
Work : Begin Major Project 11 April 1997 (Starred and Co-produced Hamlet, one month) chart Placidus Equal_H.
Latino-American actor, most recently in "Star Trek: Voyager" as Commander Chakotay. Born of Mexican parents, he was the seventh of ten kids and one of eight boys. During high school, he was involved in sports--baseball and football--and it wasnt until he began college that he first considered a career as an actor. He graduated from Fresno State with a degree in Theater Arts, a degree which took seven years to complete because of welcome interruptions of another part in a play. Beltran’s first film role as in "Zoot Suit" and the next was the title role in the cult classic, "Eating Raoul." From then on, work was steady in films, TV and theater. He delivered a fine performance in the two-part NBC drama "Life Without Possibility." Because theater was his first love and it remains an abiding passion, Robert founded and serves as co-artistic director of the East LA Classic Theater Group, which is affiliated with Cal State LA. He also belongs to Classic Theater Lab, an ensemble of professional actors that co-produced Roberts Hamlet, which played from April 11-May 11, 1997 at the Actors Gang Theater in Hollywood. He served as co-producer and director of this well-received production, as well as playing the title role. Robert is single, a Los Angeles resident with his cat Smokey. He loves music, playing the guitar himself, and such imaginative literature as Tolkien. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
Born: Thursday, November 19, 1953 • Bakersfield, California, United States
Robert Beltran is a Mexican American actor and director best known worldwide as Commander Chakotay on Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001). A stage-trained performer with a dry wit and a penchant for classical theater, he broke into films with Paul Bartel’s cult comedy Eating Raoul (1982) and went on to balance genre projects, independent cinema, and theater. He has been an advocate for better Latino representation on screen and for respectful portrayals of Indigenous cultures in science fiction.
Beltran has been honored by fan communities and Latino arts organizations for contributions to television and cultural visibility. During and after Voyager, he received attention from media outlets and community groups, reinforcing his status as a franchise mainstay and a frequent, welcomed voice at Star Trek events.
Raised in a large family in Bakersfield to Mexican parents, he later studied theater and launched a professional career in Los Angeles. His brother, Louie Cruz Beltran, is a noted Latin jazz percussionist, reflecting a family steeped in the arts. Beltran is known for candid interviews and thoughtful critiques of industry practices, advocating for nuanced roles and opportunities for Latino performers.
For bookings, appearances, or media requests, fans and organizers typically coordinate through convention producers, event pages, or talent representatives. Autographs, photo ops, and limited online signings are announced via official event listings and his social posts.
Note: Schedules, platforms, and availability can change; verify dates and links with official sources.
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