Manuela Arbeláez Is Just So, So, So Right...

If Manuela Arbeláez is the “price,” then yeah… the answer is absolutely right. I mean, just look at her—stunning doesn’t even begin to cover it.

That photo alone is enough to stop your scrolling plans dead in their tracks. But before you fall headfirst into her gallery (and trust me, you will), let’s take a minute to get to know her a little better. Don’t worry—the photos aren’t going anywhere. And fair warning: once you start that gallery, you’re not leaving anytime soon.

Who is Manuela Arbeláez

Manuela Arbeláez is a Colombian-American model and actress who’s been lighting up The Price Is Right since 2009—officially, anyway.

By October 2018, she had already hit the 10-year mark from her very first appearance during model tryouts (talk about a glow-up that stuck). But April 2019 is when she could finally pop the confetti for her official decade on the show.

That milestone puts her in a pretty elite club: a three-way tie with Kathleen Bradley, who ruled the runway during the Bob Barker era for 10 years, and Amber Lancaster, who also clocked in a decade starting in 2008. Basically, if there were a VIP lounge for Price Is Right legends… Manuela’s got a permanent seat.

Her Early Life

Manuela Arbeláez was born on September 9, 1988, in Medellín, Colombia, to Luis Carlos Arbeláez and Gloria Correa—so yes, great genes were definitely part of the starter pack.

In 2006, she decided to chase something bigger, packed her bags, and moved to the United States, landing first in West New York, New Jersey. New country, new life, big dreams—no pressure, right?

Not long after arriving, she jumped straight into the spotlight as a finalist on Nuestra Belleza Latina in 2008. She ended up placing sixth, which, let’s be honest, is still wildly impressive considering she had barely unpacked her suitcases at that point.

Career Journey

Still pretty new to life in the U.S., Manuela Arbeláez didn’t waste time—she kept auditioning for anything with a camera and a chance to shine. Fresh off her run on Nuestra Belleza Latina, she heard about a model search for The Price Is Right (season 37) and thought, “Why not?”—which, honestly, is the correct attitude when opportunity knocks.

Out of hundreds of hopefuls, she made it to the final five and even got to appear on the show as a guest model. The winner would be decided by an online fan vote and score a few extra episodes, while finalists from cities like Los Angeles, Detroit, Birmingham, and Miami were all flown in to compete. Casual.

Now, plot twist: Manuela didn’t actually win the contest. But here’s where it gets good—she impressed the producers so much that they basically said, “Yeah, we’re keeping you anyway.” A few months later, she was hired as a regular model, stepping into the role after Brandi Sherwood-Cochran exited the show.

She made her official debut on April 1, 2009—and no, not an April Fools’ joke—just the start of a very real, very successful run.

Other Appearances

Beyond lighting up The Price Is Right, Manuela Arbeláez has kept herself busy popping up all over the screen. She made appearances on the CBS soap The Bold and the Beautiful—which, conveniently, films right next door (talk about a short commute)—and even showed up in Jack and Jill, starring Adam Sandler, pulling double duty as both Jack and Jill.

She’s also had her fair share of music video moments, appearing in “Loving You No More” by Diddy – Dirty Money and “It’s in the Mornin’” by Robin Thicke. And if that wasn’t enough sparkle, she even served as one of the trophy models at the 54th Grammy Awards—basically living her best glamorous life.

Unsurprisingly, fans took notice. Big time. Complex magazine even crowned her number one on their list of the “25 Hottest Game Show Eye Candy.” Not bad for someone who just showed up to an audition and said, “Let’s see what happens.”

Of course, not every moment was all glitz and heels. In a February 2016 episode, Manuela had a bit of an oops moment while modeling a trampoline—yes, a trampoline—and ended up injuring her ankle. Ice pack in place, she had to sit out the rest of the show, leaving Rachel Reynolds to hold down the runway solo. Proof that even in game shows, things can bounce… a little too literally.

Facts and Trivia

Manuela Arbeláez has been married to Matthew Doherty since February 17, 2018—and yes, they’re that effortlessly cute couple.

In 2019, she shared some big news right on The Price Is Right: she was expecting their first child. Their daughter, Matilda (aka “Tilly,” which is objectively adorable), soon followed. Then in April 2022, Manuela and Matt announced baby number two was on the way, and by October 18, 2022, Madeline Mercedes Doherty arrived—named in honor of a close friend Manuela lost to cancer, making the moment both joyful and deeply meaningful.

Now, let’s talk about that moment—the one game show fans will never forget.

Back in 2014, Manuela even stepped into judge mode for The Price Is Right Male Model Search (short-lived, but iconic in its own way). But in 2015, during the “Five Price Tags” game, she accidentally did the unthinkable: she revealed the correct price of a car… immediately. No suspense. No buildup. Just—boom—free car.

Host Drew Carey summed it up perfectly: “Congratulations, Manuela just gave you a car!” And honestly, he wasn’t wrong. The contestant won on the spot, while Manuela, understandably, tried to disappear behind the set like it might swallow her whole (it did not. Drew pulled her right back out, because of course he did).

Later, she admitted she was completely mortified and genuinely thought she might get fired—or at the very least, owe the show a very expensive apology. Turns out, she had heard the buzzer and assumed the game was over… so she revealed everything. Oops.

The silver lining? One very lucky contestant drove home with a brand-new car, and Manuela gained one of the most unforgettable moments in game show history. Not exactly the plan—but hey, talk about making someone’s day.