Patricia Velásquez is a Venezuelan actress and model. As an actress, she is known for her portrayal of Anck-su-namun in the 1999 film "The Mummy" and its 2001 sequel "The Mummy Returns".
In 1989, Velásquez participated in the Miss Venezuela 1989 contest. She represented Peninsula de la Guajira, a center of the Wayuu people, and placed as 2nd runner-up. After three years of engineering studies at college, Velásquez left for Milan, Italy, in pursuit of a modeling career. She is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian.
During her modeling career, Velásquez appeared on the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Marie Claire among others, and several issues of the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. This led to a large number of further modeling engagements. She was ranked as No. 45 on the Maxim Hot 100 Women of 2001, and No. 16 in Stuff magazine's "102 Sexiest Women in the World" poll in 2002.
On June 20, 2016, Broadway Sings for Pride premiered its 6th anniversary benefit concert "Ovation" in New York City, at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. This milestone event was filled with singing (from pop to Broadway), stories, special celebrity guests, and more. The show honored Tyler Clementi Foundation and AIDS pioneer and activist Ruth Coker Burks. Broadway Sings for Pride is a multiple award-winning, non-for-profit organization that brings together Broadway talent, activists, and celebrities, to educate the public, raise awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, and support these young people, so that they may reach their full potential.
Velásquez addressed the audience with an inspirational speech during the benefit concert, where Shefik served as Videographer. In February 2015, Velásquez released her memoir "Straight Walk", recalling her journey from poverty to international acclaim. She came out as lesbian, saying that she wanted to set an example of honesty for her daughter.
Credits
- Videographer: Shefik
Last Updated: May 1, 2023
