Berto Colon Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Height, Movies, Ethnicity

Heriberto Colon, professionally known as Berto Colon, is a Puerto Rican and American actor who has earned widespread acclaim for his commanding performances in high-stakes television dramas.

He initially achieved international recognition through his breakout portrayal of the rugged, complex drug dealer Cesar in Netflix’s pioneering hit series Orange Is the New Black.

He further cemented his reputation as a premier talent in premium crime dramas through his compelling starring turn as the powerful cartel boss Lorenzo Tejada in Starz’s hit series Power Book II: Ghost, along with prominent roles in acclaimed productions such as HBO’s The Penguin and The Night Agent.

Berto Colon
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Heriberto Colon
Stage Name:	Berto Colon
Born:	May 18, 1973 (age 53 years old)
Place of Birth:	Ponce, Puerto Rico
Nationality:	Puerto Rican, American
Ethnicity:	Hispanic
Height:	1.85m
Religion:	Christian
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Colon
Spouse:	Lara Colon (m.1990s)
Relationship:	Married
Children:	2
Occupation:	Actor
Net Worth:	$2 million

Early Life and Education

Berto Colon was born on May 18, 1973, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he spent his early childhood with his family.

In the mid-1980s, he emigrated to the United States with his mother, a nurse, and settled in the Throggs Neck neighborhood of the Bronx, New York, alongside his siblings, whose identities remain private.

He attended Lehman High School, where he excelled in football, before enrolling at Fordham University.

After knee injuries ended his football aspirations, he shifted his focus to acting and pursued formal dramatic training. Colon is of Puerto Rican heritage and practices Christianity.

Career

Berto Colon initiated his professional journey in the mid-2000s, working traditional jobs while pounding the pavement to secure early entry points through off-Broadway theater productions, voice acting for video games like Grand Theft Auto IV, and minor roles on series like The Good Wife.

His true industry breakthrough arrived in 2013 when he landed the recurring role of Cesar in Netflix’s cultural phenomenon Orange Is the New Black.

This defining role brought him widespread public recognition and industry attention, helping him overcome years of grueling career struggles and establishing him as a highly convincing, nuanced performer capable of handling intense character dynamics.

His career grew with major momentum over the subsequent decade as he successfully transitioned into highly sought-after television properties, anchoring substantial dramatic arcs on network and premium cable series.

He achieved another significant career milestone by starring as the incarcerated drug kingpin Lorenzo Tejada in the Starz crime drama Power Book II: Ghost, a commanding performance that expanded his international fan base and solidified his influence in modern urban dramas.

He continued to shape an impressive television portfolio with prominent appearances in Netflix’s The Night Agent, When They See Us, HBO’s Show Me a Hero, and the DC comic expansion The Penguin, while also appearing in recent high-profile series like Paramount+’s Dutton Ranch.

Ultimately, his legacy is defined by his intense work ethic, his magnetic presence as a dramatic character actor, and his inspiring transition from a city kid beating the pavement to an influential fixture in peak television.

Awards and Nominations

• Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (Nominee)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @bertocolon
• Twitter Handle: @BertoColon

Personal Life

Berto Colon is currently 53 years old and stands at a tall height of 1.85m.

He has been happily married to his college sweetheart, Lara Colon, for nearly thirty years, a deeply supportive union that began during their formative university days at Fordham and led to their relocation to New Jersey in 2005.

Together, the couple has raised two daughters, whose privacy they protect fiercely, keeping their everyday routine completely out of the tabloid spotlight.

When away from the camera, he leads an exceptionally grounded lifestyle, balancing his family obligations with a strong dedication to community service.

Net Worth

Berto Colon commands an estimated net worth of $2 million.

The foundational core of his wealth stems from his consistent multi-decade employment as a television actor, drawing premium salaries from long-running roles on Orange Is the New Black and Power Book II: Ghost.

His financial portfolio is further bolstered by regular earnings from high-budget streaming series, television voiceover contracts, independent feature films like Killing Castro, and strategic real estate investments.

Filmography

• Fighting (2009)
• Two Night Stand (2014)
• Tallulah (2016)
• Inside Game (2019)
• Undercard (2025)
• Killing Castro (2026)
• Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
• Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)
• When They See Us (2019)
• The Flight Attendant (2020)
• Power Book II: Ghost (2020–2023)
• The Night Agent (2023)
• The Penguin (2024)
• Dutton Ranch (2026)