Norma Maldonado, a talented actress of Puerto Rican and Spanish heritage, was born on Governors Island, New York County, New York, with a lifelong passion for acting that dates back to her childhood.
Her father, Juan Arturo Maldonado, served in the US Air Force's Air America, and the family's frequent relocations required Norma to adapt to numerous new surroundings.
Tragedy struck when Norma was just 12 years old, as her father was killed in action. Her mother, Olga Ventura Maldonado, a professional flamenco dancer of Andalusian descent, relocated the family to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Norma was exposed to the world of television production at WAPA Studios.
Norma's acting career began at the age of 14, when she joined the union and performed in various stage productions throughout San Juan.
Throughout her career, Norma has starred in numerous film and television projects, including Showtime's Hombre, The Good Doctor, and recurring roles on Jane The Virgin and The Fosters. She has also made guest appearances on The Librarians, Superior Donuts, Amazon's Mad Dogs, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Closer, among many others.
Norma earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico and completed one year of clinical Psychology at Albizu University. She later went on to earn a Master's degree in Communications from the University of Georgia.
Over the years, Norma has developed a remarkable ear for languages and accents, becoming fluent in English, Spanish, and Serbian. This skill has opened doors to a wide range of roles, including that of a rape counselor in a short film for the United Nations.
In addition to her acting career, Norma is committed to philanthropic work, supporting organizations such as St. Jude's Children Hospital, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and groups working to combat the sex trafficking of children and young people.
