Édgar Ramírez Bio
Édgar Filiberto Ramírez Arellano (born 25 March 1977) is a Venezuelan actor known for his diverse roles in films and television. He gained international acclaim for his role as Carlos the Jackal in the miniseries ‘Carlos’ and won the César Award for Most Promising Actor. With a career spanning over three decades, Ramírez has starred in notable films such as ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’, ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, and ‘Hands of Stone’. His portrayal of Gianni Versace in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ further solidified his status as a talented actor in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Background
Édgar Ramírez was born in San Cristóbal, Táchira, Venezuela, to Soday Arellano, an attorney, and Filiberto Ramírez, a military officer. He has a sister named Nataly and spent part of his childhood traveling in different countries, which contributed to his fluency in Spanish, English, French, Italian, and German. Ramírez graduated in 1999 from the Andrés Bello Catholic University in Caracas with a degree in mass communication, minoring in audiovisual communications. Although he initially intended to pursue a career in international relations, he was always drawn to the performing arts.
While in college, Ramírez worked as an emerging journalist and was involved in various artistic endeavors. He was in charge of international promotions for the Viart Film Festival and participated in campaigns for radio, television, and movie theaters. His passion for acting grew during this time, leading him to decide to pursue it as a career after receiving praise for a short film he had done.
Path to Hollywood
Ramírez’s first recognition as an actor came from the successful soap opera ‘Cosita rica’, which aired from September 2003 to August 2004. His major motion picture debut occurred in 2005 when he played Choco, Domino Harvey’s love interest in the film ‘Domino’, directed by Tony Scott. Following this, he starred in ‘Cyrano Fernandez’ and ‘Vantage Point’, where he played Javier, an ex-special forces soldier. These early roles helped establish his presence in the film industry and opened doors for further opportunities.
In 2007, Ramírez played a CIA assassin in ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’, which marked a significant milestone in his career. His portrayal of Carlos the Jackal in the 2010 miniseries ‘Carlos’ won him the César Award for Most Promising Actor and garnered nominations for both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award for Best Actor. This role solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of tackling complex characters.
Édgar Ramírez Career
Early Career (1990–2006)
Ramírez’s career began in the early 1990s, but it was not until the early 2000s that he gained significant recognition. His role in ‘Cosita rica’ showcased his talent and led to further opportunities in film. In 2005, he made his major film debut in ‘Domino’, which was followed by roles in ‘Cyrano Fernandez’ and ‘Vantage Point’. These projects helped him gain visibility in Hollywood and set the stage for his future successes.
Breakthrough (2007–2018)
Ramírez’s breakthrough came with his role in ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ in 2007, where he played a key character in the action-packed thriller. This was followed by a series of notable performances, including his portrayal of Carlos the Jackal in the miniseries ‘Carlos’, which earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations. In 2012, he appeared in ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, further establishing his reputation as a talented actor.
In 2016, Ramírez portrayed boxer Roberto Durán in the biographical film ‘Hands of Stone’, showcasing his ability to take on diverse roles. His performance as Gianni Versace in the 2018 miniseries ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ received widespread acclaim and solidified his status in the entertainment industry. He has continued to take on challenging roles, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to his craft.
Notable Works and Milestones
Édgar Ramírez’s signature work includes his portrayal of Carlos the Jackal in the miniseries ‘Carlos’, which won him the César Award for Most Promising Actor. His performances in ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’, ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, and ‘Hands of Stone’ are also notable milestones in his career. His role in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ further established him as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Édgar Ramírez Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Édgar Ramírez has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including nominations for a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘Carlos’. His performance in the miniseries earned him significant recognition and showcased his talent to a broader audience.
Édgar Ramírez Awards Won
Édgar Ramírez won the César Award for Most Promising Actor in 2011 for his role in ‘Carlos’. This award highlighted his talent and potential as an actor and marked a significant achievement in his career.
Édgar Ramírez Family
Édgar Ramírez was born to Soday Arellano and Filiberto Ramírez. He has a sister named Nataly and is known to have a close-knit family.
Personal Life
Édgar Ramírez has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting campaigns aimed at reducing gun violence and benefiting children with special needs. He has also faced personal challenges, including a robbery incident in which thieves stole his watch collection valued at approximately $150,000.
