Laz Alonso
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Laz Alonso, born Lazzaro Alonso on March 25, 1974, in Washington, D.C., is an American actor of Afro-Cuban descent. Before transitioning into acting, Alonso had an established career in finance, working as an investment banker on Wall Street. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C. Currently, he resides in Los Angeles, California.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 25 Mar, 1974
- Age
- 46 yrs
- Citizenship
- United States of America
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- Birth Place
- Washington, D.C.
- residence
- Los Angeles
- Education
- Howard University
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- Cuban American actor
- Net Worth 2021
- 2.5 million
People Mentioned in This Biography
Early Passion for Acting
Alonso exhibited a passion for performance from a young age, often mimicking those around him and dreaming of a career on stage. Despite pursuing a business-oriented path initially, his aspiration to act remained constant. After college, Alonso held various jobs in finance and eventually co-founded a marketing company with close friends. The success of this venture enabled him to pursue acting full-time.
Entertainment Career
Laz Alonso’s on-screen journey began as a host on Black Entertainment Television (BET) and with appearances in music videos by artists such as Aaliyah and Toni Braxton. His early work laid the foundation for minor roles in both television and film, steadily building his portfolio.
He earned recognition through supporting roles in films like Stomp the Yard (2007), where he portrayed Zeke, the president of a fictional fraternity, Mu Gamma Xi. The film was commercially successful, grossing over $75 million at the box office. Alonso's other early credits include appearances in Jarhead, This Christmas, and Down for Life.
Alonso's breakout role came in 2009 when he played Fenix Calderon, the principal antagonist in Fast & Furious—the fourth installment of the popular franchise. Sharing the screen with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, he gained significant visibility. The film was a box office hit, earning over $360 million worldwide.
That same year, Alonso participated in James Cameron's groundbreaking film Avatar. He portrayed Tsu'tey, a Na'vi warrior, whose role was integral to the narrative. Avatar went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time, further solidifying Alonso’s place in the industry.
Television Roles
In addition to his film work, Alonso has appeared on several television series. He held guest roles in shows like Bones and CSI: Miami. He was cast as a lead in NBC's Deception and later starred in The Mysteries of Laura, both of which helped showcase his versatility as a dramatic actor.
