Paula Garces Biography

Paula Maria Santos Garces was born on March 20, 1974, in Medellin, Colombia. The daughter of a fisherman and a dance teacher, Paula Garces moved to New York with her family, where she began acting in her teens. Although her parents didn't work in the entertainment field, they had a direct influence on her career path. Paula Garces credits her mother with encouraging her to pursue theater, a pastime that led to professional representation from Diego Santiago, a close friend of Paula's father.

Paula Garces acted in a number of commercials, including a gig for Burger King, until 1991, when she scored a TV appearance on Law & Order and small role in the racially-charged drama Hangin' with the Homeboys. Paula Garces followed this up with roles in Life with Mikey