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.

My artistic journey began in Philadelphia at the Girard Academic Music Program 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. 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.

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. 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.

For more than 30 years, teaching and mentorship have been central to my life as an artist. Watching my students develop their voices and build careers on Broadway, national tours, cruise ships, and regional theaters has been one of the greatest joys of my career.

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.

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.