John Ortiz

John Ortiz (also credited as John Augustin Ortiz) is an American screen and stage actor born on May 23, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York City. Known for grounded intensity and sharp character work, Ortiz has built a career moving fluidly between prestige drama, studio thrillers, and independent film.

Many audiences recognize him for playing the formidable Arturo Braga in Fast & Furious (2009) and Fast & Furious 6 (2013). He also earned major acclaim for his performance as Clyde in Jack Goes Boating (2010), which brought him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Ortiz’s filmography spans standout roles in Miami Vice (as José Yero), American Gangster (as Javier J. Rivera), Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (as Sheriff Eddie Morales), Before Night Falls (as Juan Abreu), Carlito’s Way (as Guajiro), and Amistad (as Montes). He has also appeared in projects like Take the Lead and the filmed stage work It Is Now Our Time: Peter Sellars’ The Merchant of Venice.

Beyond acting, Ortiz is a co-founder and artistic director of New York’s acclaimed LAByrinth Theater Company, underscoring his long-standing commitment to ensemble storytelling and new voices.