The character of Ignacio Suarez on the ABC series Ugly Betty established José Antonio Plana as a fixture of American television. Born in Havana in 1952, he migrated to Miami in 1960 before pursuing professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and Loyola Marymount University, eventually building a career spanning stage, film, television, and voice acting.
Early Career and Stage Work
Plana began his professional trajectory through the theater, securing roles in Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C. He notably originated the part of Rudy in Luis Valdez's production of Zoot Suit, later reprising the role for the film adaptation. In 1995, he founded the East L.A. Classic Theatre, where he spent ten years directing Shakespearean productions specifically tailored for minority audiences. His stage credits include appearances on Broadway and at the Public Theater in New York.
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His screen filmography includes roles in An Officer and a Gentleman, Three Amigos, Goal!, and Lone Star. Television credits involve a wide range of productions, including Hill Street Blues, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Resurrection Boulevard, Commander in Chief, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The West Wing, 24, and Cagney & Lacey. Beyond acting, he directed an episode of Desperate Housewives titled Witch's Lament in 2012. He also appeared in the web series Los Americans and the television program Body of Proof.
Voice Acting and Education
In the gaming industry, he provided the voice for the character Manuel Calavera in the 1998 LucasArts adventure title Grim Fandango and performed as El Cardenal in the 2017 release Ghost Recon Wildlands. His vocal work extends to narration for the 2003 project Cuba Libre and a radio adaptation of the John Hersey book Hiroshima. Currently, he contributes to academia by teaching acting at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and Rio Hondo College.
Advocacy and Public Service
Outside of his creative work, Plana acts as a spokesperson for comprehensive immigration reform. He served as the keynote speaker at the 2012 LULAC conference held at the Coronado Springs Convention Center in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Additionally, he participated in the 2012 Noor Iranian Film Festival as a judge.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Havana, Cuba
- Citizenship: United States and Cuba
- Education: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and Loyola Marymount University
- Theater company founded: East L.A. Classic Theatre (1995)
- Notable television role: Ignacio Suarez, Ugly Betty
- 2012 LULAC conference keynote speaker
- Video game voice roles: Grim Fandango, Ghost Recon Wildlands
Questions readers ask
Where did Tony Plana receive his acting training?
He is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University and received training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
What is his involvement in immigration reform?
He volunteers as a spokesperson for comprehensive immigration reform and served as a keynote speaker at the 2012 LULAC conference.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, television actor and film actor
