John Leguizamo
John Leguizamo began his career as a stand-up comedian on the New York nightclub circuit in 1984. He made his television debut in Miami Vice (1986) and appeared in projects including Madonna’s “Borderline” music video (1984), Casualties of War (1989), Die Hard 2 (1990), Hangin’ with the Homeboys (1991), and Regarding Henry (1991).
Date of Birth: July 22, 1964 (62)
Birth Place: Bogota, Colombia
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BIO
John Leguizamo began his career as a stand-up comedian on the New York nightclub circuit in 1984. He made his television debut in Miami Vice (1986) and appeared in projects including Madonna’s “Borderline” music video (1984), Casualties of War (1989), Die Hard 2 (1990), Hangin’ with the Homeboys (1991), and Regarding Henry (1991). In 1991, he wrote and performed the Off-Broadway one-man show Mambo Mouth, playing seven different characters. He followed with Spic-O-Rama (1993), another solo stage production later adapted for HBO. Film roles during this period included Whispers in the Dark (1992), Super Mario Bros. (1993), and Carlito’s Way (1993).
In 1995, Leguizamo created, wrote, produced, and starred in the Fox sketch comedy series House of Buggin’. He appeared in films including To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), Executive Decision (1996), Romeo + Juliet (1996), Spawn (1997), The Pest (1997), and Land of the Dead (2005). In 1998, he debuted on Broadway with the solo show Freak, which was later filmed for HBO. He also appeared in Spike Lee’s Summer of Sam (1999).
During the 2000s, Leguizamo starred in the miniseries Arabian Nights (2000), released the comedy album John Leguizamo LIVE (2001), and appeared in Empire (2002). He wrote and performed the stage show Sexaholix... A Love Story (2002). Beginning in 2002, he voiced Sid the Sloth in the Ice Age franchise, reprising the role in multiple sequels and video games. He also voiced Globox in Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc (2003), guest-starred on Dora the Explorer (2004), and joined the cast of ER (2005–2006) as Dr. Victor Clemente. Other projects included the television pilot Edison (2006), The Babysitters (2007), The Kill Point (2007), The Happening (2008), and guest appearances on Sesame Street and The Electric Company.
In 2010, Leguizamo premiered the semi-autobiographical one-man show Klass Klown, later retitled Ghetto Klown. After touring nationally, the production opened on Broadway in 2011 and was later adapted into the documentary Tales From a Ghetto Klown (2012) and an HBO special (2014). Film and television work during this period included Chef (2014), American Ultra (2015), John Wick (2014), Bloodline (2016), and producing Othello: The Remix (2016). In 2015, Abrams ComicArts published a graphic novel adaptation of Ghetto Klown.
In 2017, Leguizamo participated in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s charity single “Almost Like Praying” and debuted the Broadway production Latin History for Morons, which transferred from The Public Theater to Studio 54. He later hosted the 63rd Obie Awards (2018) and appeared in projects including Waco (2018), When They See Us (2019), and the stage musical Kiss My Aztec (2019), which he co-wrote. In 2020, he appeared in The Mandalorian. In 2021, he performed in Waiting for Godot and voiced Bruno Madrigal in Disney’s Encanto. Subsequent film roles included The Menu (2022) and Violent Night (2022).
In 2023, Leguizamo served as a guest host on The Daily Show and hosted the MSNBC series Leguizamo Does America. His adaptation Our Hood received its first reading at the Guthrie Theater that year. In 2024, he hosted the PBS documentary series American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos. In 2025, he appeared in the play The Other Americans at The Public Theater.
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STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Conceiver
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John Leguizamo
Connection
Movies
[ 1984 ] Macetero
[ 1989 ] Diaz
[ 1990 ] Angel
[ 1990 ] Burke
[ 1990 ] Ignacio
[ 1990 ] Ortiz
[ 1991 ] Boy in Alley
[ 1991 ] Johnny
[ 1991 ] Liquor Store Gunman
[ 1992 ] Guess my nationality guy
[ 1992 ] John Ctillo
[ 1993 ] Angel
[ 1993 ] Benny Blanco
[ 1993 ] Luigi Mario
[ 1995 ] Chi-Chi
[ 1995 ] Sergio
[ 1996 ] Captain Carlos Lopez
[ 1996 ] Manny
[ 1996 ] Tybalt
[ 1997 ] Clown, Violator
[ 1997 ] Lefty
[ 1997 ] Pest
[ 1998 ] Chino
[ 1998 ] Rat #2
[ 1998 ] Zip
[ 1999 ] Jorge
[ 1999 ] Vinny
[ 2000 ] Gune
[ 2000 ] Seymour
[ 2001 ] Berger
[ 2001 ] Toulouse-Lautrec
[ 2002 ] Dean Singer
[ 2002 ] Felix Ramirez
[ 2002 ] Sid
[ 2002 ] Spider Mike
[ 2002 ] Victor Rosa
[ 2004 ] Manolo Bonilla
[ 2005 ] Antonio
[ 2005 ] Beck
[ 2005 ] Cholo DeMora
[ 2005 ] Dodge
[ 2006 ] Hannibal
[ 2006 ] Sid
[ 2006 ] TC
[ 2007 ] Felix De La Pena
[ 2007 ] Frank Diaz
[ 2007 ] Lorenzo Daza
[ 2007 ] Michael Beltran
[ 2008 ] Det. Simon Perez
[ 2008 ] Enrico
[ 2008 ] Julian
[ 2008 ] Mauricio Rodriguez
[ 2008 ] Roger Pena
[ 2009 ] Dante, Perfecto
[ 2009 ] Freek
[ 2009 ] Jed
[ 2009 ] Sid
[ 2010 ] Paul
[ 2011 ] Val Valenzuela
[ 2012 ] Jimmy Alpha
[ 2012 ] Lucho Calvo
[ 2012 ] Sid
[ 2013 ] Alex
[ 2013 ] Chips
[ 2013 ] Javier
[ 2013 ] Ziggy
[ 2014 ] Aurelio
[ 2014 ] Jesse
[ 2014 ] Martin
[ 2014 ] Pisanio
[ 2014 ] Santiago
[ 2015 ] Dave
[ 2015 ] Fly Boy, Liam
[ 2015 ] Montgomery De La Cruz
[ 2015 ] Pete
[ 2015 ] Rose
[ 2015 ] Taylor
[ 2016 ] Atticus
[ 2016 ] Berto
[ 2016 ] Emir Abreu
[ 2016 ] Sid
[ 2017 ] Aurelio
[ 2017 ] George Diebold
[ 2018 ] Jeb
[ 2019 ] Jeremy Martinez
[ 2019 ] Rodrigo
[ 2020 ] Detective Espada
[ 2020 ] Mr. Martinez
[ 2021 ] Bill 'Pepe' Miller
[ 2021 ] Bruno
[ 2021 ] Estragon
[ 2021 ] Misael
[ 2022 ] Bruno Madrigal
[ 2022 ] Movie Star
[ 2022 ] Scrooge
[ 2024 ] Bob Trevino
[ 2025 ] Luke Dunn
[ 2025 ] Sid (voice)
[ 2025 ]
[ 2027 ]
TV Shows
Ozzy Delvecchio
Flying Monkeys, Silly Mail Bird, Pirate Pig Captain
Dr. Victor Clemente
Glenn, Carl, Therapist
Orlando Calderone, Angelo Alvarez
Larry Garcia, Narrator
[ 2024 ] Gordon Rogers
[ 2025-2025 ] Ezra Esposito
Awards and Nominations
John Leguizamo, Latin History for Morons
winner
John Leguizamo, Latin History For Morons
John Leguizamo, Latin History for Morons
John Leguizamo, Latin History for Morons
winner
John Leguizamo, Ghetto Klown
winner
John Leguizamo, Ghetto Klown
John Leguizamo, Sexaholix
winner
John Leguizamo, Freak
John Leguizamo -, Freak
John Leguizamo, Freak
John Leguizamo, Freak
winner
John Leguizamo, Spic-o-rama
winner
John Leguizamo, Special Award
winner
John Leguizamo, Spic-O-Rama
winner
John Leguizamo, Mambo Mouth
winner
John Leguizamo, Mambo Mouth
Videos
Christopher Nolan on Matt Damon Spoiling THE ODYSSEY and New Film Technology
by Joshua Wright - 2026-07-24 06:46:12
Video: Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway & More in Trailer for Christopher Nolan's THE ODYSSEY
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-05-05 09:57:22
Video: Watch the First Trailer for Christopher Nolan's THE ODYSSEY Starring Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway & More
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-12-22 10:42:47
Video: Helen Mirren, David Hyde Pierce, and More in Trailer for THIS ORDINARY THING Doc
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-10 11:08:01
Video: Ruben & Trey Santiago-Hudson Talk Joining Forces for THE OTHER AMERICANS
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2024-11-08 13:20:38
News
by Rachel Stone - Aug 28, 2026
NBC released new guest listings for THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON, featuring Shania Twain, Zoe Saldaña, Chance the Rapper, Jim Gaffigan, Karlie Kloss and Michael Strahan, with musical performances from Feid, Bebe Rexha and THE STRAY CATS.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 27, 2026
The documentary from director Colette Ghunim will open in New York and Los Angeles, following her journey to reconnect her parents with their ancestral homes in Palestine and Mexico.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 27, 2026
NBC released new guest listings for THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON, featuring Travis Scott, Shania Twain, Keke Palmer, Zoe Saldaña, Chance the Rapper and musical guest Bebe Rexha.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 26, 2026
John Leguizamo discussed preparing to play a sight-impaired character in THE ODYSSEY and recalled facing limited casting opportunities as a young Latin actor, in an interview on Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 26, 2026
NBC released new guest listings for THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON, featuring Travis Scott, Shania Twain, Keke Palmer, Zoe Saldaña and Chance the Rapper as both guest and musical performer.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 26, 2026
NBC's primetime schedule features new episodes of AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, PASSWORD, LAW & ORDER, CHICAGO PD and THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON, along with a Dolly Parton news special and Big Ten football coverage.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 25, 2026
NBC released new guest listings for THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON, featuring Kevin Hart, Travis Scott, Shania Twain, Keke Palmer, Zoe Saldaña and musical guest Feid.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 24, 2026
NBC released new guest listings for THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON, featuring Colman Domingo, Kevin Hart, Travis Scott, Shania Twain, Keke Palmer and a performance from LES MISÉRABLES – THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 21, 2026
NBC released new guest listings for THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON, featuring Shania Twain, Travis Scott, Colman Domingo, Kevin Hart and a performance from LES MISÉRABLES – THE ARENA CONCERT SPECTACULAR.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 20, 2026
NBC's late-summer primetime lineup features AMERICA'S GOT TALENT quarterfinals, LAW & ORDER and SVU episodes, AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR national finals, and THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 15, 2026
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro opened the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, offering fans first looks at upcoming film, television, and stage projects at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 13, 2026
The DOC NYC Grand Jury Prize-winning documentary from director Colette Ghunim follows her journey to reconnect her parents with family homes in Palestine and Mexico.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 12, 2026
Audible will release EXOPLANET, a sci-fi thriller executive produced by Andy Weir and written by Benjamin Percy, starring Anthony Mackie, Ariana DeBose, and John Leguizamo.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 11, 2026
A new documentary chronicles ASCO, the Chicano art collective that challenged Hollywood and museum institutions in 1970s Los Angeles, executive produced by Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 9, 2026
Christopher Nolan, Travis Scott, John Leguizamo and Elliot Page share how they got cast in The Odyssey during a joint Tonight Show appearance with Jimmy Fallon.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 7, 2026
The touring production of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB will make its South Florida premiere at the Adrienne Arsht Center, accompanied by a free week of Cuban music and cultural programming.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 27, 2026
Buena Vista Social Club will host a special summer “dance along” performance on Friday, August 14th, hosted by Academy Award Winner and friend of Buena Vista, Lupita Nyong’o.
by Joshua Wright - Jul 24, 2026
Christopher Nolan appeared on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON to discuss creating new film technology for THE ODYSSEY, behind-the-scenes stories, and Matt Damon revealing spoilers.
by Joshua Wright - Jul 23, 2026
John Leguizamo appeared on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON, making a memorable entrance on his birthday during his visit with host Jimmy Fallon.
by Joshua Wright - Jul 23, 2026
John Leguizamo appeared on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON to discuss the New York Knicks' 2026 NBA Championship, his new children's book Kiki and The Can, and filming the movie THE ODYSSEY.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
John Leguizamo has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.
John Leguizamo has not appeared in the West End.
Best Play (Tony Awards) for Latin History for Morons, Special Tony Award (Tony Awards) for Latin History For Morons, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Latin History for Morons, Outstanding Solo Show (The Lortels) for Latin History for Morons, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Ghetto Klown, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ghetto Klown, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sexaholix, One Person Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Freak, Best Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Freak , Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Freak, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Freak, Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Spic-o-rama, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Special Award, Outstanding One Person Show (Drama Desk Awards) for Spic-O-Rama, Performance (Obie Awards) for Mambo Mouth and John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Mambo Mouth .
John Leguizamo has won the following awards: Special Tony Award at the Tony Awards for Latin History for Morons. He received the Outstanding Solo Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for Ghetto Klown. He also won the Outstanding Solo Performance award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Ghetto Klown. At the Drama Desk Awards, he won Outstanding One Person Show for Spic-O-Rama and One Person Solo Performance for Freak. He received the Outstanding Lead Actor award at The Lortels for Spic-o-rama. He was honored with a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for a Special Award. Additionally, he won a Performance award at the Obie Awards for Mambo Mouth.
John Leguizamo has written 8 shows including Mambo Mouth (Playwright), Spic-O-Rama (Playwright), Freak (Playwright), Sexaholix (Playwright), Ghetto Klown (Playwright), Latin History for Morons (Writer), Kiss My Aztec! (Bookwriter & Lyricist), The Other Americans (Writer).
