A talented actor, Esai Morales is known for his powerful performances in both television and movies. Starting his career in the 1980s, Morales has played a wide range of characters and worked on many successful projects.
His strong on-screen presence, acting skills, and dedication make him great and one of the most successful actors out there. Over the years, he has become a respected name in the industry, playing major roles in movies like La Bamba, and Bad Boys, and TV shows like Titans, NYPD Blue, and Ozark.
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Early Life
Esai Manuel Morales Jr., otherwise known as Esai Morales was born on 1st October 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Iris Margarita and Esai Morales Sr.
Coming from a humble background, his mother was a union activist and his father worked as a welder. Morales is of Puerto Rican descent and developed an interest in acting at an early age. For education, he attended the School of Performing Arts, where he honed his acting skills.
Beginning of Career
Esai Morales started his acting career in the early 1980s. His first major break came in 1983 when he appeared in the crime drama Bad Boys alongside Sean Penn. The movie was a hit, and Morales’s performance was praised by both critics and audience. Needless to say, this role opened doors for him and helped him to establish himself as a rising star in the industry.
Shot to Fame
Morales’s gained widespread recognition in 1987 when he starred in the hit biographical movie, La Bamba. After the movie turned out to be a huge success, he became a household name. Following that, he landed roles in series like Resurrection Blvd. and American Family that helped him solidify his status in the industry. His popularity doubled, after he was cast in NYPD Blue that ran from 2001 to 2003.
In 2017, Morales joined the cast of Netflix’s hit series Ozark. Even though his role was short-lived, he left a strong impact on the audience’s mind. In 2019, he played Slade Wilson in the superhero series Titans.
One of Morales’s most exciting roles came in 2023 when appeared in the movie Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. This gave him the opportunity to work opposite Tom Cruise. As per sources, he is set to reprise this role in the 2025 sequel, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
Relationship
Esai Morales is a married man. His wife is Elvimar Silva, whom he married in 2010, and has a child together. As a dedicated family man, Morales likes to spend time with his wife and child. When he is not working, he spends quality time with them.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
As of 2025, Esai Morales’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. He has built his wealth from his decades-long career in the entertainment industry. His major sources of income include acting in movies, television shows, and voice work. Over the years, he has worked on a wide range of projects that have helped him earn a steady income.
