Teri Polo is a well-known American actress who has made a name for herself in the movie scene. She is also known for her versatile roles in both television and movies. She has been entertaining and captivating her fans for over thirty years with her unique acting prowess in movies “Meet the Parents,” “The West Wing,” and “The Fosters.”
She is of German, English, and Italian ancestry and studied ballet for 13 years, starting at age 5. At the age of 13, she was enrolled in New York’s School of American Ballet. Teri later relocated to New York City to pursue acting after winning a modeling competition when she was just 17.
Early Life and Background
Teri Polo, whose real name is Theresa Elizabeth Polo, was born in Dover, Delaware, on June 1, 1969. Teri Polo is 56 years old as of June 2025, but her youthful vigor and classic charm never cease to enthrall audiences everywhere. Teri was the daughter of Vincent Polo, a stereo systems designer, and Jane Polo, a homemaker, and was raised in a modest family. Her paternal grandfather’s Italian, German, and English ancestry gives her a diverse cultural background that enhances her individuality.
Teri’s love of the arts became apparent at a young age. She started taking ballet lessons at the age of five and studied for 13 years. She showed her talent and discipline while training at the esteemed School of American Ballet in New York by the age of 13. She began performing with the Delaware Regional Ballet at the age of 15, but after winning a modeling competition for a Seventeen magazine jeans commercial, she changed her focus by the age of sixteen. This triumph led her to leave Dover High School at the age of 17 to pursue acting and modeling in New York City, a daring decision that laid the groundwork for her remarkable career.
Teri Polo Full Biography: Everything You Need to Know
- Full Name: Theresa Elizabeth Polo
- Nickname: Teri
- Date of Birth: June 1, 1969
- Birthplace: Dover, Delaware, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Italian, English, and German descent
- Profession: Actress, Former Ballet Dancer
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Weight: 132 pounds (60 kg)
- Hair Color: Light Brown (often seen as Blonde in roles)
- Eye Color: Hazel
- Body Measurements: 35-24-35 inches (Bust-Waist-Hips)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $200,000 (as of 2025)
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Sexuality: Straight
- Religion: Not Known
- Instagram Followers: No official verified Instagram account
Career
Polo’s acting debut came in 1987 with the part of Kristin Larsen on the ABC daytime opera” Loving.” She also appeared in the CBS series” Television 101″ and starred as Christine Daaé in the 1990 miniseries” The Phantom of the Opera.” In 1994, she joined the cast of” Northern Exposure” and later played Detective Ash in” Brimstone.”
As Pam Byrnes in “Meet the Parents,” with Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, Polo became well-known in 2000. In the follow-ups “Meet the Fockers” (2004) and “Little Fockers” (2010), she played the same part again. Between 2005 and 2006, she played Helen Santos in “The West Wing.” She played Stef Adams Foster in the 2013 television series “The Fosters,” which aired until 2018 and gave rise to the spinoff “Good Trouble.”
Polo portrayed Helen Santos, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate Matt Santos (played by Jimmy Smits), in the sixth and seventh seasons of the television series “The West Wing.” The main focus of the show is the White House’s West Wing during the fictional presidency of Martin Sheen’s character, Josiah Bartlett. Her fame increased even more in 2005 as she appeared on the cover of the February issue of Playboy magazine and posed nude. She was cast in the second edition of “Meet the Parents,” “Meet the Fockers,” which included Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, who had all been in the first movie.
Personal Life: Relationships and Family
Love, hardships, and resiliency have all been a part of Teri Polo’s personal life. She married photographer Anthony Moore in April 1997. Griffin Moore was born in 2002; however, the couple’s marriage terminated in divorce in 2005. Teri endured a difficult time due to the divorce and financial difficulties, but she persisted. She moved in with percussionist Jamie Wollam in 2006 after they met on a video shoot. Although their relationship ended in 2012, they welcomed a daughter, Bayley Wollam, in 2007. Teri has since kept her dating life discreet, and as of 2025, there are no verified rumors that she is currently seeing someone.
Griffin and Bayley are Teri’s two children, and her love for them is reflected in her tattoos: Griffin’s name is inked on her left ribs, while Bayley Paige Wollam is inked on her right upper arm. Her unique design is further enhanced with a third tattoo, which features a tree on her upper back. Teri has debunked misconceptions about her sexual orientation arising from her appearance in The Fosters by stating that she identifies as straight, despite rumors and conjecture.
Height, Weight, and Measurements
Teri Polo’s ballet training is evident in her elegant demeanor. She weighs about 55 kilograms (121 lbs) and is 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall. Her 35- 24- 35-inch body dimensions show a well-kept figure that goes well with her personality on screen. Teri’s stunning look, which includes blonde hair and blue eyes (occasionally red in certain parts), has earned her coverage in magazines such as Maxim (where she was named No. 40 on the Hot 100 Women of 2002) and Playboy (February 2005). Years of ballet training have given her grace and discipline, which still define her on-screen persona.
Teri Polo’s Net Worth
According to some sources, Teri Polo’s net worth in 2025 is expected to be between $200,000 and $1 million, with some reports putting her net worth at $800,000. Her acting job is her main source of income; she has earned a significant amount from the Meet the Parents trilogy and The Fosters (about $25,000 per episode). Teri, however, had serious financial difficulties, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2014 with assets of less than $50,000 and debts of over $1 million, including $37,000 in credit card debt and $772,000 in back taxes.
These difficulties were exacerbated by an expensive divorce and time away to raise her kids. Through perseverance and wise job decisions, Teri has restored her financial security and career despite these setbacks.
Despite her Hollywood notoriety, Teri maintains a grounded perspective, as evidenced by her lavish yet sensible lifestyle, which includes a Manhattan mansion worth less than $3 million. Her ability to bounce back from financial setbacks is evidence of her fortitude and tenacity.
Photos Of Teri Polo
Final Thoughts
Teri Polo’s steadfast dedication to her craft is demonstrated by her career. She had a lasting impression on the entertainment business from her early days as a ballet dancer to her well-known parts in Meet the Parents and The Fosters. Teri Polo, who is 56 years old, 5’5″, has a net worth of up to $1 million, and a history of memorable performances, never stops inspiring. Teri Polo is a Hollywood jewel, regardless of whether you are drawn to her emotional depth, humorous charm, or inner strength. To stay up to date with this incredible actress, follow her journey on social media and keep an eye out for her next projects.
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