MY ACTOR'S REEL:
O ver twenty years of professional experience… his passions have established him as a professional actor, writer, dancer, director and producer. "Nelson is passionate about three things; his loving family, New York City and the artistic aspect of the creation of motion pictures."
Nelson Vásquez is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Hell's Kitchen and the Amsterdam Projects, located directly behind Lincoln Center, the cultural center of New York City. His parents are first generation immigrants who came from the beautiful town of Lares, in the paradise island, Puerto Rico. He's a member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), The Dramatists Guild and Writers Guild of America East (WGAE).
This has been an exciting year for Nelson. He appeared in "EL CANTANTE", he co-stars as the legendary musical director/founder of Fania Records, Mr. Johnny Pacheco, alongside Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and was nominated for the 2007 Paoli Award for "Actor of the Year."
"...the Nuyorican actor, Nelson Vasquez, accomplishes an astonishing physical likeness and characterization as the master, Johnny Pacheco" --EL NUEVO DIA, San Juan, PR by Ana Enid Lopez Rodiguez
Additionally, Nelson stars in the lead role, as a writer who plans a camping trip with his best friends, in the horror/suspense feature film, "SACRED GAME" written and directed by Bernardo Chilindron.
As an actor, Nelson has had the pleasure to work with some of Hollywood's prominent directors including Spike Lee, Brian DePalma, Michael Apted, Mary Harron, Martin Scorsese, Ron Lagomarsino, Steve Buscemi, Chazz Palminteri, Michael Bregman, Abel Ferrera and Leon Ichaso. He has appeared in Carlito's Way and Carlito's Way -Rise To Power, Pinero (as Tito Goya: an actor, poet, musician and co-founder of the Nuyorican Poet's Café, in NYC)...
HBO's hit series OZ (I played the Brutally Blinded Correction Officer, EUGENE RIVERA) for 3 Seasons.
Film Credits: Extreme Measures, Money Train, Summer Of Sam, When the Music Stops, Girl 6, Wannabes, Law & Order, NYPD Blue, Sins Of The City, Jonny Zero, and Do The Right Thing.
But Nelson's true fulfillment and rewarding passion comes from the theatre world. "There's nothing like being immersed in a character and taking the audience for a ride along with you". He has had the great pleasure of working with Graciele Daniele, Casey Childs, Jon Jory, Michael Grief, Melia Bensussen, Neil Pepe and Mr. George C. Wolfe. Nelson has garnered praise from many theater critics for his work in Barefoot Boy With Shoes On, Clean, Icarus, and Blade To The Heat.
"...Rosario's is a remarkable journey, and one well worth taking with as charismatic an actor as Vasquez. (In a bit of nontraditional casting, he could make a fascinating Stanley Kowalski.)" -Variety by Robert Hofler -BAREFOOT BOY WITH SHOES ON by Edwin Sanchez
"...At the top of MOB's chart is an actor who blends rather than dominates, yet who stands out in modest and brilliant relief all the same. He is the Chico Marx of the group, Nelson Vasquez." -Greenwich Village Gazette by Daniel Gallant -DA SPANISH MOB
One of Nelson's defining moments as a young man who lacked professional experience, was when he beat out some fierce competitors and booked the Michael Jackson BAD video as a featured dancer, directed by Martin Scorsese. Overnight, the shy kid from the projects was suddenly the most popular at his school. Nelson is regarded as one of the hip-hop pioneers, and has appeared in movies, musical, and documentaries about the genre. His B-boy group has performed for the most popular old school Rappers, including Afrika Bambaataa, Whodini and Cold Crush Brothers. Later on he became a choreographer and worked with Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Safire, Latin Rascal feat. Tony Moran, touring throughout the United States, Japan and Latin America.
Still, Nelson’s dreams of creative self-expression, along with his artistic integrity and big imagination, were lacking fulfillment. So, he co-founded Pan y Vino Productions, a company dedicated to developing new works of many different genres for the screen, stage and television. Nelson co-produced and wrote the hit play and screenplay, DA SPANISH MOB, an offbeat comedy, with Michael Del Rio. He has also completed the screenplays, BOYS FROM AVENUE A, a sports/comedy and SPRING TIME IN COLD SPRING, a psychological, drama/thriller. He developed a new television pilot, GOTCHA! COVERED TV, a sports series fusing sports, culture and entertainment. Nelson was also collaborating writer for the up-coming feature film, SACRED GAME. He worked on the development for The Young Lords Party, a project for HBO/Talking Wall Pictures.
As director, Nelson directed the hit off-off Broadway play entitled, Boogie Rican Boulevard starring the multi-talented Caridad De La Luz, aka LA BRUJA. "Exploiting the performer's gift for song and movement, whether lithe, sexy, or jerky comic, Nelson Vásquez directs with verve". -Village Voice Review -Francine Russo
Nelson’s diverse talents, artistic integrity, business acumen and impressive wealth of experience and knowledge have earned him the respect of his peers. His desire is to inspire, teach children and share his wealth of knowledge.
He has been featured in various magazines, newspapers and entertainment shows.
Nelson currently resides in Hell's Kitchen, NYC.
Nelson's theatrical/legit representation: PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS in New York City.
Log on "Internet Movie Data Base" for more info:
PAN y VINO PRODUCTIONS
P an y Vino is an entertainment production company committed to developing new works with crossover appeal of different genres for the stage, screen, television and music industry.
Pan y Vino Productions is working on long and short-term goals that will ensure the company's strategic presence as a creative leader in this industry.
One of the company's main objectives is to help diminish the stereotypical roles offered to Latino artists while creating a positive voice within the entertainment industry and our society at large.
CURRENT PROJECTS -
BOYS FROM AVENUE A - (Screenplay) A Sports/Comedy. Based on true events. It's set against the compelling backdrop of urban NYC during the 1980's. A lonely ex-pro baseball player must overcome his fears in order to coach his outrageous team in competitive, black-top softball games against the five boroughs of New York City. But, with the help of his best friend, he must first learn to love himself before he can lead his team to the championship. Amidst zany adventures, fierce battles, and an anticipated wedding, a broken soul is healed, and pride is brought back to the neighborhood. (It's White Men Can't Jump meets A League of Their Own)
"You gotta play some hard softball, to beat life's crazy curve balls."
DA SPANISH MOB - (Theatrical Play & Screenplay) an offbeat Comedy of Errors, about three wannabe mobsters and a minister find themselves stuck in a hideaway for 15 hours after botching their biggest heist. Amongst the ruins, they discover priceless treasures, a place of magic where anything is possible. Together they discover the meaning of love, faith and family, and learn that... "You're never in control of your own destiny."
(Think Marx Brothers meets Reservoir Dogs, in a bloodless way)
"...Probably the funniest show i've ever seen". -Laura Savini, Host, WLIW21 -TV
SPRING TIME IN COLD SPRING - (Screenplay) a psychological, drama/thriller. This is a story about a woman’s psychotic episode. Maggie plans to spend a peaceful weekend at her sister, Gracie's, cottage in the picturesque town of Cold Spring, New York, where neighbor's secrets go hidden. Dark family secrets unravel, harsh truths are discovered, and an unimaginable act of murder is committed. When Theresa, their mother, arrives, the ultimate, unbelievable truth is revealed. Maggie only exists in Gracie’s mind. (In the vein of The Others and The Sixth Sense)
"They lost a lot but what they shared will never be forgotten."
GOTCHA! COVERED TV (Television) - a Sports and Entertainment Television Series. The series will cover Latino Athletes in all mainstream sports, including extreme sports. Focusing on the athletes personal lives, their sports, their cultures and lifestyles. It's a show designed to educate, inspire, entertain and help motivate the millions of youth of today.
Pan y Vino Productions --Co-Produced the hit show Da Spanish Mob. Worked as part of the development team for Talking Wall Pictures/HBO based on the inspiring true story of the YOUNG LORDS PARTY. Helped develop the success of the show, Boogie Rican Boulevard.
For information on my projects. Please email me at: [email protected]
