Biography

Raul Mendez is considered by many in Mexico as one of the best actors of his generation. Classically trained, he is often referred to as a chameleon, working steadily in film, television and theater.

In Oct 2014, he worked on two Netflix Original Series, taking on totally different characters; An unstable antagonist, Joaquin, on "Sense8" under the direction of James McTeigue and directed & produced by Lana and Andy Wachowski, and President César Gaviria, on "Narcos" produced by José Padilha and Chris Brancato, with multiple directors including fellow Mexican, Oscar winner Guillermo Navarro.

He recently wrapped Texas Rising, playing the role of Juan Seguin, directed by Roland Joffé, and produced by the same team of "Hatfields and McCoys," scheduled to air on the History Channel May 2015.

Raul has worked on many television series in Mexico including "El Señor de los Cielos" Parts 1 & 2, which aired in the U.S. on NBC/Telemundo.

Raul grew up in Torréon. He followed his passion to Mexico City where he got his degree in Dramatic Arts. He later joined Los Endebles Theatre Company where he began to develop his craft working in numerous theatrical productions. He also did commercial theatre and his last play "No sé si Cortarme las Venas..." was so successful, writer-director, Manolo Caro, turned it into a hit movie with the ensemble cast.

He has worked in more than 30 movies, including "Matando Cabos", where he was nominated for several awards. He also participated in several American projects shot on location in Mexico, including "For Greater Glory" sharing scenes with Andy Garcia, and with Martin Sheen in "The Kid." He won the role of Ferroq in "The Legend of Zorro" at the age of 27, when director Martin Campbell saw his self-taped audition. Raul's first English-speaking role on television was in "Time of The Butterflies."

His film "The Incident" directed by Isaac Ezban, is on the 2004 Festival circuit, having participated at the Austin Fantastic Festival and Vancouver International Film Festival. The film has its Mexican Premiere in the Los Cabos International Film Festival when it competes as First Feature. Raul's next film "Visitantes" premieres in Mexico City December, 2014.

Known as a disciplined actor, who is committed to his work, and trains regularly.
- IMDb mini biography by: Marianne S

His first English speaking role was as Pedrito in "Time of the Butterflies" starring and produced by Salma Hayek.

Auditioned for a role in Legend of Zorro. Director Martin Campbell liked him, but he was not right for role. Instead, he played the role of Ferroq - a character much older than he was.

Driving in Toyota Grand Prix Pro Celebrity Race 2015, he said he was so happy to connect again with the little boy in him.

When Raul Mendez was 13, he watched a film being shot at the airport of his native Torreon, Mexico. It was Fat Man & Little Boy directed by Roland Joffé. Observing the great actors he said to himself, "This is what I want to do in life."