Mercedes Renard was Born in Miami Beach, Florida where her parents live since fleeing Cuba with her two brothers and sister. Renard's father, Roberto Lopez was a film and radio actor in Cuba. At the age of 16 she was scouted by a top modeling agency and sent her to Europe for the summer. After modeling in Europe, Renard began her career as an actress. She landed her first feature role in "Hitch" alongside Will Smith and Eva Mendes. Renard most recently shot" Kill the Dictator" in the Dominican Republic as well the MOW for Hallmark "Meddling Mom" starring alongside Sonia Braga and Tony Plana. She has guest starred on several television series, including: "House," "Law and Order,""NCIS", and "Dexter". Outside of acting, Renard is a strong supporter of Women for Women International, a charity that helps woman survivors of war rebuild their lives.