Benicio Del Toro born February 19, 1967, San Germán or Santurce, Puerto Rico), Puerto Rican-born actor who emerged in the 1990s as a compelling character actor with a flair for oddball roles.

He was 9 years old when his mother died, and a few years later his father moved the family to rural Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school, Del Toro entered the University of California, San Diego, intending to major in business. However, he enrolled in an acting class that convinced him to change course. He moved to New York City and studied at the Circle in the Square Theatre School before receiving a scholarship to the Stella Adler Academy of Acting & Theatre in Los Angeles.