Actor / Director Profile

Emilio Rivera has discovered that turning your life around is the key to making dreams come true. His acting credentials have allowed him to top the list of successful Latino actors. His resume continues to grow with starring roles in films such as High Crimes (2002) with Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman and the much anticipated film Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Emilio was born in San Antonio, Texas as the oldest child of four brothers and three sisters. When Emilio was a young boy his family moved to an area of Los Angeles nicknamed Frog Town and Emilio continued to seek the attention of those around him. His first experience with acting was in his third grade production of "Rumpelstiltskin". Emilio admits his childhood was not easy growing up as a minority in a poor section of town.Underneath the exterior Emilio's passion for acting thrived and after much soul searching Emilio decided to take his biggest risk and pursue acting. The training, discipline and extensive hours of studying changed Emilio life forever. Those around him were amazed at the positive yet radical change in Emilio and realized he had found his true passion in life. In between his time studying Emilio worked as a mechanical engineer.His first feature role was in the TV series "Renegade" (1992) with Lorenzo Lamas. He left his day job behind after he landed a role in the feature film Con Air (1997) co-starring Nicolas Cage. Emilio has appeared in countless commercials, television programs and feature films including _Traffic_, The Cable Guy (1996), "NYPD Blue" (1993), "Beverly Hills, 90210" (1990), "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993), "JAG" (1995), and "ER" (1994).This year film audiences will see Emilio's talents in John Cusack's film Never Get Outta the Boat (2002), Friday After Next (2002) and _Padrino, El (2003)_ co-starring Stacy Keach, Faye Dunaway. Television audiences will get a taste of Emilio's acting talents in Howard Stern's "Son of the Beach" and Michael Mann's new series "RHD/LA".Emilio shares his life with his wife who was his high school sweetheart and three children. He is an avid golfer and enjoys restoring vintage automobiles and playing with his four dogs - one that Emilio admits is part human. He also speaks to young children about pursuing their dreams and staying off the streets, a lesson he has learned firsthand.