John Leguizamo Peláez was born on July 22, 1960, in Bogotá, Colombia, to Luz Marina Peláez and Alberto Rudolfo Leguizamo. His family emigrated to the United States when he was a child, and he was raised in Queens, New York.
Leguizamo began his career in comedy, working the club circuit in New York and making his television debut in an episode of Miami Vice in 1984. His first film appearance was a small part in Mixed Blood in 1984, followed by minor roles in Casualties of War and Die Hard 2.
Leguizamo's breakthrough performance came in the independent film Hangin' with the Homeboys in 1991, in which he played a nervous young teenager from the Bronx. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it launched Leguizamo's career as a leading man.
In 1991, Leguizamo also created and starred in the Off-Broadway show John Leguizamo: Mambo Mouth, in which he portrayed seven different Latino characters. The show was a hit and won several awards, including the Obie and Outer Circle Critics Award.
Leguizamo continued to work in film and television throughout the 1990s, appearing in a wide range of roles, from dramatic parts in films like Carlito's Way and Romeo + Juliet to comedic roles in films like Super Mario Bros. and Spawn.
In 1995, Leguizamo created and starred in the short-lived TV series House of Buggin', an all-Latino-cast comedy variety show. The show was well-received by critics and audiences, but it was canceled after only one season.
In the early 2000s, Leguizamo continued to work in film and television, appearing in a wide range of roles, from dramatic parts in films like Summer of Sam and Moulin Rouge! to comedic roles in films like Ice Age and Collateral Damage.
Throughout his career, Leguizamo has been recognized for his talents, winning numerous awards and nominations, including several Obie Awards, Outer Circle Critics Awards, and CableACE Awards.
