Ilia Valdez

Ilia produced (eye-lee-ah), (born June 12) is a first generation Australian, Uruguayan-Latvian actress. Ilia was born and raised in Canberra, A.C.T., Australia. The eldest of three daughters. Her mother was born in Uruguay. And her father is of Latvian descent. She spent her childhood in Canberra, predominantly raised by both her grandmothers, she showed a natural talent for sports at a very early age, and excelled as an elite athlete specialising in track and field at an international level with the AIS till she was 18. She attended the top private schools, with the sons and daughters of diplomats, politicians, and socialites; excelling in both academia and the arts. She got her first taste of acting in theatre productions from the tender age of 11. She started modelling after being scouted at age 15, and was encouraged to compete in pageants to increase her confidence. As a result she ended up competing in state and national pageants including Miss Universe Australia, Miss World Australia, Miss Bikini World Australia, Australian Swimsuit Model of the Year and Miss Indy. Becoming disillusioned after a severe back injury just months after her 18th birthday rendering her completely incapacitated for a number of years. She halted her budding acting and modelling career to refocus her attention on her education. Studying pre-med in the international baccalaureate, eventually obtaining her High School Diploma via TAFE, whilst concurrently gaining early acceptance into prestigious Bond Universities accelerated Excellence Scholarship Program studying a BA in Law/Commerce. Being the first member of her family to be accepted into university. Working in Business and Finance for a number of years before giving up a prestigious Business Management and Financial Consulting career to obtain her Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Screen and Media (majoring in Acting) deciding to pursue a career in the Arts full time. Ilia is fast becoming a dynamic up and coming Australian talent, touted as one to watch. Classically trained, mesmerising on and off the screen; with her exotic looks, effervescent nature, intellectual mind and penchant for taking creative risks.