Rubén Blades
Biography
Rubén Blades is a Panamanian actor known for his work in various film and television projects. He has appeared in notable shows such as Akta X, Gideon's Crossing, and Resurrection Blvd. Blades has a long history of acting credits, with a total of 92 known credits. He was born on July 16, 1948, in Panama City, Panama. As a multi-talented artist, Blades has also made a name for himself as a singer, songwriter, lawyer, and Latin jazz musician. His acting career spans multiple genres, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Career overview
Rubén Blades is a known actor with a career spanning multiple projects. He has appeared in various films and television shows. Blades has worked on notable projects such as Akta X, Gideon's Crossing, and Resurrection Blvd. These roles demonstrate his involvement in the acting industry.
Blades' acting credits are extensive, with a total of 92 known credits. This number indicates the breadth of his work in film and television. His acting career is a significant part of his overall professional endeavors.
As a multifaceted individual, Blades has explored various creative pursuits beyond acting, including music and politics. His diverse career reflects his interests and talents.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
91 titles- Campeón Gabacho (2026)
- Pedro Navaja (2026) Author
- Salsa Lives (2025) as Ruben Blades
- Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple (2024) as Self
- Stay Homas. The Band That Shouldn’t Exist (2024) as Self - Singer
- Red Pill (2021) as Rocky
- Nueva York: A Musical History of Latin New York (2021) as Self (archive footage)
- El accidente feliz (2020) as Self (Archive Footage)
- Raúl Juliá: The World’s a Stage (2019) as Self
- Operation Just Cause (2019) Music
- John Leguizamo's Latin History for Morons (2018) as Self
- Ruben Blades Is Not My Name (2018) as Self
- Hands of Stone (2016) as Carlos Eleta
- Fear the Walking Dead (2015) as Daniel Salazar
- Invasion (2014) as Self
- Yo soy la salsa (2014)
- The Counselor (2013) as Jefe
- Safe House (2012) as Carlos Villar
- Outlaws - For Greater Glory (2012) as Président Calles
- Músicos de Latinoamérica (2011) as Self
- The Next Season (2011) as Benito
- ¡Sonó, Sonó… Tite Curet! (2011)
- Rubén Blades: Todos Vuelven Live, Vol. 2 (2011)
- Rubén Blades: Todos Vuelven Live, Vol. 1 (2011)
- Spoken Word (2009) as Cruz-Sr.
- La clave (2008)
- Lo mejor de nuestra música popular: 15 años de éxitos (2007) as Self
- The Hunters and the Hunted: The Making of 'Predator 2' (2005) as Self (archive footage)
- Secuestro Express (2004) as Carla's Father
- En mi país (2004) as Self
- Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003) as Jorge, Retired FBI Agent
- Imagining Argentina (2003) as Silvio Ayala
- Assassination Tango (2003) as Miguel
- The Maldonado Miracle (2003) as Cruz
- Spin (2003) as Ernesto
- Las Lunas del Auditorio (2002) as Self
- Empire (2002) Original Music Composer
- Las caras lindas de Tite Curet (2002) as Self
- Encuentro (2002)
- Gideon's Crossing (2000) as Dr. Max Cabranes
- Latin Grammy Awards (2000) as Self
- All the Pretty Horses (2000) as Rocha
- Cradle Will Rock (1999) as Diego Rivera
- Willie Colón & Rubén Blades - Live In Venezuela (1998) as Rubén Blades
- A Roll of the Dice: The Capeman on Broadway (1998)
- The Devil's Own (1997) as Edwin Diaz
- Arthouse (1997) as Self
- Chinese Box (1997) as Jim
- From Son to Salsa (1997)
- Scorpion Spring (1996) as Border Patrolman Sam Zaragosa
- Al compás de un sentimiento: la música de Pedro Flores (1996)
- Somos un solo pueblo (1995) as Self
- Color of Night (1994) as Hector
- A Million to Juan (1994) as Bartender
- The X-Files (1993) as Conrad Lozano
- Life with Mikey (1993) as Angie's Dad (uncredited)
- Miracle on Interstate 880 (1993) as Pastor Beruman
- The Josephine Baker Story (1991) as Count Giuseppe Pepito Abatino
- Crazy From the Heart (1991) as Ernesto Ontiveros
- The Super (1991) as Marlon
- Just cause, ¿para quién? (1991) Music
- One Man’s War (1991) as Perrone
- Rabbit Ears - Joseph and His Brothers (1991) as Narrator (voice)
- Predator 2 (1990) as Danny Archuleta
- The Two Jakes (1990) as Mickey Nice
- Q & A (1990) Original Music Composer
- Mo' Better Blues (1990) as Petey
- The Heart of the Deal (1990)
- Disorganized Crime (1989) as Carlos Barrios
- The Lemon Sisters (1989) as C.W.
- Dead Man Out (1989) as Ben
- Oliver & Company (1988) Songs
- The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) as Sheriff Bernabe Montoya
- Homeboy (1988) as Doctor
- The Story of Fausta (1988) Original Music Composer
- Coverup: Behind the Iran Contra Affair (1988) Music
- Critical Condition (1987) as Louis
- Fatal Beauty (1987) as Carl Jimenez
- The Making of Sun City (1985) as Self
- Crossover Dreams (1985) as Rudy Veloz
- The Return of Rubén Blades (1985) as himself
- Peter Knife (1984) Songs
- By the Green Trail (1984) Music
- The Last Fight (1983) as Andy "Kid" Clave
- Ligia Elena (1983) Music
- When the Mountains Tremble (1983) Original Music Composer
- Late Night with David Letterman (1982) as Self - Musical Guest
- Rubén Blades: un Rey de la salsa (1982) as Self
- Beats of the Heart: Salsa (1979) as Self
- Armadillo United as Coach Yepez
- Pa'l Pueblo: Fania for the People as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Rubén Blades best known for?
Rubén Blades is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Campeón Gabacho (2026), Hands of Stone (2016), Fear the Walking Dead (2015), The Counselor (2013).
When and where was Rubén Blades born?
Rubén Blades was born on July 16, 1948 in Panama City, Panama.
How many credits does Rubén Blades have?
Rubén Blades has accumulated over 91 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1979 to 2026.
What is Rubén Blades's background in cinema and television?
Rubén Blades is a Panamanian actor known for his work in various film and television projects. He has appeared in notable shows such as Akta X, Gideon's Crossing, and Resurrection Blvd. Blades has a long history of acting credits, with a total of 92 known credits. He was born on July 16, 1948, in Panama City, Panama. A...