Lorna Tolentino was born Lorna Perez Aluquin to Eloisa Perez and Amado Aluquin. She attended St Anthony School and St Paul College in Quezon City, and also took up a Bachelor of Arts course at the University of Sto Tomas and Maryknoll College. She is a first cousin of actress Amy Austria and a niece of actor Jerry Pons.
Tolentino's screen name was initially Giselle, which she later changed to Lorna Tolentino after Siony Tolentino helped her enter the movie world of FPJ Productions. Her first starring role was in Langit Ko ang Pag-Ibig Mo (1975) with Eddie Garcia and Panchito.
She has appeared in numerous films, including My Little One (1970),Divina Gracia (1970),Subok na Matatag (1975),Dalagita (1976),Leap year ngayon, lagot ka pipikutin kita (1976),Baby Doll (1978),Miss Dulce Amor, Ina (1978),Katawang alabok (1978),Iskandalo (1979),Stepsisters (1979),Dalaga (1979),and Bakit May Putik Ang Bulaklak (1979).
Tolentino won numerous awards for her performances, including three FAMAS Best Actress Awards for Narito ang puso ko (1992),Abak...ada Ina (2001),and Katas ng Saudi (2007). She also won the FAMAS award of Best Child Performer for Lumuha pati mga anghel (1971).
Tolentino has been married to Rudy Fernandez since 1983, and they have two children together. Her sons, Rap Fernandez and Renz Fernandez, have also entered the show business.
Tolentino has also had a successful television career, starring in four soap operas: Kay Tagal Nang Hinintay (2002-2003),Hanggang kailan (2004),Dahil May Isang Ikaw (2009-2010),and Minsan lang kita iibigin (2011). She has also appeared in the television series Maybukas pa (2009-2010).
