Born on December 22, 1936, in New York City, he is an accomplished American actor with a career spanning over five decades. He is of Puerto Rican descent and initially pursued a career in baseball before turning to acting. He gained recognition for his roles in films like "Pretty Woman," "The Princess Diaries," and "Runaway Bride." Known for his versatile performances, he has also appeared in numerous television series, earning an Emmy Award for his role in "Chicago Hope."