Patricia Elena Velásquez Semprún was born on January 31, 1971, in Maracaibo, Venezuela. She is of Wayuu indigenous descent. Her parents are both teachers. Due to her parents’ work, she spent her childhood living in Mexico and France, before returning to Venezuela. She is multilingual, speaking Spanish, English, French, and Italian.
Prior to her acting career, Velasquez achieved significant success as a model. She walked the runways for prominent designers such as Chanel, Gucci, and Versace. She appeared in advertising campaigns for brands like Chanel and Victoria’s Secret, and was featured on the covers of magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire.
Velasquez transitioned from modeling to acting in the mid-1990s. Her acting career includes appearances in both film and television. She has worked in Hollywood and international productions.