Patricia Velasquez: Venezuelan Actress and Model
Patricia Velasquez is an award-winning actress, record-setting supermodel, passionate philanthropist, and committed activist. She has graced Vogue and Bazaar covers and runway shows by iconic designers such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and John Galliano.
She has made an impactful mark in films such as The Mummy and the Mummy Returns, Ugly Betty, and CSI Miami.
Patricia Velasquez’s Biography
Patricia Velasquez was born January 31, 1971, in Maracaibo, Venezuela to two educators – both work as educators for UNESCO – so much of her youth was spent traveling and living in different countries. With this diverse experience under her belt, Patricia has built an incredibly successful modeling and acting career.
She has represented some of the most renowned fashion houses, such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Victoria’s Secret. Additionally, she has made multiple appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Furthermore, she has appeared in multiple television series and films.
As an actress, she is best known for her roles in The Mummy and its sequel The Mummy Returns. Additionally, she has appeared in other popular television shows and movies such as The L Word and Rescue Me; all these experiences have helped build up an enormous fan base worldwide.
Velasquez is also an avid activist who has dedicated her life to aiding others. She founded the Wayuu Taya Foundation to improve the lives of indigenous people in South America and has spoken out against injustices against LGBTQ individuals.
Patricia Velasquez’s Net Worth
Velasquez boasts a net worth of $4 million and owns several properties for herself, including homes in Los Angeles and Venezuela. She enjoys yoga practice as well as hiking.
She has won over audiences from across the globe with her speeches on leadership and responsibility that have motivated people to reach their goals. Additionally, she has spoken at TED and the UN.
For booking Patricia Velasquez at your next event, contact an All American Speakers Bureau booking agent who can provide availability and provide a comprehensive profile of Patricia.
Patricia Velasquez’s Acting Career
Patricia Velasquez is an award-winning actress and model. In addition to these responsibilities, she also operates her own beauty products company and dedicates much of her energy to improving indigenous communities in South America through activism work. Additionally, Patricia has appeared in many popular movies and television shows.
Velasquez began her fashion industry career modeling for prominent brands like Chanel and Victoria’s Secret. Her distinct look and 5’10” height and weight (129 pounds) make Velasquez an ever-popular fan choice.
Following a brief stint in fashion, she transitioned into acting. She started with small roles in films like Le Jaguar before getting her big break as Anck-Su-Namun in “The Mummy”. Since then she has appeared in multiple films and TV shows; including being featured in a recurring role on “Arrested Development” and as the lead in the horror flick “The Curse of La Llorona”.
Velasquez is also an advocate for Latino causes and LGBTQ rights, founding the Wayuu Taya Foundation to enhance indigenous communities’ lives in South America and advocating for LGBTQ rights. She made her television debut competing on season 12 of The Apprentice before she was eliminated in week 6.
Velasquez enjoys playing soccer and traveling as part of her leisure pursuits. Born in Venezuela and fluently speaking Spanish, Velasquez also writes novels and plays – her debut novel A Lady in the Ruins was published in 2011.
Velasquez remains grounded and modest despite her success in the entertainment industry, taking great pride in her heritage while not allowing fame and fortune to change her personality.
Velasquez began her modeling career struggling financially. At one time she lived in a trailer park and worked as a bartender to support herself, but over time she has since evolved into one of the world’s premier models.
Patricia Velasquez’s Modeling Career
Her modeling career spanned over a decade for her, appearing on many magazine covers and runway shows for designers like Chanel and Victoria’s Secret. Additionally, she participated in television programs and films like The Mummy, Ugly Betty, and CSI Miami as well as performing on stage and writing an autobiography called Straight Walk: A Supermodel’s Journey to Finding Her Truth.
Velasquez was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela on 31 January 1971 to parents from two distinct ancestries – her father being of mixed heritage and her mother being from Wayuu tribe origins. Due to their work at UNESCO and being stationed across various countries during her childhood years, Velasquez experienced much travel during this period. Attending San Vicente de Paul High School she participated in Miss Venezuela 1989 contest where she placed 2nd runner up. Following that she studied engineering for three years before embarking upon a modelling career – signing contracts with Ford Models New York Ford Models Paris Models 1 London before quickly gaining international renown!
Once she gained success in fashion, she moved to Hollywood and pursued acting. Since then, she has built up an extensive film and TV resume, including appearances in The Mummy movies as well as series such as CSI: Miami, Ugly Betty, and Arrested Development as a lead or guest actor. Furthermore, she has appeared on stage, such as Cenizas Eternas at New York Public Theater.
She remains connected to her roots by raising money and awareness for indigenous communities in South America. She established the Wayuu Taya Foundation, to improve indigenous lives while respecting the culture in Venezuela. As well, she received recognition as a UNESCO Artist for Peace; through activism and modeling work she has also contributed significantly towards women’s equality causes.
Velasquez made some questionable choices early in her career. She slept with male fashion photographers and was heavily criticized for wearing bikinis, yet she persisted until finding the right partner. Today, Velasquez openly advocates for equality for LGBT communities worldwide and published her memoir Straight Walk which details both personal and professional struggles.
Patricia Velasquez’s Personal Life
Velasquez has leveraged her fame as an activist to raise awareness for causes dear to her heart. She established the Wayuu Taya Foundation, an organization that seeks to improve the lives of indigenous communities in Venezuela, is a UNESCO Artist for Peace, and is part of The Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet Leadership Council – leaving a lasting mark with her creative spark!
She is also an accomplished author, writing several books. Straight Walk chronicles her journey from poverty to international fame and in it discusses her sexual orientation as an open lesbian, receiving critical acclaim as it was translated into multiple languages.
Velasquez has appeared in various TV shows and films since 1994. Her filmography boasts such titles as The Mummy franchise films (both sequels) as well as Beowulf Mindhunters Malignant. Furthermore, she has been featured in music videos by Janet Jackson Ricky Martin & Marc Anthony amongst many more.
Velasquez has long been an advocate for gay rights, sharing her personal story at various events worldwide. Her engaging speeches about leadership, responsibility, and excellence have won over audiences around the globe.
Velasquez remains grounded and humble despite her many accomplishments, dedicating herself to helping young women find their place in society and making an impactful difference in the lives around her. She’s passionate about making an impactful difference, always searching for ways to meet her goals.
Patricia Velasquez stands as an outstanding role model for all women. Her accomplishments, especially as a Latina, make her an idol among Latinos across the world. Overcoming numerous obstacles along her journey has enabled her to achieve such greatness – an example of hard work and dedication at its finest!
