Biography
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Rubén Blades Bellido de Luna (born July 16, 1948) is a Panamanian salsa singer, songwriter, lawyer, actor, Latin jazz musician, and politician, performing musically most often in the Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz genres. As songwriter, Blades brought the lyrical sophistication of Central American nueva canción and Cuban nueva trova as well as experimental tempos and political inspired Nuyorican salsa to his music, creating thinking persons' (salsa) dance music. Blades has composed dozens of musical hits, the most famous of which is "Pedro Navaja," a song about a neighborhood thug who appears to die during a robbery (his song "Sorpresas" continues the story), inspired by "Mack the Knife." He also composed and sings what many Panamanians consider their second national anthem. The song is titled "Patria" (Fatherland). He is an icon in Panama and is much admired throughout Latin America, and managed to attract 18% of the vote in his failed attempt to win the Panamanian presidency in 1994. In September 2004, he was appointed minister of tourism by Panamanian president Martín Torrijos for a five-year term. He holds a law degree from the University o…
Movies & TV Shows
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Fear the Walking Dead (2015) — Daniel Salazar
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Safe House (2012) — Carlos Villar
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Predator 2 (1990) — Danny Archuleta
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The X-Files (1993) — Conrad Lozano
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Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003) — Jorge, Retired FBI Agent
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The Counselor (2013) — Jefe
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The Devil's Own (1997) — Edwin Diaz
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Color of Night (1994) — Hector
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Hands of Stone (2016) — Carlos Eleta
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The Two Jakes (1990) — Mickey Nice
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Mo' Better Blues (1990) — Petey
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All the Pretty Horses (2000) — Rocha
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Outlaws - For Greater Glory (2012) — Président Calles
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Life with Mikey (1993) — Angie's Dad (uncredited)
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The Super (1991) — Marlon
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Fatal Beauty (1987) — Carl Jimenez
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Cradle Will Rock (1999) — Diego Rivera
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The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) — Sheriff Bernabe Montoya
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Critical Condition (1987) — Louis
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Late Night with David Letterman (1982) — Self - Musical Guest
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Chinese Box (1997) — Jim
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Imagining Argentina (2003) — Silvio Ayala
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Homeboy (1988) — Doctor
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Assassination Tango (2003) — Miguel
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Secuestro Express (2004) — Carla's Father
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Disorganized Crime (1989) — Carlos Barrios
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John Leguizamo's Latin History for Morons (2018) — Self
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Invasion (2014) — Self
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The Josephine Baker Story (1991) — Count Giuseppe Pepito Abatino
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Spin (2003) — Ernesto
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Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple (2024) — Self
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Crazy From the Heart (1991) — Ernesto Ontiveros
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The Maldonado Miracle (2003) — Cruz
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The Lemon Sisters (1989) — C.W.
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Miracle on Interstate 880 (1993) — Pastor Beruman
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A Million to Juan (1994) — Bartender
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The Last Fight (1983) — Andy "Kid" Clave
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Dead Man Out (1989) — Ben
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Ruben Blades Is Not My Name (2018) — Self
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Salsa Lives (2025) — Ruben Blades