Valera first took part in theater at age ten with her primary school's theater group. In 1979, at sixteen years old, she made her television debut on the
RCTV program
Radio Rochela, where she developed her comedy skills as a comedian. She also was on the program
Niño de papel. In 1983, Valera was cast in her first
telenovela, the Venezuelan soap opera
Leonela. In addition to her acting, her mother insisted that Valera complete her education, and she graduated with a degree in social communication from the
Central University of Venezuela. In 1985, Valera started a role in the soap opera
Cristal, and then continued to act in many other soap operas throughout her career, including
La vida entera,
Ciudad Bendita,
Se solicita príncipe azul,
Cosita rica,
Las González,
Guerra de mujeres,
Amantes de luna llena,
Enséñame a querer,
El país de las mujeres,
Contra viento y marea,
La llaman Mariamor,
Cruz de nadie,
Las dos Dianas,
Señora, and
Topacio. ==Personal life==