While attending the University of California at Berkeley, Nestor Paiva became interested in acting and joined the college theatre group. His 40 year career covered stage, radio, film and television. He made his film debut with a number of uncredited appearences in 1937. In all, he made over 250 appearances on film and television. His appearance and ear for accents allowed him to play a variety of nationalites including Italians, Russians Spaniards and a radio appearance as an African-American.
He appeared on diverse television programs like The Lucy Show, Zorro and Perry Mason".