Edward James Olmos

Edward James Olmos

78 · Born: Feb 24, 1947

Personal Details

BornFeb 24, 1947 Los Angeles, California, USA
Spouse
  • Lymari Nadal

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 8, 2025 )
  • Lorraine Bracco

    ( Jan 28, 1994 to Mar 4, 2002 )
  • Kaija Keel

    ( Dec 29, 1971 to Dec 31, 1969 )
Parents
  • Pedro Olmos
  • Eleanor Huizar
Relatives
  • Peter Olmos (Sibling)
  • Eleanor Olmos (Sibling)

Biography

Edward James Olmos was born on February 24, 1947, in East Los Angeles, at The First Japanese Hospital, to Pedro Olmos and Eleanor Huizar. Growing up on Cheesebrough's Lane, he attended Greenwood Elementary and Montebello Junior High, before graduating from Montebello High School in 1964.

Following his high school graduation, Olmos pursued higher education, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice at East Los Angeles College in 1966. His academic achievements did not go unnoticed, as he received the Alumni of The Year award from Montebello High School in 2014, and the Man of the Year Award from The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation in 2015.

Olmos has made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning over three decades. He is a Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award-nominated actor, producer, and humanitarian. Many young audiences may recognize him for his role as Admiral William Adama in the SYFY television series "Battlestar Galactica," which aired from 2003 to 2009.

However, his work on the show did not preclude him from taking on other projects. In 2007, Olmos directed the HBO movie "Walkout," earning a DGA nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television. His dedication to his craft has garnered him widespread recognition and acclaim, both within the industry and among global audiences.

Throughout his career, Olmos has developed a distinctive style and aesthetic, often grounding his characters in reality and gravitas. His commitment to his work has resulted in a diverse range of roles, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor, producer, and director.

Career

2024
2021
Walking with Herb
Walking with Herb as Joe Amable-Amo
2019
Imprisoned
Imprisoned as Hospicio
2018
Mayans M.C.
Mayans M.C. as Felipe Reyes
2017
Coco
Coco as Chicharrón (voice)
2016
Americano
Americano as Gayo (voice)
2015
Unity
Unity as Narrator (voice)
2014
Agave Is Life
Agave Is Life as Narrator (voice)
2013
Go for Sisters
Go for Sisters as Freddy Suárez
Filly Brown
Filly Brown as Leandro
2 Guns
2 Guns as Papi Greco
2011
The Green Hornet
The Green Hornet as Michael Axford
América
América as Mr. Irving
Dexter
Dexter as Prof. James Gellar
2010
I'm Still Here
I'm Still Here as Edward James Olmos
2009
The Plan
The Plan as Commander William Adama
2008
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Beverly Hills Chihuahua as Diablo (voice)
2007
Battlestar Galactica: Razor
Battlestar Galactica: Razor as Admiral William Adama
2006
Splinter
Splinter as Captain garcia
Walkout
Walkout as Julian Nava
2004
Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica as Admiral William Adama
American Family
American Family as Jess Gonzalez
2001
In the Time of the Butterflies
In the Time of the Butterflies as Rafael Leónidas Trujillo
The Judge
The Judge as Judge Armando Acosta
The Judge
The Judge as Judge Armando Acosti
2000
The Road to El Dorado
The Road to El Dorado as Chief (voice)
Gossip
Gossip as Detective Curtis
1999
Bonanno: A Godfather's Story
Bonanno: A Godfather's Story as Gaspar DiGregario (Young)
Zapatista
Zapatista as Narrator (voice)
1998
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three as Det. Anthony Piscotti
The Wall
The Wall as Col. Holst (segment "The Pencil Holder")
1997
Selena
Selena as Abraham Quintanilla
Hollywood Confidential
Hollywood Confidential as Stan Navarro, Sr.
Selena Remembered
Selena Remembered as Narrator (voice)
12 Angry Men
12 Angry Men as Juror 11
Gun
Gun as Father Santos
1996
Death in Granada
Death in Granada as Roberto Lozano
Dead Man's Walk
Dead Man's Walk as Captain Salazar
1995
Mirage
Mirage as Matteo Juarez
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues as Musician at Barbecue (uncredited)
1993
Roosters
Roosters as Gallo Morales
1992
American Me
American Me as Montoya Santana
1991
Talent for the Game
Talent for the Game as Virgil Sweet
1990
Maria's Story
Maria's Story as José Serrano (voice)
The Earth Day Special
The Earth Day Special as Hospital Director
1988
Stand and Deliver
Stand and Deliver as Jaime A. Escalante
1986
Saving Grace
Saving Grace as Ciolino
1984
Miami Vice
Miami Vice as Martin Castillo
1983
Faerie Tale Theatre
Faerie Tale Theatre as Prime Minister
1982
1981
Wolfen
Wolfen as Eddie Holt
Zoot Suit
Zoot Suit as El Pachuco
1980
Day of Resurrection
Day of Resurrection as Captain Lopez
1977
Alambrista!
Alambrista! as 1st Drunk
1975
2019
2009
The Plan
The Plan as Director
2006
Walkout
Walkout as Director
1992
American Me
American Me as Director