BACKSTORY
Born on April 24, 1988, in the vibrant city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Jose Manuel has always had a fire burning in his soul. From a young age, he was captivated by the magic of action-adventure movies, finding inspiration in the fearless performances of legends like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Douglas Fairbanks. Little did he know that these childhood fantasies would shape the course of his life, propelling him towards a career as an actor, director, and all-around swashbuckler.
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With determination and unwavering passion, Jose embarked on a journey of self-discovery, honing his skills in the world of arts and entertainment. In 2010, he found his breakthrough moment when he wrote, starred in, and action-directed the unforgettable film "The Witness" (El Testigo). This gripping masterpiece took the world by storm, winning numerous awards and capturing the hearts of audiences, solidifying Jose's status as a cult classic icon in his homeland of Puerto Rico.
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Fuelled by this early taste of success, Jose pushed himself to even greater heights, immersing himself in award-winning TV shows, short films, and independent projects. His dedication to his craft paid off when, in 2017, fate intervened in the form of a random phone call from the esteemed Director/Writer-Producer, Pema Dondhup. This unexpected opportunity led Jose to star and action-direct the thrilling adventure film, "The Man From Kathmandu," set against the stunning backdrop of Nepal. It was a leap of faith, but one that ultimately validated his unwavering beliefs.
"The Man From Kathmandu" was a monumental success, captivating audiences in the East and earning accolades at prestigious film festivals across the globe. It was a testament to Jose's fearless spirit and his ability to breathe life into larger-than-life characters.
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In 2020, destiny intervened once more when Jose received a call from the legendary martial artist and action maestro, Marko Zaror. Their collaboration resulted in the electrifying action project, "The Fist Of the Condor," shot in the breathtaking landscapes of Chile. Released on Hi-Yah! TV in April 2023, it quickly soared to become the number one streamed motion picture on the platform, solidifying Jose's place amongst the action genre greats.
Jose Manuel's mission is clear - to continue representing the everyman action hero on screen and inspire the creation of new action performers across Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and beyond. His unwavering dedication, raw talent, and burning passion have made him a force to be reckoned with, and his rise to prominence is only just beginning. With each swashbuckling adventure he undertakes, Jose brings to life the emotional journey of the underdog, instilling in audiences the belief that they too can conquer any challenge that life throws their way.