Link Ruiz

Link grew up in Puerto Rico and New Jersey, the son of a single mother who worked in a factory. He attended seven different elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. Most were on the rough side of town, where he encountered an assortment of colorful characters and circumstances that provide him a wealth of inspirational material - in English and Spanish. Link's entree into showbiz was as a 14-year-old rapper on New York City subways, graduating to open mic nights and recording studios. Though he briefly flirted with acting in his early 20s, he didn't pursue it full-time until after a serendipitous tech glitch disrupted a rapping gig. When the audio equipment malfunctioned during his first song of his set, he improvised a stand-up comedy routine that was a smash hit. Encouraged by the enthused audience reaction, he aggressively pursued acting classes, and soon packed his bags for a one-way trip to Hollywood. Link quickly landed national commercials, followed by distinctive TV and film roles that capitalize on his uncanny ability to make you smile. He is best known for his portrayals of memorable characters that exude candor and charisma.