Esai Morales is an American actor, director, and activist who has been active in Hollywood since the 1980s. He is best known for his roles in films such as La Bamba and television series such as Oz and NYPD Blue. He has also had a successful career in theater, appearing in productions such as The Exonerated and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Morales is a vocal advocate for social justice and has been involved in numerous charitable causes. He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.