Latino Actors With Military Backgrounds

Hollywood has a long history of actors who served their country before stepping in front of the camera. Many Latino performers transitioned from wearing military uniforms to portraying complex characters on screen. These men brought discipline and real-world experience from their service branches to their acting careers. The following list highlights male Latino actors who served in the Armed Forces.

J.R. Martinez

J.R. Martinez served in the United States Army as an infantryman deployed to Iraq. He sustained severe burns to over 34 percent of his body when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb in 2003. Martinez turned his recovery into a career as a motivational speaker and actor. He landed a role on the daytime drama ‘All My Children’ playing a character who was also an injured veteran. He later won the thirteenth season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and continues to advocate for wounded veterans.

Desi Arnaz

The Cuban-born musician and actor is best known for playing Ricky Ricardo on the classic sitcom ‘I Love Lucy’. Desi Arnaz was drafted into the United States Army in 1943 during World War II. He injured his knee during basic training and was classified for limited service. The Army assigned him to direct United Service Organizations programs at a hospital in California. He was discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1945 after boosting the morale of countless wounded soldiers.

Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero famously played the Joker in the original 1960s ‘Batman’ television series. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1942 to support the World War II effort. Romero served in the Pacific Theater aboard the assault transport USS Cavalier. His ship saw action during the invasions of Tinian and Saipan. He achieved the rank of Chief Boatswain’s Mate before returning to his acting career after the war.

Gilbert Roland

Gilbert Roland was a Mexican-born actor who became a star during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Roland often played the “Latin Lover” archetype but also starred in westerns like ‘The Cisco Kid’ series. His career spanned seven decades and included roles in films like ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’. He brought a rugged authenticity to his performances that resonated with audiences.

David Zayas

David Zayas is well known for his roles in ‘Dexter’ and ‘Oz’. He joined the United States Air Force at age 19 and served before becoming a police officer. His background in the military and the NYPD heavily influenced his acting style. He often portrays law enforcement officers or authority figures with convincing realism. Zayas has built a steady career as a reliable character actor in both film and television.

Rudy Reyes

Rudy Reyes is a former United States Marine Reconnaissance operator. He played himself in the HBO miniseries ‘Generation Kill’ which depicted the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Reyes served multiple tours and became a fitness trainer after leaving the service. He works as an actor and military advisor for various film and television projects. His physical prowess and combat knowledge make him a sought-after talent for action-oriented roles.

J.W. Cortes

J.W. Cortes served in the United States Marine Corps for nearly thirteen years. He is an Iraq War veteran who was part of the initial invasion in 2003. Cortes acted in the television series ‘Gotham’ where he played Detective Alvarez. He also worked as a police officer with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Cortes actively supports causes related to veterans and law enforcement.

David Fumero

David Fumero is a Cuban-American actor known for his long-running role on ‘One Life to Live’. He served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing a career in modeling and acting. His service included time in the Gulf War during Operation Desert Storm. Fumero later transitioned to prime time television with roles in shows like ‘Power’. He remains proud of his time in the Marines and the discipline it taught him.

Jon Huertas

Jon Huertas is best recognized for his roles in ‘Castle’ and ‘This Is Us’. He served in the United States Air Force for eight years as an aircraft nuclear weapons specialist. His service included participation in Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Storm. Huertas uses his platform to advocate for veteran rights and representation in Hollywood. He brings a grounded presence to his diverse array of characters.

Paul Rodriguez

Comedian and actor Paul Rodriguez was born in Mexico and raised in California. He joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Iceland and Duluth, Minnesota. Rodriguez initially considered a career in the military before finding his passion for comedy. He went on to star in films like ‘Born in East L.A.’ and hosted his own talk show. He has performed for troops overseas on numerous USO tours.

Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez

Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez was a character actor and comedian who appeared in many John Wayne films. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a driver in the Quartermaster Corps. His comedic timing and personality caught the attention of Groucho Marx and later John Wayne. He appeared in classics such as ‘Rio Bravo’ and ‘The High and the Mighty’. His grandson is actor Clifton Collins Jr.

Roberto ‘Sanz’ Sanchez

Roberto Sanchez is a Cuban-American actor who has appeared in ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ and ‘Queen of the South’. He served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate. Sanchez participated in Operation Desert Storm during his time in the service. He worked as a police officer after the Navy before committing fully to acting. His imposing physical presence often lands him roles as tough enforcers or military men.

Robert LaSardo

Robert LaSardo is a prolific character actor known for playing villains in films and shows like ‘Nip/Tuck’. He served four years in the United States Navy before starting his acting training. LaSardo worked as a Navy attack dog handler while stationed in the Aleutian Islands. He studied at the High School of Performing Arts in New York after his discharge. His extensive tattoos and intensity have made him a recognizable face in the industry.

Joe Estevez

Joe Estevez is the younger brother of Martin Sheen and a prolific actor in his own right. He served in the United States Navy during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Estevez has over 200 acting credits in independent films and television. He often does voice-over work and has stood in for his brother on set. He shares the family passion for acting and has maintained a long career.

Ray Mendoza

Ray Mendoza is a former United States Navy SEAL who served for over 16 years. He was awarded a Silver Star for his gallantry in combat during service in Iraq. Mendoza transitioned to Hollywood as a technical advisor and actor for films like ‘Lone Survivor’ and ‘Mile 22’. He writes and produces projects that focus on authentic military storytelling. His real-world experience provides unparalleled accuracy to the productions he joins.

John Gavin

John Gavin was an actor with Mexican and Chilean ancestry who starred in ‘Psycho’ and ‘Spartacus’. He served as an air intelligence officer in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Gavin later served as the United States Ambassador to Mexico under President Ronald Reagan. He was also the president of the Screen Actors Guild for a time. His military and diplomatic service complemented his work in the entertainment industry.

Let us know in the comments which of these actors surprised you the most with their military service.