Eddie Velez, a talented individual with a rich background, was fortunate enough to be born and raised in the vibrant city of Manhattan, surrounded by the cultural influences of his Puerto Rican parents, Ramon Velez and Mercedes Luciano. His early life was marked by a strong sense of family and community, which would later shape his artistic endeavors.
As he progressed through his educational journey, Velez attended the prestigious High School Of Art and Design, where he honed his skills in Advertising Art. However, it was during his time at this esteemed institution that he stumbled upon a course in Film Appreciation, which would prove to be a pivotal moment in his life. This newfound passion for the world of show business would ultimately steer him towards a career in the entertainment industry.
Velez's academic achievements culminated in his graduation in 1976, equipped with a solid foundation in Advertising Art. Little did he know, his journey was only just beginning, and the stage was set for a successful and illustrious career in the spotlight.
Velez's early foray into the world of theater commenced during his four-year tenure in the United States Air Force, where he discovered his passion for the performing arts by joining a theatrical group comprising fellow military personnel, specifically The Moffett Players. This esteemed troupe of artists entertained sailors and airmen at Moffett Field Naval Air Station, a prominent military installation situated in the heart of Mountain View, California.
Within this esteemed theatrical collective, Velez had the opportunity to hone his craft by portraying a diverse array of iconic characters, including the quick-witted Speed in Neil Simon's beloved comedy, The Odd Couple. He also brought the iconic bloodthirsty Count Dracula to life on stage, showcasing his remarkable range as a performer. Additionally, Velez had the privilege of playing the charming and charismatic Paul Bratter in Barefoot In The Park, a classic romantic comedy.
During his tenure in the military, Velez seized the opportunity to be stationed in the Bay Area, utilizing his proximity to delve into the local theater community, a decision that would prove to be a pivotal turning point in his artistic journey.
He was fortunate enough to be cast in Bruce Jay Friedman's thought-provoking play, Steambath, at the esteemed Palo Alto Playhouse, a production that received widespread critical acclaim and further solidified his passion for the craft of acting.
Additionally, Velez had the privilege of portraying the iconic character of Duke Mantee in Robert E. Sherwood's classic drama, The Petrified Forest, a performance that not only showcased his impressive range as an actor but also earned the production critical success, ultimately cementing his dedication to a life in the theater.
Following his esteemed Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, where he had risen to the rank of Sergeant in 1982, Velez relocated to the entertainment capital of Hollywood, California, with the aim of pursuing a career in the acting profession. To further hone his craft, he enrolled in the prestigious Estelle Harmon Actor's Workshop, a renowned institution dedicated to the development of acting talent.
His initial foray into the Hollywood scene came in the form of a significant role, that of Xavier, in the 1983 West Coast Premier production of the critically acclaimed play, Balm In Gilead, penned by the celebrated playwright Lanford Wilson. This notable production was staged at the esteemed Pan Andreas Theater, a prominent venue located in the heart of West Hollywood, and marked a significant milestone in Velez's journey as a professional actor.
After his impressive debut, Velez went on to secure a significant role as Lenny in the highly-acclaimed inaugural production of Delirious at the renowned Matrix Theater in Hollywood, California. This pivotal performance earned him critical acclaim and recognition, as the play itself received the esteemed Dramalogue Award for Best Ensemble, a testament to the exceptional talents of the entire cast.
Noted for his remarkable adaptability as a thespian, Velez has consistently demonstrated a remarkable range as an actor, effortlessly transitioning between comedic and dramatic roles, and effortlessly bringing to life a diverse array of characters, whether they be heroic, villainous, or somewhere in between.
His impressive career in the entertainment industry began with a television role in the NBC pilot, "For Love And Honor", where he portrayed a lovesick soldier in 1983. Additionally, he secured a recurring role as Pepe Garcia, the shortstop, in Steven Bochco's critically acclaimed baseball series, "Bay City Blues", which aired on NBC.
Velez embarked on a remarkable journey, showcasing his exceptional talent by starring as a mainstay in a total of six prime-time television series. His impressive roster of credits includes the NBC nighttime soap opera, Berrenger's, the CBS sitcom, Charlie & Co., the popular action-adventure series, The A-Team, broadcast on NBC, the CBS sitcom, Trial And Error, the NBC drama, True Blue, and the UPN drama series, Live Shot.
Noteworthy television endeavors of this accomplished individual comprise a diverse array of Movies of the Week, with a standout performance as the notorious 'Carlos' in the NBC film production of C.A.T. Squad. Additionally, he garnered widespread recognition for his pivotal role in the Emmy Award-winning NBC mini-series Drug Wars: The Camarena Story. Furthermore, he took on the lead detective roles in Lifetime's By Appointment Only and A Father's Choice, a CBS production, demonstrating his versatility and talent in a range of dramatic capacities.
Velez has made numerous television guest-star appearances, showcasing his versatility as a performer. His extensive list of credits includes notable shows such as Numbers, Charmed, and Just Shoot Me, demonstrating his ability to adapt to a wide range of roles and genres.
In addition to his guest appearances, Velez has also had recurring roles in several popular series, including The Trials Of Rosie O'Neill, Empty Nest, and Midnight Caller. His experience in playing complex characters has been evident in his portrayal of diverse characters in shows like Shannon's Deal, Tour Of Duty, and Hill Street Blues.
Velez has also made appearances in a variety of other television shows, including Cagney And Lacey, Murder, She Wrote, and the daytime soaps Port Charles, General Hospital, Capitol, and Days Of Our Lives. His impressive range and ability to take on a wide range of roles have made him a sought-after talent in the television industry.
Biography:
John Velez is an accomplished actor with a long and varied career in television. Born and raised in the United States, Velez began his acting career in the early 1990s, quickly making a name for himself with his versatility and range. Throughout his career, he has appeared in numerous television shows, including dramas, comedies, and soap operas.
Velez's early work included guest appearances on popular shows such as Numbers, Charmed, and Just Shoot Me. He soon landed recurring roles on several series, including The Trials Of Rosie O'Neill, Empty Nest, and Midnight Caller. His experience in playing complex characters has been evident in his portrayal of diverse characters in shows like Shannon's Deal, Tour Of Duty, and Hill Street Blues.
In addition to his work in television, Velez has also made appearances in several films and stage productions. His impressive range and ability to take on a wide range of roles have made him a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, Velez has demonstrated his ability to adapt to a wide range of roles and genres, making him a valuable asset to any production. His dedication to his craft and his passion for acting have earned him a loyal following and a reputation as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Velez's inaugural foray into feature film acting occurred in 1983, when he took on the pivotal role of Napolean Rodriguez, one half of the dynamic duo known as the Rodriguez Brothers, in Alex Cox's cult-classic motion picture, Repo Man.
Years later, in 2009, Velez brought his unique acting talents to the character of Judge "Two Strikes" Espinoza in Repo Chick, the highly anticipated sequel to Repo Man, a film that had garnered a devoted following over the years.
Notable film appearances include a pivotal role as a Playboy photographer in the biographical drama Anna Nicole, where he brought depth and nuance to the character. His impressive range was further showcased in the horror film Born, where he portrayed a tortured priest, Father Anthony, with a profound sense of vulnerability and desperation.
Additionally, he took on the complex and intriguing character of Eric Muller in an untitled film, followed by a chilling performance as a sadistic drug lord in Albert Pyun's neo-noir crime-drama Bulletface. His versatility was also on full display in Running Woman, where he played the role of Reuben Alvarez with a commanding presence.
In the world of sports drama, he shone as Julian "Snake" Pedroza, a prize-fighter in the critically acclaimed film Split Decisions, showcasing his athletic prowess and acting abilities. His work in Under Oath saw him take on the role of Detective Ray Ramirez, bringing a sense of gravitas and authority to the character.
Furthermore, he appeared as Detective Morales in A Passion To Kill, once again demonstrating his ability to excel in a wide range of roles. His romantic lead performance as Diego in the poignant film Beautiful Loser, where he played the long-lost love interest, showcased his capacity for emotional depth and vulnerability.
Lastly, he brought the villainous character Lobo to life in the action-packed film Rooftops, solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor with a knack for memorable performances.
Among the most notable and proudest moments of my illustrious career, I had the extraordinary privilege of sharing the screen with the incomparable Benicio Del Toro, an Academy Award winner, in the Oscar-winning film Traffic, masterfully directed by the renowned Steven Soderbergh.
Furthermore, I also had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with the highly acclaimed director William Friedkin, who guided me through the intense and action-packed Paramount production, The Hunted.
In addition, I had the honor of sharing the screen with the late, great Raul Julia, a talented actor who left an indelible mark on the film industry, in the powerful and critically acclaimed Romero.
I also had the privilege of working alongside the esteemed Jon Voight in the gripping and suspenseful Most Wanted.
Lastly, I had the pleasure of joining forces with the Wayans brothers, comedy legends, in the hilarious and box office hit comedy, White Chicks, produced by Revolution Studios.
Velez, a multifaceted individual, also assumed the roles of co-producer on the CBS Television Movie of the Week, "Scattered Dreams: The Kathryn Messenger Story", a highly-regarded production that starred the talented Tyne Daly and Gerald McRaney.
In addition to this notable achievement, Velez also co-produced, co-wrote, produced, and directed "The Cross-Up", a comedy short that premiered on Amazon Prime Video, showcasing their versatility and expertise in various aspects of the filmmaking process.
