Ivonne Coll is a renowned actress, born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. She began her artistic journey at the tender age of six, training in classical ballet and flamenco dance with the renowned Walter Mercado. This marked the beginning of her long and illustrious career.
Coll's first film credit was in The Godfather Part II, where she played the role of the Red-Headed Yolanda. She then went on to pursue a career in fashion, working as a Haute Couture runway model for top designers in Puerto Rico. In 1967, she won the title of Ms. Puerto Rico and represented the island in the Miss Universe contest.
In the 1970s, Coll transitioned to a singing and dancing career, performing at iconic venues such as The Ocho Puertas and the Puerto Rico Sheraton. She was the first Puerto Rican singer to perform in Vietnam as part of the USO Tour Puerto Rico Sings. From 1972 to 1974, she starred in a one-hour variety show called Una Chica Llamada Ivonne Coll, produced by Telecadena Perez-Perry on Channel 11.
Coll relocated to Los Angeles in 1975 to study at The Academy of Stage and Cinema Arts with David Alexander and Bob Ellenstein. She also trained in Musical Theater with David Craig and Comedy with Lucille Ball. She later moved to New York City to continue her training at HB Studios and with Lee Strasberg.
In 1980, Coll made her Broadway debut with the play Goodbye Fidel, starring Jane Alexander. She then went on to star in Cuqui, a half-hour sitcom produced by WAPA TV in Puerto Rico. She was a member of the Joseph Papp's NY Shakespeare Festival Players, performing at the Public Theater, Shakespeare in the Park, and The Belasco Theater on Broadway.
Coll has received numerous awards and nominations for her work, including the People's Choice Award, TCA's Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming, and the National Association of Latino Independent Producers' Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also been recognized for her work in film and television, including her roles in Jane The Virgin, Switched at Birth, and Elena of Avalor.
In addition to her acting credits, Coll has also ventured into directing, writing, and producing. Her award-winning short film, From Now On, marks her debut as a director, writer, and producer.
