David Zayas Biography: Age, Wife, Son, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Dexter

David Zayas is a Puerto Rican-American actor, best known for his role as Angel Batista in Dexter (2006–2013), he brought warmth and depth to the Miami Metro detective, earning a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble.

With a diverse career spanning gritty roles like Enrique Morales in Oz (1997–2003) and appearances in films such as The Expendables (2010), Zayas draws on his background as a former NYPD officer to infuse his characters with realism.

His Puerto Rican heritage and advocacy for Latinx representation cement his impact in Hollywood.

Profile

• Full Name: David Zayas
• Stage Name: David Zayas
• Born: 15 August, 1962
• Age: 63 years old
• Birthplace: Ponce, Puerto Rico
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.79m
• Parents: Mr. Zayas and Mrs. Zayas
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Liza Colón-Zayas (m. 1998)
• Children: David Zayas Jr.
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $4 million

Early Life and Education

David Zayas was born on August 15, 1962, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and raised in the Bronx, New York, to parents referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Zayas.

He might have had siblings but details about them are unknown.

Zayas attended high school in the Bronx but did not pursue a college degree, instead joining the U.S. Air Force and later serving as an NYPD officer for 15 years.

His acting training came through the LAByrinth Theater Company in New York, where he honed his craft alongside peers like Philip Seymour Hoffman, transitioning from law enforcement to performance in his 30s.

He is of Puerto Rican ethnicity, though he keeps his religious beliefs private.

Career

David Zayas began acting in the early 1990s with stage work at the LAByrinth Theater Company, appearing in plays like Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train.

His screen debut came with small roles in series like Law & Order (1994) and New York Undercover (1996), leveraging his real-life police experience for authenticity.

His breakthrough arrived as Enrique Morales, the ruthless prison gang leader in HBO’s Oz (1997–2003), showcasing his ability to portray complex, intimidating characters.

This role opened doors to film parts in Bringing Out the Dead (1999) and Washington Heights (2002), a project tied to his Bronx roots.

Zayas’s defining role came as Sgt. Angel Batista in Dexter (2006–2013), where his empathetic performance as a detective and friend to Dexter Morgan earned widespread acclaim and a 2007 SAG Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series.

He balanced this with roles in The Expendables (2010) as General Garza, Skyline (2010), and Annie (2014).

His television work includes recurring parts in Gotham (2014–2015) as mob boss Sal Maroni and Shut Eye (2016–2017).

Recent projects include Body Cam (2020) and guest spots on FBI (2022), reflecting his steady presence in crime dramas.

David Zayas continues to act in film and TV, with a focus on roles that highlight Latinx narratives.

His stage work persists through LAByrinth, where he mentors emerging actors, and his advocacy for diversity in casting resonates through industry panels.

Zayas’s transition from cop to actor, combined with his cultural authenticity, makes him a respected figure in entertainment, bridging gritty realism with heartfelt performances.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: Unknown
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

David Zayas has been married to actress Liza Colón-Zayas, known for The Bear, since 1998.

They have one son, David Zayas Jr., and maintain a close-knit family life in New York and Los Angeles.

Filmography

• Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
• Oz (1997–2003)
• Washington Heights (2002)
• Dexter (2006–2013)
• The Expendables (2010)
• Skyline (2010)
• Gotham (2014–2015)
• Body Cam (2020)

Net Worth

David Zayas has an estimated net worth of $4 million.

His wealth stems from his long-running role on Dexter, with residuals from syndication and streaming, alongside film roles in The Expendables and Annie.

Recurring parts in Oz and Gotham, combined with theater work and occasional producing, contribute to his earnings, reflecting a career built on authenticity and versatility in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.