Benicio Monserrate Rafael del Toro Calderón is a Puerto Rican actor known for his versatility and range in a wide variety of film roles. Born on February 19, 1967, in San Germán, Puerto Rico, del Toro comes from a family with a rich cultural heritage, his father being a lawyer and his mother a Spanish teacher.
From a young age, del Toro was fascinated by the world of acting, and he began his career in the early 1990s with small roles in films and television shows. His breakthrough came in 1995 with his portrayal of Che Guevara in the film "Che", which earned him widespread critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.
Throughout his career, del Toro has demonstrated his ability to take on a wide range of roles, from dramatic and intense to comedic and lighthearted. He has worked with some of the most renowned directors in the industry, including Steven Soderbergh, Terrence Malick, and Denis Villeneuve, and has appeared alongside some of the biggest stars in Hollywood.
Del Toro's performances have earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Traffic" and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his portrayal of Jimmy Ramos in "21 Grams". He has also been nominated for numerous other awards, including several Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs.
In addition to his work in film, del Toro is also known for his humanitarian efforts, particularly in his native Puerto Rico. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Fund and the Puerto Rico Arts Alliance.
Throughout his career, del Toro has established himself as one of the most respected and talented actors of his generation, known for his unique ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters. With a wide range of roles under his belt, del Toro continues to captivate audiences and critics alike with his performances.
Benicio del Toro Calderon, a native of Puerto Rico, embarked on a life-altering journey in 1965 when he relocated to New York with his family at the tender age of six. As he grew up on the vibrant streets of the Lower East Side and Spanish Harlem, the formative years of his childhood were shaped by the eclectic cultural landscape of his new surroundings.
After completing his college education, Calderon made the bold decision to enlist in the United States Army, where he served as an infantryman in overseas deployments. This period of military service not only honed his discipline and resilience but also provided a unique perspective on the world.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Calderon returned to the United States and turned his attention to the world of acting. With a wealth of life experience and a newfound sense of purpose, he began to pursue his passion for the craft, laying the foundation for a successful and storied career in Hollywood.
Calderon's illustrious acting career commenced on the esteemed New York stage, where he garnered an Obie Award for his remarkable performance in the production of "Blade to the Heat" at the renowned Public Theatre.
Subsequently, he made a triumphant Broadway debut, sharing the spotlight with the legendary Robert De Niro in the captivating production of "Cuba and His Teddy Bear".
Beyond his impressive Broadway credits, Calderon has also graced the off-Broadway stage, bringing his exceptional talent to productions such as "Requiem For A Heavyweight" and "Divine Horsemen".
Furthermore, he has taken on the iconic role of Achilles in the New York Shakespeare Festival's production of "Troilus and Cressida", which was staged in the picturesque Central Park.
Throughout his illustrious career, Calderon has been affiliated with several notable theatre companies, including the Touchstone Theatre, the American Folk Theatre, and the Labyrinth Theatre Company, where he holds the esteemed position of founding member.
Notable American actor and writer, Calderon, was initially earmarked to play the pivotal role of Jules Winnfield in the iconic 1994 film "Pulp Fiction", directed by Quentin Tarantino, but ultimately, the part went to the talented Samuel L. Jackson.
Although Calderon did not ultimately take on the role of Jules Winnfield, he did make a memorable appearance in the film, playing the character of Paul the bartender in a pivotal dialogue scene between Butch Coolidge, portrayed by Bruce Willis, and Marsellus Wallace, played by Ving Rhames.
In addition to his work on "Pulp Fiction", Calderon also co-wrote the 1992 crime drama "Bad Lieutenant", directed by Abel Ferrara, which starred the renowned actor Harvey Keitel.
Calderon's illustrious filmography boasts an impressive array of over three dozen credits, showcasing his remarkable versatility as a performer. This esteemed list of credits includes notable titles such as the critically acclaimed "Out of Sight", the crime drama "Cop Land", the anthology film "Four Rooms", the iconic Quentin Tarantino-directed "Pulp Fiction", Abel Ferrara's gritty "Bad Lieutenant", the blockbuster hit "The Firm", the psychological thriller "The Addiction", the crime drama "Q & A", the iconic neo-noir "Sea of Love", Spike Lee's gritty "Clockers", and the cult classic "King of New York".
In addition to his impressive work in film, Calderon has also made numerous guest appearances on television series, demonstrating his ability to adapt to a wide range of roles and formats. These appearances include recurring roles on the children's television series "Dream Street", the long-running crime drama "Law & Order", and the stylish and influential crime drama "Miami Vice".
In the year 2010, a notable individual by the name of Calderon is poised to take on a significant acting role, portraying the character of The Businessman in a crime drama film titled "The Story", directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Sanzhar Sultanov.
