Victor Rivers was born in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba as Victor Rivas. He is an actor, known for The Mask of Zorro (1998), Blood In, Blood Out (1993) and Hulk (2003).
Graduated from Florida State University’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Is listed as a Distinguished and Notable Alumnus of Florida State University.
Came to American from his homeland, Cuba, at the age of two.
Former gang member who turned his life around at an early age, going on to attend, as a scholar-athlete, Florida State University on a full four-year football scholarship.
Was a victim of extreme child abuse and witnessed his mother being a victim of domestic violence, both of which were committed by his father. As a result, he is now a devoted advocate of and activist for domestic violence prevention.
His character in The Mask of Zorro, Joaquin Murieta, is portrayed as the older brother of the new Zorro, Alejandro Murieta. Although Alejandro is a fictional character, Joaquin Murieta was not. He was a real-life bandit and folk hero, and is widely believe to have been the original inspiration for Zorro.
He was an offensive lineman with the Miami Dolphins from 1978-1979. He is the first Cuban-born football player to land a tryout with the Miami Dolphins. After being dubbed “The Longest of Long Shots” by the Miami sports media, Rivers pursued another long shot in Hollywood.
In one more unlikely turn, he has since attained a global following with roles in over two dozen movies, including The Mask of Zorro, The Hulk, Blood In/Blood Out, The Lost City, Distinguished Gentleman, and What’s Cooking?, as well as on multiple TV series, including LIFE, Law & Order LA, CSI Miami, JAG, and Star Trek.
Victor Rivas Rivers has achieved extraordinary success in numerous arenas. But given his violent upbringing, few of those achievements were ever likely. If not for a handful of individuals who were willing to take a stand on his behalf, Rivers doubts he would be alive today.
Since 1999, he has been the national spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
A veteran film star, best-selling author, renowned advocate for violence prevention. Although he has played his share of movie bad guys, both in comedy and drama, in life Victor Rivas Rivers continues to take on causes larger than himself—earning admiration from elected leaders and celebrities alike. Summing up Victor’s impact on and off the screen, director Taylor Hackford has described him as “a big man in heart and soul.
Currently on tour to promote his new book, “A Private Family Matter.”
Currently speaking at hospitals and other social service organizations on domestic violence.
He has been married to Mim Eichler Rivas since 1988. They have one child.
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The Cuban History, Hollywood.
Arnoldo Varona, Editor.