Gerardo Taracena

Prolific actor Gerardo Taracena made a name for himself in both English and Spanish-language entertainment. Born in Mexico City, Taracena attended el Centro Universitario de Teatro de la Universidad National Autonoma de Mexico to study acting. He would go on to work extensively as both a stage actor and as a dancer, performing with the dance group Integro de Peru, as well as with the Mexico City theater troupe Teatro Mito throughout the mid-'90s. Eventually transitioning into film, Taracena made his first few appearances in Spanish language movies such as "A Trickle of Blood" (1995) and "To and Fro" (2000). Taracena eventually broke into English language film with a small appearance in "The Mexican" (2001), though he would remain a higher profile name in the realm of Mexican cinema with his role in the acclaimed films "The Violin" (2005). The following year, Taracena worked with director Mel Gibson, playing Middle Eye in the critically lauded "Apocalypto" (2006). He would make waves yet again with his role as Horacio in the international hit "Sin Nombre" (2009), before impressing audiences with a humorous turn in the comedy-Western "Saving Private Perez" (2011). After re-teaming with Gibson for 2012's "Get the Gringo" (2012), Taracena took on the role of Manuel Flores on the History Channel mini-series "Texas Rising" (History Channel, 2015). In 2016, he joined the cast of the crime thriller series "Queen of the South" (USA, 2016-) playing ruthless drug kingpin Cesar 'Batman' Guemes.