Emilio Rivera

Emilio Rivera

64 · Born: Feb 24, 1961

Personal Details

Official Socials
BornFeb 24, 1961 San Antonio, Texas, USA
Parents
  • Delia Rivera
  • Emilio Rivera

Biography

Emilio Rivera's remarkable journey to success is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. As the oldest of eight siblings, born in San Antonio, Texas, he was destined for greatness. His family's relocation to Los Angeles's Frog Town neighborhood, where he grew up in a poor section of town, presented unique challenges, but Emilio's passion for acting only intensified.

His early experiences in school productions, including a third-grade rendition of "Rumpelstiltskin," laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Despite facing difficulties as a minority growing up in a tough neighborhood, Emilio's inner drive and resilience propelled him forward. He admits that his childhood was not easy, but it ultimately shaped him into the individual he is today.

After much contemplation, Emilio made the bold decision to pursue acting, leaving behind a promising career as a mechanical engineer. The extensive training, discipline, and hours of studying he devoted to his craft transformed his life, and those around him marveled at the profound positive change in him.

Emilio's breakthrough role came in the TV series Renegade (1992) alongside Lorenzo Lamas. He then landed a part in the feature film Con Air (1997) alongside Nicolas Cage, leaving his day job behind. Since then, he has appeared in numerous commercials, television programs, and feature films, including Traffic (2000),The Cable Guy (1996),NYPD Blue (1993),Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990),Walker, Texas Ranger (1993),JAG (1995),and ER (1994).

His impressive resume boasts starring roles in films like High Crimes (2002) with Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman, and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) alongside George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Emilio's remarkable journey is a shining example of how turning one's life around can lead to making dreams come true.

Career

2025
Under Fire
Under Fire as Valentino
2024
Holy Cash
Holy Cash as Actor
2023
Flamin' Hot
Flamin' Hot as Vacho Montañez
Dante's Hotel
Dante's Hotel as Captain Pasado
2019
3 from Hell
3 from Hell as Aquarius
El Chicano
El Chicano as Shadow
Mayans M.C.
Mayans M.C. as Marcus Alvarez
Venom
Venom as Lobby Guard Richard
The Family Business
The Family Business as Alejandro Zuniga
2017
El Camino Christmas
El Camino Christmas as Vicente Cruz
Smartass
Smartass as Poco Efe
Badsville
Badsville as Lucky Lou
Avenge the Crows
Avenge the Crows as Carlos Santiago
2016
Better Criminal
Better Criminal as Clavo Lopez
Z Nation
Z Nation as Hector Alvarez
2015
2014
10 Cent Pistol
10 Cent Pistol as Melville
Bullet
Bullet as Speedy
Gang Related
Gang Related as Tio Gordo
2012
C'mon Man
C'mon Man as Steven
Act of Valor
Act of Valor as Sanchez
The Obama Effect
The Obama Effect as Hector Santiago
2011
Budz House
Budz House as Big Happy
Cinema Verite
Cinema Verite as Nightwatchman
Sons of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy as Marcus Alvarez
American Flyer
American Flyer as Big Boss
2009
2008
Street Kings
Street Kings as OG Vato
Weeds
Weeds as El Coyote
2007
Spider-Man 3
Spider-Man 3 as Policeman at Sand Truck
2006
Splinter
Splinter as Jesse
2005
Short Fuse
Short Fuse as Camacho
2004
Doing Hard Time
Doing Hard Time as Officer David Teal
Sucker Free City
Sucker Free City as Detective Zepada
Cake
Cake as Fidel
2003
2002
Road Dogz
Road Dogz as Big Joe
High Crimes
High Crimes as Salvadoran Man
2001
Tomcats
Tomcats as Sampson (uncredited)
2000
Guilty as Charged
Guilty as Charged as Pvt. Alberto Ramirerz
Traffic
Traffic as Salazar Soldier #2
1999
1997
Con Air
Con Air as Carlos
1996
The Cable Guy
The Cable Guy as Jail Inmate
1995
Rage
Rage as Javier
1977
Thunder and Lightning
Thunder and Lightning as Honeydew Driver