John Ortiz

Photo of John Ortiz

Biography

A New York-based stage actor, John Ortiz carved a niche in urban crime dramas, effectively portraying both sides of the law, while making himself into a catalyst of independent theater. A native of Brooklyn, Ortiz at a young age helped to found the Latino Actors Base theatrical co-op, which would in the 1990s morph into the dynamic LAByrinth Theater Company, wherein he began a long association with friend and fellow actor, Philip Seymour …
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Job Title

Actor, Producer, Below The Line

Born

November 21, 1969

Career Milestones

1993

Made film debut as Al Pacino's young cousin 'Guajiro' in "Carlito's Way"

1997

Landed small role in Steven Spielberg's "Amistad"

2000

Appeared opposite Javier Bardem in Julian Schnabel's "Before Night Falls"

2001

Cast as series regular on Denis Leary's "The Job" (ABC)

2003

Made hBroadway debut in Nilo Cruz' Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Anna in the Tropics"

2006

Appeared in Michael Mann's "Miami Vice" as drug lord Jose Yero

2006

Co-starred with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez in "El Cantante"

2007

Cast in Ridley Scott's "American Gangster" as Russell Crowe's partner

2007

Played the role of Clyde in "Jack Goes Boating" at the Public Theater

2010

Reprised role of Clyde for the screen adaptation of "Jack Goes Boating," directed by Phillip Seymour Hoffman; also executive produced

2011

Nominated for the 2011 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male

2011

Nominated for the 2011 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male ("Jack Goes Boating")

2012

Played supporting role in David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook"

Awards

2008

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture in American Gangster

2011

Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male in Jack Goes Boating