James Ortiz

James Ortiz (born February 16, 1984, in Albany, New York) is an American screen and stage artist known for blending acting with the craft of puppetry. Working across theater, opera, and film, Ortiz has built a reputation for character-driven design and performance that makes nonhuman figures feel emotionally real.

He drew major attention with The Woodsman, where he combined performance and puppet work as Nick Chopper. His artistry on the production earned him an Obie Award for puppet design in 2012, marking him as a standout voice in contemporary American puppetry.

Ortiz’s Broadway impact continued with the 2022 revival of The Skin of Our Teeth, which won him the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Puppet Design. The honor underscored his ability to scale intricate, expressive puppet work to the demands of large productions without losing intimacy.

On screen, Ortiz expands his reach with Project Hail Mary (2026), providing the voice and puppet performance for Rocky. Whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera, he remains a distinctive talent at the intersection of acting, design, and storytelling.