Paolo Montalban was born in the Philippines, one of two children in a family that relocated to America when he was just one year old. He spent his childhood in Manhattan and later in New Jersey, where he grew up in a neighborhood predominantly inhabited by Filipinos. His family was deeply rooted in music, with his father playing the piano, two aunts studying violin and piano at Juilliard, and his mother involved in theater while attending St. Paul's College in Manila.
As a young boy, Paolo learned to play the piano, violin, and saxophone, common instruments taught to many Filipino-American children. However, like many of his peers, he no longer plays these instruments. During his grade school years, he auditioned for his school's production of "Oliver" and landed the lead role.
Paolo's academic pursuits led him to Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he graduated with a pre-med course. Despite his parents' initial wishes for him to pursue a college degree, he had his heart set on a career in Broadway. His parents eventually supported his decision, primarily because he had secured a New York agent during his final year of college, who helped him land his first professional job on a national tour with "Man of La Mancha" shortly after graduation.
Paolo's success has earned him recognition among the Filipino community, with many regarding him as the next big thing since Lea Salonga. In an interview, he humbly dismissed such comparisons, stating, "I wouldn't put myself in the same scale. She's a star. I'm just a guy." Despite his modesty, Paolo is widely regarded as a star in his own right.
As an Asian actor in Hollywood, Paolo is aware of the limited opportunities available for stereotypical Asian characters, such as those who know Kung-fu, are gangsters, or wise monks. However, he remains undeterred and continues to audition for various roles, balancing his acting career with hobbies like video games and watching cartoons.
