Michael Peña

Birthday: 13 January 1976, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Height: 170 cm

Peña was born and raised in Chicago, to Nicolasa, a social worker, and Eleuterio Peña, who worked at a button factory. His parents were originally from Mexico, his mother from Charcas in San Luis Po ...Show More

I used to tour with this band. I was a drummer. I would tour a bunch for about 10 months out of the Show more I used to tour with this band. I was a drummer. I would tour a bunch for about 10 months out of the year and act for about two months. I would make what I needed from acting and would stretch it out. Hide

I've always noticed that girls cry way easier than guys do. I've always noticed that girls cry way easier than guys do.

It's so interesting to watch Ben Stiller work because he just knows what's funny. It's so interesting to watch Ben Stiller work because he just knows what's funny.

The joy of 'Crash' was that it was all about the work. It was my first real part. Before that, it wa Show more The joy of 'Crash' was that it was all about the work. It was my first real part. Before that, it was a line here and there, maybe a scene. 'Crash' was five scenes, a beautiful arc, a little vignette of my own. It really meant something. Hide

A good comic explores the imagination, but it's always got to have those notes of truth running thro Show more A good comic explores the imagination, but it's always got to have those notes of truth running through it. Hide

I think writing is the most underrated thing in Hollywood. I think writing is the most underrated thing in Hollywood.

I guess people recognize me, but I'm not a household name. Two out of every five people who come up Show more I guess people recognize me, but I'm not a household name. Two out of every five people who come up to me know my name. The one thing I don't want is to be followed by paparazzi. Hide

I grew up reading the newspapers, mostly the sports section. I was a wrestler and would check to see Show more I grew up reading the newspapers, mostly the sports section. I was a wrestler and would check to see if I was ranked. Hide

My first ten years in Hollywood were really tough. I'd be coaching friends who came to me for acting Show more My first ten years in Hollywood were really tough. I'd be coaching friends who came to me for acting advice, and then they'd make it before I did. I'd still be helping them while they were on movie sets and I had four lines on a TV show. Hide

I want to do more sci-fi films. I want to play half-alien, half-illegal alien. I want to do more sci-fi films. I want to play half-alien, half-illegal alien.

I'm just an actor. If it's drama, I add as much humor as the part will stand. And if it's a comedy, Show more I'm just an actor. If it's drama, I add as much humor as the part will stand. And if it's a comedy, add as much drama as you can, so it balances out; you don't wanna be too serious. Hide

Michael Peña's FILMOGRAPHY

as Actor (232)

Fifty Pills

Homicide: Life on the Street - Season 2

The District - Season 3

Lions for Lambs

American Dad - Season 12

Profiler - Season 3

The Lucky Ones

Extinction (2018)

A Wrinkle in Time

Pacific Blue - Season 5