René Lavan

Biography

Rene Lavan is a Cuban-American actor born in Artemisa, Cuba. He first gained widespread recognition starring in the hit Spanish-language telenovela Morelia, followed by leading roles in María Belén and Enamorada, becoming a familiar face to audiences across Latin America and beyond. American audiences came to know Lavan through his role as Javier on One Life to Live. He later earned critical acclaim as the lead in Bitter Sugar (1996), directed by Leon Ichaso, portraying a young Cuban student confronting political repression in Cuba. Lavan's film credits include Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Christmas with the Kranks, Che: Part One and Che: Part Two, while his television work includes guest appearances on CSI: Miami and Las Vegas. In 2005, he made his Broadway debut in Latinologues. Educated at the New World School of the Arts and trained with Uta Hagen, Lavan has worked extensively in both English and Spanish-language productions. In addition to acting, he has hosted television specials and award shows and has produced Latino-focused film and television projects through his own production company.

Movies & TV Shows

1. CSI: Miami (2002) — Miguel
2. Christmas with the Kranks (2004) — Enrique Decardenal
3. Che: Part One (2008) — Cuban Diplomat #2
4. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004) — Carlos Suarez
5. Burn Notice (2007) — Alejandro Lopez
6. Las Vegas (2003) — Brazilian Highroller
7. Every Witch Way (2014) — Francisco Alonso
8. María Belén (2001) — Pablo Díaz Cortázar
9. Bitter Sugar (1996) — Gustavo
10. Every Witch Way: Spellbound (2014) — Francisco Alonso
11. Christmas Overtime (2024) — Dale McClintock
12. Tollbooth (1994) — Julio
13. The Last Rafter (2020) — Thomas
14. The Magnificent Mendez (2026) — Rey
15. Enamorada (1999) — Raimundo Alvarado
16. The Old Man and the Parrot (2026) — Yoelvis
17. Red Light (2025) — Alex’s Father

Directed

1. Red Light (2025) — Director