Pepe Serna
Acting
Durable Mexican-American actor Pepe Serna has appeared in more than 100 feature films and 300 television shows, but is most recognized for his gritty support performances in a variety of motion pictures, including Scarface (1983) as Al Pacino's ill-fated cocaine partner, as well as the western Silverado (1985) with Kevin Costner, the crime yarn The Rookie (1990) starring Clint Eastwood and Charlie Sheen, and the drama American Me (1992) starring Edward James Olmos. In a career surpassing five decades, Pepe's characters have played on both sides of the law -- from drug peddlers to sheriffs.
He was born (and raised) in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 23, 1944, the son of a naval base interpreter for Latin American pilots and a hairdresser. His desires to become an actor happened early in life, moving to Hollywood in 1969 to finally pursue his dreams. He didn't have to wait long to find steady Latino work on film and TV.
Making an inauspicious debut in the exploitation film The Student Nurses (1970), Pepe found more "A" quality work after being discovered by producer Hal B. Wallis for the coming-of-age film Tim Belcher starring Richard Thomas and Catherine Burns and the western Shoot Out (1971) starring Gregory Peck. Specializing in urban, streetwise roles, he went on to mix a number of popular films (The New Centurions (1972), The Day of the Locust (1975), Car Wash (1976), A Force of One (1979), Walk Proud (1979), Honeysuckle Rose (1980), Inside Moves (1980), Deal of the Century (1983), Red Dawn (1984), Caddyshack II (1988)) with a slew of popular TV crime dramas such as "Mannix," "Police Story," "Adam-12," "The Rookies," "The Rockford Files," "Baretta," "Kojak," "CHiPs," "Barney Miller," "Scarecrow & Mrs. King," "T.J. Hooker," "Simon & Simon," "Hill Street Blues," "Miami Vice," "Cagney & Lacey" and "Diagnosis Murder."
Long married to wife Diane, Pepe is a noted keynote teacher and motivational speaker who tours colleges and universities. His strong sideline as a painter has been met with critical success, having been commissioned quite frequently. His vibrant paintings and one-man stage shows reflect a serious return to his Mexican roots and was the subject of the 2015 short documentary "Life Is Art."
Media of
Pepe Serna
Photos (21)
Filmography of
Pepe Serna
... 2023
Abuelito
... 2023
... 2022
Jesús
... 2019
Jose Martinez
... 2019
Rodrigo
... 2019
... 2019
Señor Cárdenas
... 2017
... 2016
Lil' Big Me
... 2016
Manny
... 2016
Dr. George Holst
... 2016
Rudy Goebel
... 2016
Fortunato
... 2015
Nuncio
... 2014
Paul Del Moral
... 2014
Tomas Dos Santos
... 2006
Mr. Gonzalez
... 2006
Hector Sanchez
... 2004
Raoul
... 2003
Commandante Alvarez
... 2003
Dr. Sanchez
... 2001
Herman Ortiz
... 2000
... 2000
Restaurateur
... 2000
Alessandro
... 1997
Mr. Ortiz
... 1994
Agent Menendez
... 1993
Mundo
... 1992
Dock Official
... 1992
Lt. Raymond Garcia
... 1990
Raoul
... 1990
Virgilio Segura
... 1990
Sgt. Pepe Gutierrez
... 1989
Hector
... 1988
Carlos
... 1988
... 1988
Alex Sweetwood
... 1987
Murano
... 1986
Det. Almos
... 1985
Gas Station Mechanic
... 1985
... 1984
Mr. Mondragón
... 1984
Jim Ramos
... 1984
Angel
... 1983
Harry Cutter
... 1983
Romaldo Cortez
... 1982
Manuel Flores
... 1982
Pete Mendez
... 1982
... 1981
Bobby Hernandez
... 1981
Herrada
... 1980
Rooster
... 1980
Raymond Zavala
... 1980
Punk #1
... 1979
Sgt. Castro
... 1979
Cesar
... 1979
Orlando
... 1979
Juan
... 1978
Migrant Worker (uncredited)
... 1977
Chuco
... 1976
Johnny Lopez
... 1976
Street Entertainer
... 1976
Mano
... 1975
Miguel
... 1975
Ruiz
... 1975
Natcho
... 1974
Charlie Parelli
... 1974
Y Leader
... 1973
Ramon
... 1973
Young Mexican Man
... 1972
Pepe
... 1971
Luis
... 1970