Paola Barrientos

Paola Barrientos (born 23 February 1974 in San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina) is a celebrated Argentine actress whose career spans theater, television and advertising. After finishing high school she enrolled in the highly competitive Escuela Metropolitana de Arte Dramático; although she was initially rejected, she persisted and gained admission on a subsequent audition, laying the foundation for her professional training. Her early stage work unfolded in underground venues, where she appeared in experimental productions such as 3‑ex, Teo con Julia and Exhibición y desfile, often performed before very small audiences but which honed her craft and earned her a reputation for bold choices. A breakthrough arrived with the play Elijo la libertad, scripted by her future husband Conrado Geiger, and the critically acclaimed Estado de ira, which showcased her ability to convey intense emotional states. Director Marilú Marini saw her in Estado de ira and invited her to join the prestigious Complejo Teatral; together they staged Las criadas, a production that sold out weeks in advance and cemented Barrientos as a theatrical force. The visibility from that success led to a national television breakthrough when she was cast in the Banco Galicia commercial that parodied the famous Titanic scene; her witty, shark‑tongued performance alongside Gonzalo Suárez became a cultural meme and opened the door to further advertising work. In 2012, actress Andrea Pietra recommended her to Nancy Dupláa, resulting in Barrientos landing the role of Victoria Lauría’s best friend in the popular telenovela Graduados. Although she debuted on TV at age 38, critics praised her professionalism and seamless adaptation to the medium, and her likeness graced the front pages of Argentine magazines. She continued the Galicia campaign until 2018, after nine years, choosing to step away amid rumors of political controversy and confirming it was a personal decision. Throughout her career, Barrientos has balanced theater, screen and commercial work while maintaining a reputation for authenticity, versatility, and deep commitment to her artistic roots.