Sal Velez Jr. is a multi-talented improvisation actor from Chicago's Second City, with a wide range of experience in film, television, and theater.
He is known for his versatility, having played roles in various genres, including romantic comedies, dramas, and thrillers. One of his most notable projects is the romantic comedy "Switch Up", which premiered at the 2024 South By Southwest Film Festival and in which he played the role of Ty and served as executive producer.
Velez has received numerous awards and nominations for his performances, including the 2022 Omni Cultural TV NATPE Excellence Award, consideration for the 2021 Daytime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Rekindling Christmas, and consideration for the 2020 Sag Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Drama Series in Black Summer.
In addition to his work in film and television, Velez has also made appearances in stage productions, including The Goodman Theater, Chicago Theatre Building, and Nuyorican Poet Miguel Pinero plays.
Some of his notable roles include Miguel in The Way Back, Dean Sanborne in Rekindling Christmas, Rafael Morales in Gentefied, Jesus in On The Verge, and William in Black Summer.
Velez was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Vivian Hernandez, a school teacher, and Salvador Velez, a U.S. Postman. He is a second-generation Puerto Rican, and his parents divorced when he was young. He and his mother and sister relocated to Houston, Texas, before returning to Chicago's Humboldt Park at the age of 14 to reconnect with his father.
Growing up in the rough streets of Chicago, Velez found solace in entertainment, using his talents to impersonate iconic actors and sing Latin jazz at local nightclubs. He was discovered by Second City theatre and won a three-year scholarship, studying improv, classical, sketch writing, and musical theater.
Velez has also worked on various projects in production, including Comedy House of Tragedy, Gentefied, On The Verge, No More Goodbyes, and Brooklyn All American.
In addition to his acting career, Velez is also known for his work with family shelters, abused families, schools, and youth shelters, and has received the Chrysalis Award by the San Jose Obrero Mission for his dedicated work.
As he continues to take on new challenges and projects, Velez remains committed to his values of inspiring laughter, creating knowledge, and spreading love.
