David Zayas Movies and TV Shows Life David Zayas is a Puerto Rican actor known for his remarkable versatility, having portrayed a wide range of characters across various genres in both film and television. With his commanding presence and ability to embody complex roles, Zayas has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. From crime dramas to comedies, his career spans over several decades, earning him recognition and acclaim. Below is a comprehensive list of his movies and TV shows that showcase his talents.
Early Life and Career
Born on August 15, 1962, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, David Zayas moved to New York at the age of 10. He later attended the prestigious Juilliard School, where he honed his acting skills. Zayas began his career in theater, but his breakthrough came when he transitioned into television and film roles.
| Movies | TV Shows |
|---|---|
| The Expendables (2010) | Dexter (2006–2013, 2021) |
| The Expendables 2 (2012) | The Good Wife (2010–2014) |
| The Losers (2010) | Oz (2001–2003) |
| Fast & Furious 4 (2009) | Person of Interest (2011–2016) |
| Arbitrage (2012) | Blue Bloods (2011–present) |
| La Dictadura Perfecta (2014) | Banshee (2015–2016) |
| Suicide Squad (2016) | Law & Order: SVU (various episodes) |
| The Last Witch Hunter (2015) | Castle (2009–2016) |
| The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008) | NCIS: Los Angeles (2012) |
| The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) | Hawaii Five-0 (2012) |
David Zayas in Movies
David Zayas’ movie career features a wide variety of characters, often portraying intense, gritty roles that fit his strong on-screen persona. Below are some of the notable films in which he has appeared:
- The Interpreter (2005)
- Role: Emilio
- A political thriller directed by Sydney Pollack, Zayas plays a supporting role in this intense drama starring Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn.
- Across the Universe (2007)
- Role: Sgt. Tony
- Zayas is part of the ensemble cast in this musical film, which features Beatles songs and explores the 1960s counterculture.
- The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)
- Role: Francisco “Paco” Lopez
- In this action thriller directed by Tony Scott, Zayas plays a supporting role alongside Denzel Washington and John Travolta.
- The Expendables (2010)
- Role: General Garza
- Zayas appears in this action-packed ensemble film starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- The Equalizer 2 (2018)
- Role: Joseph
- Zayas plays a supporting role in this action film starring Denzel Washington, adding to his repertoire of playing tough characters.
- Piñero (2001)
- Role: Police Officer
- A film about the life of the late poet and playwright Miguel Piñero, Zayas plays a supporting role alongside Benjamin Bratt.
David Zayas in TV Shows
Zayas’ television career is perhaps most well-known for his role as Angel Batista in the iconic series Dexter. However, his TV portfolio stretches beyond that, showing his ability to tackle a variety of characters in different settings.
- Dexter (2006–2013, 2021)
- Role: Angel Batista
- Zayas’ most well-known and beloved role is as Detective Angel Batista in the hit Showtime series Dexter. His character, a dedicated and compassionate Miami Metro police officer, is integral to the show’s dynamic, and Zayas’ portrayal earned him significant recognition.
- Oz (2002–2003)
- Role: Enrique Morales
- Zayas appeared in the critically acclaimed HBO series Oz, playing Enrique Morales, a member of the inmate population at the fictional Oz prison. The show was known for its dark and gritty portrayal of life behind bars.
- Blue Bloods (2010)
- Role: Detective Eddie Rojas
- Zayas guest-starred in this popular police procedural drama starring Tom Selleck. He portrayed a detective in the NYPD, demonstrating his continued fit for law enforcement roles.
- The Expanse (2015–2021)
- Role: Captain of the MCRN Donnager
- In this critically acclaimed science fiction series, Zayas plays a supporting role as the captain of a Martian warship, showing his adaptability in genres outside of crime and drama.
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2012)
- Role: Capt. Munch
- Zayas made an appearance in the long-running police procedural SVU, demonstrating his talents in guest-starring roles.
- The Flash (2017)
- Role: Samuel Scudder / Mirror Master
- In this superhero series, Zayas played the character Samuel Scudder, a criminal with the ability to manipulate mirrors, adding a comic-book twist to his already diverse career.
- The Mentalist (2010)
- Role: Detective Danny
- Zayas appeared in an episode of this police procedural drama, continuing his successful run in crime-based TV shows.
- The Last OG (2018–2021)
- Role: Amigo
- Zayas joined this comedy series starring Tracy Morgan. He plays a recurring character, adding some comedic flair to his usual tough-guy roles.
Upcoming Projects
David Zayas continues to be an active presence in both film and television, with multiple upcoming projects. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres and his remarkable skill set ensure that fans can look forward to his future work in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
David Zayas has proven time and again that he is a versatile and talented actor. From his intense roles in films to his beloved TV characters, Zayas has built a career that showcases his incredible range. Whether he’s playing a tough cop, a complex criminal, or a caring friend, his ability to bring depth to any role has made him a respected figure in Hollywood. As he continues to work in both film and television, it’s clear that David Zayas will remain a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for years to come.