Edward James Olmos is a Mexican-American actor, director, producer, and activist, born in 1947, known for his raspy voice, distinctive features, and for playing complex Latino characters in film, television, and theater. He rose to fame in series such as Miami Vice, Battlestar Galactica, and Mayans MC, as well as being nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film Stand and Deliver (1988), where he played Jaime Escalante, a Math teacher who inspires his students in East Los Angeles.

The son of a Mexican immigrant and a Mexican-American mother, Olmos grew up in a multicultural neighborhood in East Los Angeles. Despite challenges, including his parents' divorce, he found refuge in baseball and later developed a passion for music, fronting the band Pacific Ocean. Although he initially studied sociology and criminal justice, Olmos began acting to improve his musical performances, which led to small roles on television shows.

Olmos' career took off in 1978, with his performance as El Pachuco in the play Zoot Suit, which earned him critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination. His signature performance in Miami Vice as Lieutenant Martin Castillo made him a household name, and his role in Stand and Deliver cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood's leading Latino actors.

In addition to acting, Olmos also stood out as a director and producer, addressing important themes of the Latino community and social issues. He directed and produced American Me (1992), a gang drama, and was the narrator of the documentary Lives in Hazard (1994), about gang violence in the United States. Olmos was also a dedicated activist, working on causes such as gang prevention, AIDS awareness, juvenile diabetes, and promoting racial unity, especially after the Los Angeles riots of 1992.

His role in Battlestar Galactica as Commander Adama introduced him to a new generation of fans, and he has continued to act in several productions, including the Mayans MC series and the film Windows on the World (2019), directed by his son. In 2023, Olmos revealed that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer, but that he had successfully completed radiation therapy.

Edward James Olmos is an influential figure in both the entertainment industry and social activism, utilizing his platform to promote positive change and represent the complex experiences of Latinos in the United States.

Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edward-James-Olmos