Bio
Anthony Ruivivar is an American actor best known for his role as Carlos Nieto in the television drama series Third Watch, from 1999-2005.
Though born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Ruivivar received his bachelor of fine arts degree 6,000 miles away at Boston University. After graduating, he made Manhattan his home, setting roots in New York theatre and film.
In his first TV series, portraying paramedic Carlos Nieto in John Wells award-winning Third Watch, Ruivivar earned an Image Award nomination and high praise from critics and fans.
He's quoted as saying that Carlos was "an ethnically three-dimensional character you don't often see on TV, with a lot of room to explore.
"I am happy to portray who I am ethnically, and not have to identify with only one part of my background. My father is Filipino, Chinese and Spanish, and my mother is Scottish and German. The writers have allowed [my diversity] to be who Carlos is on the show, and that's brave."
Ruivivar appeared in the feature film The Adjustment Bureau, opposite Matt Damon. Additional feature film credits include the critically praised High Art, as well as In & Out, cult favorite Starship Troopers (directed by Paul Verhoven), Simply Irresistible (with Sarah Michelle Gellar), Race the Sun (with Halle Berry) and White Fang II (directed by Ken Olin).
He'll also stars on the big screen in the independent features Saturn (with Mia Kirshner) and Swimming (with Lauren Ambrose), as well as the DVD release of Cash Crop with James Van Der Beek.
Early on, Ruivivar had a recurring role on the daytime drama All My Children and guest-starred on Law & Order, Medical Investigation and Close to Home.
He maintains his roots in New York theatre as a member of both the Imua! Theater Company and Circle East (formerly known as the Circle Repertory Theatre).
He recently directed and co-wrote his first play, SAFE, which played to sold out houses at the Jose Quintero Theatre in New York City, garnering critical acclaim and a publishing deal with Samuel French.
In his free time Ruivivar - whose father is a musician - enjoys writing and playing music. True to his Hawaiian upbringing, he loves surfing.
He now lives in Los Angles with his wife and two children.