Justin Johnson Cortez is a multi-talented Hispanic and Indigenous American actor, writer, and director who rose to fame in 2022 as one of the year's most promising breakout stars.
Born in Santa Paula, California, to Yaqui Tribe descent, Cortez's passion for acting, writing, and directing was evident from a young age. He began his career in the entertainment industry by guest-starring on several popular TV shows, including "911: Lone Star" and "Lucifer".
In 2022, Cortez landed a starring role in The CW's highly-rated new series "Walker Independence", a prequel to the network's hit series "Walker". He played the character of Calian, an Apache tribe member working as a scout for the city of Independence, Texas, in the late 1800s.
Cortez's impressive performance in "Walker Independence" caught the attention of The CW, who subsequently announced that he would join the mothership series "Walker" as Detective David Luna in a major recurring role for the series' fourth and final season.
In addition to his work on "Walker", Cortez will also appear in Netflix's upcoming Western series "Ransom Canyon", starring alongside Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. The series is set to premiere in Spring 2025.
Cortez has also made a name for himself in the film industry, starring in the indie feature "Gift of Fear", which sheds light on the devastating epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women. His performance in the film earned him a "Best Lead Actor" nomination at the 2023 Red Nation International Film Festival.
A true Renaissance man, Cortez is also a skilled handyman, adventure-seeking athlete, and artist. He enjoys building custom furniture, riding motorcycles, and creating art and stencil work out of wood blocks. He is married with two daughters and spends his free time with his family.
With his impressive range of skills and talents, Justin Johnson Cortez is undoubtedly a rising star in the entertainment industry. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to showcasing the stories and experiences of Indigenous Americans make him a true asset to the industry.
