Patricia Velasquez was born in Maracaibo, a Western city of Venezuela.  Her mother is a descendant of the Wayúu group. She studied dance and theater at a young age and began her U.S. career as a model.  Her success led her to her feature film debut starring in Francis Verber's “Le Jaguar,” opposite Jean Reno. Since then, she has committed herself to acting.

Patricia was recently appointed as an UNESCO Artist for Peace. Through her representation of this prestigious international organization, Patricia will help to spread the message of maintaining and securing human rights and fundamental freedoms for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion as set forth by the charter of the United Nations.

She is best known for her starring role, the Egyptian Princess, and Meela in Universal’s blockbuster “The Mummy Returns” opposite Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.  She originated the role of the Egyptian Princess in the box office hit “The Mummy.”

Patricia recently finished shooting “Zapata” for director Alfonso Arau in February, 2004. The film, which was shot in Mexico, tells the story of Emiliano Zapata, one of the most famous figures in Mexican History. 

Later this year, she will be seen in Renny Harlin's “Mindhunters” for Dimension Films, starring opposite Val Kilmer, Christian Slater and LL Cool J.  .She charmed audiences and critics alike with her comedic turn in Miramax's “Committed,” opposite Heather Graham. She is currently a spokeswoman for COVER GIRL.

Other credits include: “Beowulf,” opposite Christopher Lambert and the independent films “Eruption,” opposite F. Murray Abrahams, “ San Bernardo” and Ron Shelton's “No Vacancy,” starring Christina Ricci.  Television credits include: Showtime's “Fidel” and PBS' “American Family” opposite Edward James Olmos.

Velasquez currently resides in New York and Los Angeles.