Manny Montana

Manny Montana
Born Long Beach, California, United States
Alma mater California State University, Long Beach
Occupation Actor
Years active 2008–present

Manny Montana is an American actor, best known for his current portrayal as Johnny Tuturro in USA Network's series, Graceland.

Early life

Montana was born and raised in Long Beach, California. After graduating from Jordan High School, Montana got a football scholarship to California State University Sacramento, yet quit after an arm injury and dislocating his shoulder for the eighth time. He transferred to California State University, Long Beach to major in Journalism and Broadcasting. He worked as a DJ in school's student-radio station, which landed him an intern position at Power 100.3.[1]

Career

After graduating in 2006, Montana pushed himself to acting. He started acting in student films which eventually led him to guest in episodes of various television series'.[2] In 2012, Montana was cast as Johnny "J.T." Tuturro in Graceland. When cast, Montana admitted that being cast in a regular procedural where the conflict is wrapped by then end of the episode was his fear, since it did not test him as an actor, yet was relieved when each episode has different scenarios and great dialogue.[3] He was also drawn to the character since Johnny is really light and nice, and only gets hurt if somebody lies to him, which he found was common with his personality as well.[4]

In 2015, Montana appeared in Michael Mann's Blackhat as Lozano, a "wanted criminal". Montana admitted that he had auditioned for a lead role and did not receive it, yet got offered a supporting role, which he took in a heartbeat.[5][6]

Personal life

Montana is an avid surfer, and has been surfing since 2005.[7] Being raised in a tough neighborhood, Montana encourages the children in his area and invites them to play organized sports. Being a coach for the "Jordan Panthers", he creates a place for a kids that keeps them away from everyday violence.[8]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2008 El Primo Luis Short
2008 East L.A. Alex Guzman
2008 Sanctuary Ramirez
2009 Detached Manuel Sabatar
2009 Road to Moloch Martinez Short
2009 Maria de Covina Manuel Batista Short
2010 30 Is the New 12 Paco Short
2011 The Ghost of Crenshaw Terence Simmons Short
2012 Atonal Young Fighter Short
2012 Courageous Alexander Short
2013 Go for Sisters Tenoch
2015 Blackhat Alonso Reyes
2014 Undrafted Zapata Post-production
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2008 ER Football Orderly Episode: "Heal Thyself"
2008 Eleventh Hour Vasquez Episode: "Surge"
2009 Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Hector Episode: "Some Must Watch While Some Must Sleep"
2009 Cold Case Romeo Vasquez Episode: "I'll Be Down to Get You in a Taxi, Honey"
2010 Lie to Me Dax Episode: "Delinquent"
2011 The Chicago Code Antonio Betz 2 episodes
2011 Chase Matt Nestor Episode: "Roundup"
2011 Breakout Kings Cesar Vega Episode: "Where in the World Is Carmen Vega"
2011 CSI: NY Off. Glen Cates Episode: "Officer Involved"
2012 Cybergeddon Frank Porter 2 episodes
2013–present Graceland Johnny Tuturro Main Cast
2013 Grimm David Florez Episode: "El Cucuy"
2014 Power Miguel Episode: "Not Exactly How We Planned"
2015 The Following Luis Serra Episode: "The Hunt"
Video Games
Year Title Role Notes
2012 L.A. Noire Felix Alvarro Voice

References

  1. "'Graceland' Actor Manny Montana Plays Big Role in Long Beach Community". Long Beach Post. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  2. "'Graceland' Actor Manny Montana Plays Big Role in Long Beach Community". Long Beach Post. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  3. "5 Questions with 'Graceland's' Manny Montana". www.etonline.com. 14 November 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  4. Laurel Brown (5 June 2013). "'Graceland' interview: Manny Montana talks about the fun-loving character of Johnny Tuturro - Zap2it - News & Features". Zap2it.com. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  5. "'Graceland's' Manny Montana Joins Michael Mann's 'Cyber' (Exclusive) - TheWrap". TheWrap. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  6. "Manny Montana Talks GRACELAND and Michael Mann's CYBER". Collider. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  7. Deirdre Kaye. "INTERVIEW: Graceland's Cali boy, Manny Montana". SheKnows. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
  8. "'Graceland' Actor Manny Montana Plays Big Role in Long Beach Community". Long Beach Post. Retrieved 27 October 2014.

External links