Early Life

I was born in Manhattan, New York City, to Puerto Rican parents whose lives were shaped by education, service, and a commitment to excellence. My father was a former U.S. Army officer and electrical engineer who graduated from the prestigious College of Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. My mother earned her master’s degree at Columbia University and dedicated her career as a nutritionist and dietitian to caring for pregnant women, infants, and children through the WIC program, often supporting immigrant families navigating the challenges of building a new life in a new country. From my parents, I inherited a deep appreciation for discipline, compassion, service, and pursuing one’s passions with purpose.

Musical Foundations

My artistic journey began in Philadelphia at the Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP) under the guidance of director Jack Carr, where I studied violin, music theory, and voice. Those early experiences introduced me to the transformative power of music and storytelling and shaped the foundation of my life as an artist. When my family moved to Florida, I attended Eau Gallie High School, where Carolyn McCorkle (later Carolyn Clarke) led an exceptional music program. Her outstanding concert choir further strengthened my love of ensemble singing and helped prepare me for the next stage of my musical education.

I continued my studies at Florida State University and the University of Illinois, where I was fortunate to learn from extraordinary mentors who taught me not only the craft of performance, but the importance of artistry, integrity, and lifelong learning.

Finding the Theater

Originally pursuing a career in opera, my path changed after seeing The King and I starring Lou Diamond Phillips. Sitting in that theater, I saw myself on that stage and recognized the power of musical theater to bring together my love of music, acting, and storytelling. That moment led me to Broadway and opened the door to a career I could never have imagined.

My Broadway credits include the Tony Award-winning revival of The King and I, Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohème, Coram Boy, Gloria Estefan’s On Your Feet!, How to Dance in Ohio, and Buena Vista Social Club.

Television & Film

My work has expanded into film and television, including Netflix’s Archive 81, CBS’s FBI, and NBC’s Law & Order: SVU. During the pandemic, I wrote, directed, and starred in my first short film, May I Take Your Plate?, which received Best Short Film and Best Actor honors at both the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival and the New York City Downtown Film Festival.

Teaching & Mentorship

For more than 30 years, teaching and mentorship have been central to my life as an artist. In addition to maintaining a private voice studio, I have had the privilege of teaching for three years in the Shen Curriculum for Musical Theater at Yale University, two years with The Institute for American Music Theatre (IAMT), and serving as Artist-in-Residence at Lafayette College. Watching my students develop their voices and go on to build careers on Broadway, national tours, cruise ships, and regional theaters has been one of the greatest joys and most rewarding aspects of my career.

Expanding the Story

My passion for storytelling, artistic collaboration, and teaching led me to co-found M² Entertainment with my wife, Michelle Liu Coughlin. Through M², we are dedicated to creating, elevating, and amplifying original artistic work while supporting and developing the next generation of artists.

The Journey Continues

Whether I am on stage, in front of a camera, behind the camera, creating new work, or mentoring students, my goal remains the same: to tell meaningful stories, honor where I come from, and create opportunities for voices that deserve to be heard.