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Arlene Tur
Arlene Tur
from Wikipedia

Arlene Tur is an American actress, television presenter, producer and model of Cuban descent. She is best known for her roles as Armenia in Eat Pray Love opposite Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem, as Bebe Arcel in the Starz series Crash, and as Vera Juarez in the BBC’s Torchwood: Miracle Day.[1]

Key Information

Early life

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Tur was born in Miami, Florida, the only child of Cuban political refugees. She attended Florida International University, where she graduated with dual degrees in Marketing and Public Relations. During college, she played professional beach volleyball and began her modeling career after being approached by modeling agents.

Career

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Tur started her career in the entertainment industry as a model before transitioning into acting. She studied acting at HB Studios in New York City and Howard Fine in Los Angeles. Her first role was a lead in the 2003 Telemundo/NBC Hispanic comedy series Los Teens. Tur had a guest-star appearance on Grey's Anatomy in 2006 and starred in NBC's Haskett's Chance and the action film Final Engagement alongside Peter O'Toole. Tur gained network attention for her comedic performance in the ABC/Paramount pilot Harry Green and Eugene opposite Jason Segel and Mark Valley, leading to a holding deal with ABC and Touchstone Television. In 2008, she was cast as LAPD officer Bebe Arcel in Crash starring alongside Dennis Hopper. In 2012, she had a recurring role in the BBC sci-fi drama Torchwood: Miracle Day as surgeon Vera Juarez.[2] Tur has guest-starred in multiple television series, including Jinji Kohan’s Netflix series Teenage Bounty Hunters, The Rookie: Feds, and Lie to Me. Most recently, she stars in the Netflix film That's Amor.

Other work

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Aside from acting, Tur has hosted shows for the Discovery Channel, E! Entertainment Television, the Travel Channel, and Univision. In August 2011, she appeared on Top Gear for the "Big Star, Small Car" segment, recording the fastest time among celebrities at that point. More recently, she has been involved in producing films, with upcoming projects including We All Want The Same Thing and Dry Rain. Tur is also an entrepreneur and investor, most recently working on social media platform for artists The Rise with comedian and creator Monique Marvez.

Personal life

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Tur lives in Miami, Florida.

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
2003 Los Teens Valeria Telemundo/NBC
2004 Harry Green and Eugene Nadalina with Jason Segel and Mark Valley
2006 Grey's Anatomy Pamela Calva S2, E18: Yesterday
2006 Haskett's Chance Lucia Rodriguez NBC
2007 Final Engagement Jacqueline Bombay with Peter O'Toole
2008–2009 Crash Bebe Arcel Starz series
2009 Lie to Me Kimi S2, E6: Lack of Candor
2010 Eat Pray Love Armenia with Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem
2011 Torchwood: Miracle Day Vera Juarez BBC
2011 Top Gear USA Herself S2, E5: Luxury Car Challenge
2012 Hollywood Heights Police Officer Nickelodeon
2012 The Beach Chronicles AGX Andromeda short film
2020 Teenage Bounty Hunters Michelle Netflix
2022 That's Amor Viviana Netflix
2023 The Rookie: Feds Mayra Perez ABC
2024 Jackpot (The Origin Story) Dina short film
2024 We All Want the Same Thing producer pre-production

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Arlene Tur is an American actress, producer, model, and television presenter of Cuban and Spanish descent, best known for her portrayal of in the 2010 film opposite and . Tur was born and raised in , , as the only child of Iluminada Ferie, a who later became a housewife, and Juan Tur, a farmer in Homestead. She spent her early years on the family farm, where she developed interests in sports, reading, and go-kart racing. Tur attended Florida Christian Senior High School and on full academic and athletic scholarships, ultimately graduating magna cum laude from FIU's Honors College. Her career began in modeling after being discovered at college beach volleyball tournaments, leading her to New York for major campaigns and commercials before relocating to . There, she trained at the Conservatory and , quickly booking her first major acting role as the lead in the / series Los Teens (2003). Early television credits include the ABC pilot Harry Green and Eugene (2005) and a starring role in Haskett's Chance (2006). Tur rose to prominence with her role as Bebe Arcel in the Starz drama series Crash (2008), co-starring Dennis Hopper. She followed this with the part of Dr. Vera Juarez, a junior surgeon, in the fourth season of the BBC/Starz series Torchwood: Miracle Day (2011), which brought her international attention. In film, she appeared as Armenia in Eat Pray Love (2010), filming on location in Bali for three weeks. Beyond acting, Tur has guest-starred in series such as (2005), (2009), (2020), and The Rookie: Feds (2022). Her more recent projects include the lead role of Viviana in the Netflix romantic comedy That's Amor (2022). As a presenter, she has hosted programs on , E!, and , and she set a record lap time in the "Stars in Fast Cars" segment on the U.S. version of Top Gear (History Channel). Tur also works as a , developing independent films including Dry Rain and We All Want The Same Thing.

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Arlene Tur was born in , to parents of Cuban and Spanish descent who fled Cuba as political refugees following the 1959 . Her father, Juan Tur, worked as a farmer in , cultivating avocados and other crops, while her mother, Iluminada Ferie, initially pursued a career as a before becoming a to focus on family life. As the only child in a tight-knit Cuban-American household, Tur grew up immersed in the vibrant of Miami's , where gatherings emphasized Cuban traditions, language, and alongside the resilience forged by her parents' displacement experiences. This upbringing instilled strong values of perseverance and , shaping her identity amid the challenges of adapting to life in the United States as political exiles. Tur spent her early years on the family farm in Homestead and in the South Miami area, attending Florida Christian Senior High School, where she engaged in local community activities reflective of her family's devout and close-bonded environment. Following high school, she transitioned to higher education at Florida International University.

Academic pursuits and early interests

Arlene Tur attended (FIU) in , where she pursued a rigorous academic path supported by full academic and athletic scholarships. She graduated magna cum laude from the Honors College with dual bachelor's degrees in and , earning recognition for her dedication to both scholarly excellence and extracurricular commitments. During her time at FIU, Tur channeled her athletic talents into professional , competing at a high level that underscored her physical discipline and competitive drive. This involvement not only fulfilled the requirements of her but also honed skills in , resilience, and performance under pressure, which later informed her media career. Tur's interest in media and performance emerged early through initial modeling opportunities that began in college, sparked by approaches from local agents during her volleyball tours and campus activities. These local assignments, including print work and promotional gigs in Miami, provided her first exposure to the entertainment industry and ignited a passion for creative expression that complemented her public relations studies. Her heritage, rooted in her parents' background, contributed to her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, enhancing her cultural adaptability during these formative pursuits.

Professional career

Beginnings in modeling and acting

Arlene Tur began her entry into the entertainment industry during her college years at , where she played professional and was approached by modeling agents, leading her to start a modeling career alongside her studies in marketing and . Her background in marketing and provided foundational skills that later assisted in navigating the media landscape. Following graduation, Tur relocated to New York City, where she secured professional modeling assignments, including major advertising campaigns and commercial work for various brands and agencies. This rapid success in modeling prompted her interest in acting, leading her to pursue formal training at HB Studios in New York City under Uta Hagen and later at Howard Fine Acting Studio in Los Angeles, along with studies at other institutions such as Stella Adler. Tur's acting debut came in 2003 with a lead role as Valeria in the Telemundo/NBC Hispanic comedy series Los Teens, marking her first major on-screen appearance and transition from modeling to performing.

Major acting roles in film and television

Arlene Tur's breakthrough in television came with her portrayal of Bebe Arcel, an actress-turned-police officer, in the Starz ensemble drama series Crash (2008–2009). As a recurring lead in the show's two seasons, Tur's character navigated the high-stakes world of Los Angeles law enforcement alongside co-stars like Dennis Hopper and Eric Roberts, contributing to the series' exploration of interconnected lives and moral dilemmas. She followed this with the part of Dr. Vera Juarez, a sharp-witted cardiothoracic surgeon, in the fourth season of the / series : Miracle Day (2011), which brought her international attention. As part of the fourth series of the spin-off, Juarez becomes entangled in a global crisis where no one can die, collaborating with the team amid ethical and conspiratorial tensions. Tur's performance was praised for bringing grounded intensity to the high-concept narrative, with noting her as a "medical heartbeat" for the season's procedural elements. Tur continued to build her profile with recent television guest spots, including Michelle in the Netflix comedy Teenage Bounty Hunters (2020), where she appeared in an episode blending teen drama and bounty-hunting antics. She also featured in The Rookie: Feds (2023, ABC), contributing to the procedural spin-off's ensemble of federal agents tackling complex cases, and Dina in the short film Jackpot (The Origin Story) (2024). Additionally, Tur starred as Viviana, the supportive cousin in a family-run restaurant, in the Netflix romantic comedy That's Amor (2022), opposite Riley , emphasizing themes of love and reinvention in . These roles underscored her ongoing presence in streaming and network television, often highlighting strong Latina characters. In film, she appeared as Armenia in Eat Pray Love (2010), directed by Ryan Murphy. In the adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's , Tur played a Balinese woman who befriends the protagonist Liz Gilbert, portrayed by , during her spiritual journey, sharing scenes with as . The film's global success, grossing over $204 million, marked a significant milestone in Tur's career, highlighting her ability to convey warmth and cultural nuance in a high-profile ensemble.

Producing, hosting, and other media work

In addition to her on-screen roles, Arlene Tur has established herself as a television host, focusing on lifestyle and entertainment programming across multiple networks. She has hosted segments for the , , the , and Univision's Caliente, often highlighting travel, fashion, and cultural topics. These hosting opportunities allowed her to engage audiences with her charismatic presentation style, drawing from her background in modeling and media. Tur has expanded into producing, with credits spanning and independent films. She is developing the reality series Homeless Improvement in partnership with Gillon Media, aimed at supporting individuals experiencing through skill-building and personal growth initiatives. Additionally, she is producing the We All Want The Same Thing, a narrative exploring themes set in , which remains in as of 2025. Her producing efforts reflect a commitment to stories that amplify diverse voices and social issues. Beyond traditional broadcasting, Tur has ventured into other media formats. In 2011, she appeared on Top Gear USA in the "Luxury Car Challenge" episode, where she drove a lap on the test track and achieved a victory in the "Stars in a Reasonably Priced Car" segment, driving the to a record time of 1:42.4, which held as one of the fastest laps in the series at the time. This outing showcased her versatility beyond scripted roles, blending her on-screen charisma with automotive challenge.

Personal life and philanthropy

Family and relationships

Arlene Tur married Carlos Bertonatti in 2006. She filed for in 2010 amid his arrest for DUI manslaughter in a hit-and-run incident that killed a cyclist. Bertonatti was convicted in 2013 and sentenced to 12 years in prison. The details of their relationship have remained largely private, with limited public information available about their personal life together. She continues to maintain close ties to her hometown roots. As an only child from a tight-knit Cuban family, her heritage has shaped her emphasis on family values.

Philanthropic efforts and community involvement

Arlene Tur has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy, focusing on , initiatives for children, and support for vulnerable populations through her involvement in Miami-based organizations and projects. Raised and residing in , she has leveraged her local connections to participate in community-driven causes that address social inequities. In 2024, Tur attended Breakthrough Miami's 3rd Annual Social, an event that raises funds and awareness for the organization's mission to provide year-round academic enrichment, , and college access programs for motivated, under-resourced youth in . Breakthrough Miami employs a unique students-teaching-students model to foster rigorous learning and empower scholars from 5th through 12th grade, helping them overcome barriers to higher education. Tur's participation in this social gathering, held on September 24 in Coral Gables, underscores her support for initiatives aimed at breaking cycles of through . Tur has also contributed to children's health causes by supporting through Friends of St. Jude Miami events. Additionally, Tur exhibited and auctioned her photography at The St. Jude's Gala during Wynwood District's gallery night, directing proceeds toward the organization's mission to cure childhood diseases. Her artwork has been displayed in related venues, such as The Club Collection at , further amplifying charitable visibility. In the realm of media-driven philanthropy, Tur produced and developed Homeless Improvement, a reality series in collaboration with Gillon Media, designed to assist homeless individuals seeking self-improvement and employment opportunities. The project focuses on participants who express a desire to work, providing guidance to help them achieve personal goals and reintegrate into society, reflecting Tur's broader passion for . This initiative aligns with her hands-on approach to addressing through transformative . Tur's philanthropic ethos extends to global humanitarian efforts, as she has undertaken multiple mission trips to aid the less fortunate, driven by a deep for those in challenging circumstances. These experiences have informed her for and positivity, emphasizing to support underserved communities worldwide.

Filmography

Film roles

Arlene Tur's film career features a mix of supporting and leading roles in feature films and shorts, spanning from major Hollywood productions to independent projects. In Eat Pray Love (2010), directed by Ryan Murphy, Tur portrayed , a supporting role in the adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir, appearing alongside and . Tur took on a leading role as Viviana in the That's Amor (2022), a film directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, where she played a key character navigating love and family dynamics in . In 2024, Tur served as a producer on the upcoming independent film We All Want the Same Thing, which is in pre-production. That same year, she appeared as Dina in the short film Jackpot (The Origin Story), directed by Dakari, a project that premiered at film festivals.

Television roles

Arlene Tur's television acting career includes several notable series roles and guest appearances, spanning drama and procedural genres. She first gained significant recognition for her recurring role as Bebe Arcel, an ambitious actress-turned-police officer, in the Starz drama series Crash, appearing in 13 episodes from 2008 to 2009. In 2011, Tur joined the main cast of the BBC co-production Torchwood: Miracle Day as Dr. Vera Juarez, a cardiothoracic surgeon central to the plot involving a global crisis, for all 10 episodes of the fourth season. Tur made a guest appearance as Michelle in the Netflix comedy series Teenage Bounty Hunters in 2020, featuring in the episode "Cleave or Whatever." More recently, she guest-starred as Mayra Perez in the 2023 episode "Payback" of ABC's The Rookie: Feds.

References

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