Rose Portillo is a multifaceted American artist, boasting an impressive repertoire in the realms of acting, writing, directing, and education. Her illustrious career began with a lead role in Luis Valdez's groundbreaking production of 'Zoot Suit', which premiered in both Los Angeles and on Broadway, and was later adapted into a film.
Portillo's stage and screen presence is highlighted by her critically acclaimed portrayal of Mother in the 2017 revival of 'Zoot Suit', starring Demián Bichir. As Associate Director of About Productions, she has been instrumental in the company's 24-year history of creating original Theaterworks, and has also founded the Young Theaterworks program, which serves students in East Los Angeles' Continuation/Options High Schools.
As an actress, Portillo has amassed an impressive array of credits in regional theater, film, and television. Some notable highlights include her starring role in the award-winning film '...and the Earth Did Not Swallow Him' (1994),based on Tomas Rivera's seminal novel; recurring and regular roles on television series such as 'Vida' (2018) and 'Eisenhower & Lutz' (1988); and stage appearances in productions like 'The Wood Demon' at the Mark Taper Forum, 'Death and the Maiden' at San Diego Rep, and 'Other People's Money' at The Mixed Blood.
In addition to her acting credits, Portillo has also directed productions in Los Angeles and at the Mixed Blood Theater in Minneapolis, and has recently helmed an adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' for the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles.
As a writer, Portillo has received commissions from esteemed institutions such as Center Theatre Group's P.L.A.Y., Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, and California Institute of the Arts' Community Arts Program. She has also served as Writer-in-Residence at the William Inge Center for the Arts.
Furthermore, Portillo is a respected educator, currently serving as a Faculty member at Pomona College in Claremont, where she directs the innovative "Theater for (and with) Young Audiences" program.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Los Angeles theater community, Portillo, along with Theresa Chavez, was honored with the Lee Melville Award by Playwrights' Arena.
