Esai's Biography

Esai Morales is a distinguished American actor celebrated for his dynamic roles on both the big and small screens. Born on October 1, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, Morales is of Puerto Rican descent and a graduate of the prestigious High School of Performing Arts. He first gained widespread acclaim for his emotionally charged portrayal of Bob Morales in the iconic film 'La Bamba' (1987), which opened doors to a variety of memorable roles across genres. Morales’s versatility shines in television, where he starred in the hit series 'NYPD Blue', and more recently in the Netflix sensation 'Ozark', earning praise for his compelling performances. In 2023, he reached new international audiences as the antagonist in 'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One'. Beyond acting, Morales is a passionate advocate for Latino representation in Hollywood and a dedicated environmental activist. He is a co-founder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, working to improve opportunities for Hispanic artists. Morales’s career is marked by ALMA and Imagen Award recognitions, and he is respected for his integrity and commitment to meaningful projects. Off-screen, he enjoys music, reading, and spending time with his family. Esai Morales remains an influential figure in American entertainment, known for both his talent and his activism.