Esai Morales is an American actor of Puerto Rican descent, celebrated for his versatile roles in film and television. Born in Brooklyn in 1962, he gained prominence with his performance as Bob Morales in the 1987 biopic "La Bamba." Morales has since appeared in numerous television series, including "NYPD Blue," "Ozark," and "Titans." In 1998, he received the ALMA Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Series for his role in "NYPD Blue." Morales's enduring career and commitment to portraying complex characters have made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.