**Luis Guzmán (born in 1956)** is a prolific American actor of Puerto Rican descent, a renowned character actor in film. Known for his physical presence and straightforward style, he has distinguished himself in numerous supporting roles, often portraying gruff but amiable characters with a touch of humor, such as police officers, low-level criminals, or working-class figures.

His career is studded with collaborations with acclaimed directors. Among his most significant films are Brian De Palma's *Carlito's Way* (1993), Paul Thomas Anderson's *Boogie Nights* (1997) and *Punch-Drunk Love* (2002), and Steven Soderbergh's award-winning *Out of Sight* (1998) and *Traffic* (2000). His ability to make even the smallest roles memorable has made him a recognizable face and a valuable asset to any production.