Biography
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 …
Movies & TV Shows
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Scarface (1983) — Angel
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Downsizing (2017) — Señor Cárdenas
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Criminal Minds (2005) — Ruben Garcia
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Knight Rider (1982) — Lupo
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The Black Dahlia (2006) — Tomas Dos Santos
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The A-Team (1983) — Tómas Jefferson
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Cake (2014) — Nuncio
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The Jerk (1979) — Punk #1
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Red Dawn (1984) — Aardvark's Father
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Flamin' Hot (2023) — Abuelito
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Quantum Leap (1989) — Manuel Vega
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The Rookie (1990) — Lt. Ray Garcia
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Justice League (2001) — Shifflet (voice)
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Miami Vice (1984) — Oswaldo Guzman
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The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) — Reno Nevada
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Sliders (1995) — Roberto
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Johnny Got His Gun (1971) — Jose (uncredited)
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American Me (1992) — Mundo
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Postcards from the Edge (1990) — Raoul
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Kung Fu (1972) — Los Vidrios
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Caddyshack II (1988) — Carlos
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The Brave (1997) — Alessandro
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Fandango (1985) — Gas Station Mechanic
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CHiPs (1977)
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Kojak (1973) — Enorio Patias
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Bread and Roses (2000) — Restaurateur
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Matlock (1986) — Walter Padilla
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Car Wash (1976) — Chuco
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The Rockford Files (1974) — Ray Ochoa
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Hill Street Blues (1981)
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Lowriders (2017) — Pepe
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A Force of One (1979) — Orlando
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Diagnosis: Murder (1993) — Capt. Collins
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The Greatest American Hero (1981)
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The Day of the Locust (1975) — Miguel
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Picking Up the Pieces (2000) — Florencio
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T. J. Hooker (1982) — Frank Fierro
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Hunter (1984) — Roberto Sanchez
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Simon & Simon (1981)
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Shoot Out (1971) — Pepe