'CANE' RAISES TURBAY'S PROFILE.

Byline: GREG HERNANDEZ

It hasn't been easy for Paola Turbay to go from being a major star on Spanish-language television, living in Miami, to an unknown entity trying to establish herself as an English-speaking actress in Los Angeles.

But landing the role of Jimmy Smits' wife on the new CBS drama "Cane" has made the struggle all worth it.

"So many people have seen my shows here in L.A. but usually people who watch Spanish-speaking TV don't watch English-speaking," said the actress, who plays Isabelle Vega on the show. "But now, every once in a while, I bump into people who are interested in 'Cane'."

The show, about a Latino family that works together to run a rum business, has some shades of "Dallas" and a formidable cast that also includes Hector Elizondo, Nestor Carbonell and Rita Moreno.

"The cast is amazing. It's like a gift," Paoloa told me last week. "It's really interesting and fulfilling to be able to work knowing that you are surrounded by the best of the best. You learn every day."

So I was curious. Just how did she manage to go from starring in "Las Noches de Luciana" and "Noticias Calientes" and hosting the dance reality show "Bailando por un Sueno -- Colombia" to prime-time on CBS?

"It was time to come out here to L.A. during pilot season. I had been auditioning for movies, little parts and TV roles. Of all the characters, Isabelle was my favorite. I was the first one to audition for that part. She was right there waiting for me."

But the powers that be thought she looked too young (Paola turns 37 on Nov. 29) so she gave up hope. But then came a surprise callback and news that Smits had signed on as leading man.

"They said, 'She's the one' but since I didn't have credits here in the U.S., they said, 'We don't know her. Can she carry the lead female role?"'

What followed were screen tests and auditions in front of top CBS brass.

Finally, the part was hers.

"I love Isabelle because she's a very strong woman. She has to be strong and interesting to be able to handle a guy like Alex. She has a good heart. Behind every great man there's a great woman and she's the one who holds the family together. With a lot of money and power, there's a lot of problems."

Now it's just a matter of waiting to find out what will happen with "Cane," which was given a killer time slot against established hits "Boston Legal" on ABC and "Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit" on NBC.

There are 13 episodes scheduled to be completed and aired through January. With the strike, it's not known when or if the network will decide to order the additional nine episodes that would give it a full season.

"I hate strikes because it affects so many," she said. "But I do feel there are certain ways to express what you need. I feel that everyone must receive what they deserve. I think all the unions have to support each other."

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Photo:

(color) Paola Turbay plays Isabelle Vega, the strong-willed wife of Jimmy Smits, on the CBS drama "Cane."

Roberto D'Este/2007 CBS