Laz Alonso
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Laz Alonso is a Cuban-American actor born and raised in Washington D.C. Alonso grew up in a single parent household; his father died when he was very young. Although both of his parents are Cuban, Alonso identified most with African-American heritage because there were not many Latinos in Washington D.C. In high school, however, he spent time with many Dominicans.
His neighborhood was predominantly African-American. He attended Howard University, the renowned historically black university in D.C., and eventually became a host for Black Entertainment Television. Alonso's goal from the beginning was to be an actor, however. Wanting to fulfill his mother's wishes, and not wanting to waste his business degree, he accepted a job on Wall Street working for Merill Lynch. He later quit to pursue an acting career.
In 2000, Alonso appeared in the HBO film Disappearing Acts (2000), based on the Terry MacMillan novel, with Wesley Snipes and Sanaa Lathan, affording him the opportunity to work under director Gina Prince-Bythewood. He has also starred in 30 Years to Life (2001) and Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood. He can also be seen in Land of Opportunity, a Puerto Rican love story set in Washington Heights.
He also played the role of LCpl. Ramón Escobar in the movie Jarhead (2000).
