gushing about her boys, whom she referred to as her "heart and soul." In her caption, she expressed her gratitude for much of what she learned as a boy mom, saying:
"Thank you for teaching me everything I never knew I would learn. Patience, unconditional love, strength and most of all, for teaching me how to be your mommy. I love you both more then you’ll ever know and I know now I was destined to be a boy mom."
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