| Velda González | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Puerto Rico Senate from the At-large district |
|
| In office 1981–2005 |
|
| President pro tempore of the Senate of Puerto Rico | |
| In office 2001-2004 |
|
| Preceded by | Lucy Arce |
| Succeeded by | Orlando Parga |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 10, 1933 Hatillo, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Popular Democratic Party |
| Spouse(s) | Héctor L. Modestti (deceased) |
| Children | Freddy Mirelsa Velda |
| Alma mater | University of Puerto Rico (B.A.) |
| Profession | Politician, Actress |
Velda González de Modestti (born April 10, 1933, in Hatillo, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, comedian, politician and former Senator. She was a member of the Senate of Puerto Rico from 1981 to 2005.
Contents |
Velda González was born on April 10, 1933 in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. She studied her elementary school in her hometown, and continued high school in Carolina and San Juan, graduating from University High School. González enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico where she received a Bachelor's degree in Arts, with a Major in Spanish and Theater. She also completed studies for a Master's degree in Puerto Rican Studies from the Center of Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
González began her artistic career as part of the University of Puerto Rico ballet directed by Madame Herta Brauer. She also distinguished herself as both an instructor and actress in theater, television, radio, and films. She started to gain fame as part of the cast of El colegio de la alegría, with Tommy Muñíz. However, her most famous role was as Azucena, the maid in the comedy sketch La criada malcriada, back in 1965.[1] The role was so popular that González continued doing the show for 15 years. Her namesake of "criada" (maid in Spanish) even gave a name to a local tomato sauce called Criada.[2]
González also served as producer of a variety show called De fiesta con Velda at the end of the 60s. She also performed in several films like El último gángster, Una mujer para los sábados, Fray Dólar, Prohibido amar en Nueva York, Romance en Puerto Rico, and others.[3] During her career, she won several local awards, most notably the Agüeybanás de Oro for Distinguished Comedy Actress of the Decade (1965–1975), and Comedy Actress of the Year for three consecutive years (1969 to 1971). She was also recognized by the New York Latin ACE Awards as Best Comedy Actress in 1971 and 1978.[4]
In 1980, González was elected to the Senate of Puerto Rico, becoming the first female Senator in the history of the island.[5] González spent 25 years as a member of the Senate, being reelected in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, snd 2000.
During her time as Senator, she focused on an agenda in favor of women rights. She presided the Commissions on Women Affairs, and Internal Affairs, among others. She was also the President pro tempore of the Senate from 2000 to 2004, under his colleague Antonio Fas Alzamora.
In 2004, González narrowly lost an election for the first time in her career.[6]
After her political defeat, González went on to work for the Film Corporation of the Government of Puerto Rico. However, she returned to politics in 2008, when she was elected to the Municipal Assembly of Carolina.[7]
González was married to Héctor L. Modestti. She is a widower. She has three children: Freddy, Mirelsa, and Velda.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Lucy Arce |
President pro tempore of the Senate of Puerto Rico 2001-05 |
Succeeded by Orlando Parga |