Esai Morales Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Height, Movies & TV Shows, Parents, Daughter

Esai Manuel Morales Jr., professionally known as Esai Morales, is an acclaimed American actor, producer, director, and musician recognized for his versatile performances across film, television, and theater.

He gained prominence for his role as Bob Morales in the 1987 biopic La Bamba, portraying the brother of rock legend Ritchie Valens, and has since built a diverse career with notable roles in projects like NYPD Blue, Ozark, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.

Profile

• Full Name: Esai Manuel Morales Jr.
• Stage Name: Esai Morales
• Born: 1, October 1962
• Age: 63 years old
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director, Musician
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Esai Morales Sr. and Iris Margarita Declet
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Elvimar Silva (m. 2010)
• Children: Mariana Oliveira Morales
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Esai Manuel Morales Jr. was born on October 1, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, to Esai Morales Sr., a welder, and Iris Margarita Declet, a union activist involved with the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union.

Information about his siblings is not publicly documented.

Morales attended the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan, where he honed his acting skills and developed a passion for the performing arts.

He is of Puerto Rican descent, and while his religious beliefs are not explicitly disclosed, he has spoken about his cultural heritage shaping his identity and career.

Career

Esai Morales began his career in New York’s theater scene, performing in off-Broadway productions such as The Tempest at the Public Theater in the early 1980s.

His screen debut came with a small role in the 1983 film Bad Boys alongside Sean Penn, which marked his entry into Hollywood.

His breakout role was as Bob Morales in La Bamba in 1987, a performance that showcased his ability to portray complex, emotionally charged characters.

The film’s success brought him widespread recognition and established him as a talented actor capable of carrying significant roles.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Morales expanded his repertoire with roles in television and film, including a recurring part as Lt. Tony Rodriguez on NYPD Blue from 2001 to 2004, earning him an ALMA Award nomination.

He appeared in films like The Line in 2009 and Atlas Shrugged: Part II in 2012, while also taking on guest roles in series such as CSI: Miami and Criminal Minds.

Morales ventured into producing and directing, notably with projects like the short film Los Americans in 2011, which reflected his commitment to stories about Latino experiences.

His advocacy for diversity in Hollywood led him to co-found the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts to support emerging Latino talent.

Morales remains a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, with recent roles including Joseph Adama in the sci-fi series Caprica in 2010, Camino del Rio in Ozark from 2017 to 2018, and Deathstroke in Titans from 2019 to 2021.

His performance as the villainous Gabriel in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One in 2023 further demonstrated his versatility in high-profile projects.

Beyond acting, Morales continues to advocate for social justice, environmental causes, and Latino representation, serving as a board member for organizations like the Earth Communications Office.

His multifaceted career and activism have solidified his influence as both an artist and a cultural figure.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @esai_morales
• Facebook Handle: Esai Morales
• Twitter Handle: @Esai_Morales

Personal Life

Esai Manuel Morales Jr. married Elvimar Silva on May 20, 2010, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Mariana Oliveira Morales, later that year.

Morales is known for maintaining a private personal life, focusing much of his public presence on his professional work and advocacy.

He is an active supporter of environmental causes, animal rights, and Latino representation in media, often speaking at events to promote cultural equity.

Filmography

• Bad Boys (1983)
• La Bamba (1987)
• Bloodhounds of Broadway (1989)
• Naked Tango (1990)
• Freejack (1992)
• My Family (1995)
• The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca (1997)
• The Line (2009)
• Atlas Shrugged: Part II (2012)
• Jarhead 2: Field of Fire (2014)
• Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016)
• Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Net Worth

Esai Manuel Morales Jr. has an estimated net worth of $5 million.

His primary sources of income include his extensive acting career in film and television, with significant earnings from roles in high-profile projects like La Bamba, NYPD Blue, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.