Teri Polo

Theresa Elizabeth Polo, born June 1, 1969, is a popular America actress recognized for various roles on both the big and small screens. She first gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of Pamela Martha Focker in the comedy trilogy Meet the Parents, working alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. Aside from comedy, her versatility allowed her to take on different genres, such as playing the role of Helen Santos in The West Wing and police officer Stef Adams Foster in the Freeform series The Fosters and its spinoff Good Trouble.

Born in Dover, Delaware, Polo was the offspring of Jane, a homemaker, and Vincent Polo, a stereo systems designer. She began her professional journey studying ballet for 13 years since age six, and by 13, she was attending New York's School of American Ballet. After winning a modeling contest, Polo moved to the city at age 17 to start an acting career. With standout performances in TV series like Brimstone, The West Wing, and multiple Hallmark Channel movies, she also gained popularity for some risqué endeavors, like posing nude for Playboy magazine in 2005. She participated in a variety of television projects, including The Practice, Felicity, Chicago Hope, Numb3rs, Sports Night, and Frasier. After starring in The Fosters, Polo went on to make guest appearances in the spinoff Good Trouble.