Introduction
Patricia Velasquez is a Venezuelan actress, model, and activist. She is best known for her role as Anck-Su-Namun in the movie The Mummy and its sequel, The Mummy Returns. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at her life, career, and family, including her daughter Maya Velásquez and her role as a mummy.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Education
Patricia Velasquez was born on January 31, 1971, in Maracaibo, Venezuela. She grew up in poverty, and her mother worked as a secretary to support the family. Velasquez attended San Vicente de Paul High School, where she excelled in sports and was a member of the school’s track and field team. After high school, she studied engineering at the University of San Diego, but she dropped out after two years to pursue a career in modeling.
Modeling Career
Velasquez started her modeling career in the late 1980s and quickly gained recognition in the industry. She appeared in several fashion magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. She also worked with renowned fashion designers such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace. In 1997, she became the first Latina model to sign a contract with Victoria’s Secret.
Acting Career
Early Roles
Velasquez made her acting debut in the 1996 film Le Jaguar. She then appeared in several TV shows, including Arrested Development and The L Word. In 1999, she landed her breakthrough role as Anck-Su-Namun in the movie The Mummy, opposite Brendan Fraser. She reprised her role in the sequel, The Mummy Returns.
Other Roles
Velasquez has also appeared in several other movies, including Mindhunters, The Maldonado Miracle, and Liz in September. She has also worked on TV shows such as American Family and Ugly Betty. In 2015, she starred in the movie Liz in September, which was based on the play Last Summer at Bluefish Cove.
Family and Personal Life
Daughter Maya Velásquez
Velasquez has a daughter named Maya Velásquez, who was born in 2002. Maya was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and Velasquez has been an advocate for autism awareness ever since. She has also written a book about her experiences raising a child with autism, titled Straight Walk: A Supermodel’s Journey to Finding Her Truth.
Relationships
Velasquez has been in several relationships throughout her life. She was previously married to American actor and producer Marcus Ornellas, but they divorced in 2002. She has also been linked to several other celebrities, including Sandra Bernhard and Edward Norton.
Conclusion
Patricia Velasquez is a talented actress, model, and activist who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Her role as Anck-Su-Namun in The Mummy franchise has made her a household name, and she has continued to work on several other movies and TV shows throughout her career. Her dedication to autism awareness and advocacy for the Latino community has also made her a role model and inspiration to many.
