Paola Menacho is a multifaceted Afro-Latina individual, born and raised in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, with a strong connection to nature, having grown up near the Amazon jungle.
As a child, Paola's passion for performing arts was evident, as she landed the lead role in her preschool play at just three years old, followed by a lead role in a small independent film. Her mother's dance school provided her with a platform to hone her dancing skills in various styles, including salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, and samba.
Paola's academic pursuits led her to major in Theater and Communications at the University of Santa Cruz, where she also joined the Larca Theatre Group. Her early foray into television journalism saw her working as a reporter for Expo Cruz, a prominent Bolivian TV Entertainment magazine, covering high-profile events like Carnivale, which catapulted her to recognition within the entertainment industry.
Her charisma and energy caught the attention of industry leaders, resulting in an offer to host her own TV show, Carnivale with Paola, on MTV Latin America. Three years later, Paola relocated to the United States, where she continued to hone her craft through local theater productions, including Hello Dolly and A Christmas Carol.
Paola's versatility in the entertainment industry is evident in her numerous music video appearances for prominent artists, such as Gwen Stefani, Outkast, Sisqo, Master P, and The Westside Connection, as well as her work in national commercials for Coffee Mate and 12+ additional brands.
Her film career has seen her land supporting roles in feature films like The Spot, which premiered in 2007, and The Black Mariachi, which premiered at the African American Film Marketplace. Paola's breakthrough in the U.S. led to her lead role in ABC Entertainment Television's Actors Showcase, a selection of 18 actors from a pool of 700 candidates.
Her achievements continued to unfold with her selection for the SAG Diversity Showcase, where she performed a pilot presentation written by T.C. Gunter, mentored by Friends creator Marta Kaufman. This led to her lead role in the major Netflix film, Ocean's Rising, and her television guest star appearance on Everybody Hates Chris.
Paola holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Theatre from the University of North Carolina and Film Directing from the Los Angeles Film School. In 2020, she founded her own film production company, PM Film.
In her personal life, Paola is an outgoing, optimistic individual who loves to hike, grow her own vegetables, and spread love and support to those around her. She is actively involved with The Alexandria Home, a privately-owned organization that provides safe, healthy resources for women who are homeless, abused, or in critical condition, allowing them to receive education and guidance on a positive path.
Paola resides in Los Angeles with her family, and her multifaceted personality and accomplishments continue to inspire and captivate audiences.
