Paola Turbay was born on November 29, 1970, in Houston, Texas. She spent her early years in the United States before moving to Colombia with her family. Turbay grew up in Bogota, where she would later represent the city in the Miss Colombia beauty pageant in 1991. Prior to her pageant days, she enrolled at the Universidad de los Andes to study psychology, showing her dedication to education from a young age.
After winning the Miss Colombia title, Turbay caught the attention of the entertainment industry. She made her acting debut on the small screen before transitioning into roles in major productions. In 2008, she had a guest appearance on The Secret Life of the American Teenager, where she showcased her talent to a wider audience.
One of Turbay's most notable roles was on the TNT series The Closer, where she played a significant part in the storyline. Her performance on the show received critical acclaim and opened up doors for her in the industry. She later joined the cast of HBO's True Blood, further solidifying her status as a versatile actress.
Off-screen, Turbay is a devoted wife and mother. She married Alejandro Estrada in 1994, and the couple shares two children together. Despite her busy schedule, Turbay maintains a healthy work-life balance and prioritizes her family above all else.
Throughout her career, Turbay has continued to secure roles in various television projects, showcasing her ability to adapt to different genres and characters. In 2010, she landed a recurring role as Marissa Cassaras on the series Royal Pains, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.