Biography

Manny Perez has become one of the most recognizable Latino actors working in both Hollywood and his native Dominican Republic. With a career spanning independent cinema, major studio productions, and international television, Perez has established himself as one of the most influential Dominican artists of his generation.

Born in the small town of Baitoa, Dominican Republic, Perez is one of eleven siblings. At the age of ten, he immigrated with his family to Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating high school, he moved to New York City to pursue his passion for acting, studying drama at Marymount Manhattan College.

Manny first gained the industry attention when he co-wrote, produced and starred in the critically acclaimed independent film Washington Heights, set in his neighborhood. His performance earned him Best Actor honors at several International Film Festivals and the praise of many film critics; The New York Times stated, "Mr. Perez has charisma to burn."

Throughout his career, Perez has starred in and co-starred in acclaimed films including Sound of Freedom, Pride & Glory, Love Is Strange, El Cantante, Bella, and many others. His performance in Bella earned him the prestigious ALMA Award for Best Actor, making him the first Dominican actor to receive the honor.

He has worked with legendary directors such as Sidney Lumet, Arthur Penn, Spike Lee, Leon Ichaso, Mike Newell, Ed Zwick, Takeshi Kitano, Bob Giraldi, Darnell Martin, among others.

On television, Perez has maintained a strong presence in critically acclaimed and popular series, including Homeland, Marvel's Luke Cage for Netflix, Amazon Prime's Big Dogs, The Blacklist, Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii Five-0 and many more.

In the Dominican Republic, Perez is widely known for his leading roles in films such as Veneno, Colao 1&2, La Isla Rota, A Tiro Limpio, Tíguere, La Soga, La Soga 2: Salvation, La Soga 3: Vengeance, El Rey de Najayo and others. His acclaimed performance in El Rey de Najayo earned him the Soberano Award for Best Actor, the Dominican Republic's highest honor in entertainment.

Beyond acting, Perez has built a successful career as a writer, producer, and director. His breakthrough feature, La soga which he wrote, produced, and starred in, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to standing ovations, sold-out screenings, and strong critical acclaim. Variety stated, "Perez, puts plenty of guts into his script and performance". La Soga became the first Dominican film ever selected to screen at the prestigious festival. He followed it with Forged and Ponchao, both of which he co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in.

Perez later made his directorial debut with La Soga 2: Salvation, which also screened at TIFF, followed by La Soga 3: Vengeance. Through his work as an actor, writer, producer, and director, he has helped expand the international reach and visibility of Latino cinema.

With all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Manny has maintained loyal to his roots in the Latin community, both in the US and the Dominican Republic. This kind of cavalier attitude is the reason he was honored by El Diario newspaper with the "EL Award", as one of the most prominent Latinos in New York. He also received the Tony Bennett Excellence in Media Award, the Perry Ellis Humanitarian Award, and given the Key to the City of Providence, Rhode Island. He was also honored with a Humanitarian Award in the Dominican Republic in recognition for his charitable work throughout the country.

His films have reached audiences worldwide through theatrical releases and streaming platforms, reinforcing his reputation as a respected actor, filmmaker, and champion of Latino storytelling.

Perez has been featured in various national and international magazines, newspapers and entertainment shows.
- IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous

Attended Marymount Manhattan College.