BIO

Edward James Olmos was born Edward Olmos in Los Angeles, in 1947.   His father was a postal worker and welder.   Olmos wanted to be a professional baseball player and was the California batting champion.

He began his entertainment career fronting a rock band and took acting classes on the side.   Olmos was cast in Zoot Suit which had it’s Broadway run in 1979.   He received a Tony Award nomination for Featured Actor.

Olmos made his film debut in an uncredited role for Centaur Productions in 1974, at the age of 27, and has appeared in more than 30 feature films.   He received an Academy Award nomination for Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Stand and Deliver (1988).

Olmos also has a busy television career and has received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including a win for Outstanding Supporting Actor for Miami Vice (1985).

He has also produced more than 10 films or television movies and directed several feature films and television episodes.

A social activist, Olmos founded Latino Public Broadcasting and has served as an international ambassador to UNICEF.

He has been married three times:

1. Kaija Keel (1950- ), (m. 1971-1992), two children, divorced.   Their sons are the actors Mico Olmos (1972- ) and Bodie Olmos (1975- );
2. Lorraine Bracco (1954- ), actress, (m. 1994-2002), divorced;
3. Lymari Nadal (1978- ), actress, (m. 2002 - ).

Olmos also has four adopted children.

Additional Broadway stage history is available at:

Additional biographical information is available at:

NOTED FILMS

TV SERIES

Miami Vice

American Family