Manny Perez is one of 10 siblings born in the Dominican Republic. As a young boy, he moved to Providence, RI, and after high school, he relocated to NY. The talent attended Manhattan College, majored in Drama, then studied at Ensemble Studio, and is a member of the Labyrinth Theatre Co. in NYC.
In 2002, the actor co-wrote, produced and starred in the highly praised film "Washington Heights, which won him the Best Actor at the Milan International Film Festival. Film critics approved, and the New York Times described him as "having charisma to burn."
Since then, Manny has become one of Hollywood's most recognizable Latino Actors. He has held roles in a long list of television and films that include Sounds of Freedom, Night of the Sicario, Nothing Like the Holidays, El Cantante, Courage Under Fire, Party Monster, Blue Bloods, The Equalizer, Law & Order, Homeland, Criminal Minds, The Blacklist, Hawaii 5-0, FBI: Most Wanted and many more!
His most recent project, La Soga: Vengeance is one of a 3-part trilogy that tells the story of a deadly hitman who uncovers a world of chaos, corruption, and betrayal when he returns home to the Dominican Republic for vengeance.
The first installment of this film premiered in 2009 at the Toronto International Film Festival. He has worked with directors Ed Zwick, Takeshi Kitano, Arthur Penn, and Bob Giraldi.
His recognition also takes him off screen, winning El Award, The Tony Bennett Excellence in Media Award, Perry Ellis Humanitarian Award, and received the key to his hometown of Providence. The love he holds for his country and people knows no boundaries, winning him the Humanitarian Award in the Dominican Republic for his charitable work during Hurricane Noel.
Manny sat down with AW for a candid conversation about his career, the challenges of bringing La Soga to life, corruption, Dominican roots, dreams and more!
Learn more about Manny at Instagram @mannyperez1