Manuel Garcia-Rulfo – Mexican actor

Manuel García-Rulfo Lapuente is a Mexican actor. He is best known for his starring role as lawyer Mickey Haller in the Lincoln Lawyer TV series, as well as in films such as Cake and Bless Me, Ultima, and the television program From Dusk till Dawn: The Series.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: Rising Mexican Star in Hollywood

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Lapuente (born February 25, 1981) is a multi talented Mexican actor specialising in movie and television industry. He got much acclaim and prominence for his performance as Mickey Haller, a lawyer in Lincoln Lawyer television series. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo has also appeared in films like Cake and Bless Me, Ultima, and the TV show From Dusk till Dawn: The Series. This as well as his appearance in 2016 as one of the leads in The Magnificent Seven remake the movie added him to the list of Hollywood and international actors. More about Manuel.

Early life

Like most actors, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo early life was not an ordinary one, same applies to his academic background. He was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico, but was raised on a ranch in the state of Jalisco. This Captivating childhood background also taught him riding skills with horses though he used them in some of his movie scenes particularly in the The Magnificent Seven movies which had been classified under the Western genera. His upbringing on the ranch made him adapt easily to Mexico’s traditional countryside in terms of character and work ethic.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo then moved to Vermont in the United States to learn English as he grew older. This step indicated his desire to expand his horizons much earlier than most people would think, preparing him for Hollywood with a bilingual tongue. However, prior to becoming an actor, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo attended Universidad del Valle de Atemajac (UNIVA) in Guadalajara a private university in which the actor first intended to study communication. Though studying communications helped him get an idea of what media is up to and how stories are being told, it was in this time of his life that Manuel Garcia-Rulfo discovered his love for movies and performing arts.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Journey: From NYFA to Prominent Roles in Latin American and U.S. Films

Expand his acting talents he took acting course at New York Film Academy (NYFA) to be equipped with formal acting skills. Thanks to NYFA’s intensive programs the man probably improve his technical skills and individual performance. Although opportunities in the U.S. seemed uncertain, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo still longed to return to Mexico. He believed he could make valuable contributions to Mexican cinema. This decision became a turning point in his career. By going back to Mexico, he took on significant roles in Latin American films. These experiences prepared him for more challenging parts in Hollywood, including roles in The Magnificent Seven and The Lincoln Lawyer.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: Career

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo major step into Hollywood was when he acted for Uncle Pedro in Bless Me, Ultima (2013), based on a effective original novel of Rudolfo Anaya. This was his first recognition in a major U.S. film and played a way to other movies in Hollywood.

In 2016, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo got a major part in the remake of The Magnificent Seven in which the actor played feels, Vasquez, one of the seven protagonists of the movie. Comprehensive gun training was part of the work description something that he was willing to undertake despite the hard time. For his part, García-Rulfo agreed with Pena saying that though the training was demanding he got a chance to have blisters adding that all the same the experience was fun. Then he starred in Western mapasha which made people focus on his ability to take up action roles.

In 2017, García-Rulfo featured in Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express, where, an adapting performance of Biniamino Marquez from the novel by Agatha Christie, he featured. First conceived for Antonio Foscarelli, the role was rewritten and tailored to García-Rulfo in what shows the growing clout of the actor in Hollywood.

Originally planned as the first series produced for Netflix, it was shot in Mexico through October and November 2020; in early 2021, García-Rulfo replaced Logan Marshall-Green as Mickey Haller for The Lincoln Lawyer television adaptation. This was another highlight in his career, as Haller, a defense attorney who operates out of his Lincoln Town Car. We will also see how the series consolidated García-Rulfo’s acting career in both the big and the small screen.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Early Career (2006-2011):

During this period, García-Rulfo worked in short films and Mexican cinema, building his foundation as an actor.

2006 – Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Valle de lágrimas (José):

García-Rulfo’s debut role in the short film Valle de lágrimas. Playing the role of José, this project likely gave him initial exposure in the film industry and laid the groundwork for his acting career.

2007 – Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Maquillaje (Mario):

• In this film, García-Rulfo took on the character Mario. This marked another step in his budding career, contributing to his early work in Mexican cinema.

2009 – Manuel Garcia-Rulfo La última y nos vamos (Cristian):

• La última y nos vamos was a Mexican feature film where he played Cristian. This role helped García-Rulfo continue establishing himself as an actor in his home country, gaining experience in full-length productions.

2010 – Manuel Garcia-Rulfo 180° (Salvador Díaz):

• In 180°, García-Rulfo played Salvador Díaz, a lead character. The film revolves around three characters’ intertwined lives and aspirations. This was one of his first major lead roles, helping him gain more recognition in Mexican cinema.

2011 – Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Poor Soul (Alan):

• García-Rulfo starred as Alan in the short film Poor Soul. Short films at this stage helped him gain valuable acting experience while gradually working his way into larger projects.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: Major Breakthrough (2013-2015):

This period marked his first significant step into American cinema, establishing him in the industry.

2013 – Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Bless Me, Ultima (Uncle Pedro):

• García-Rulfo made his Hollywood breakthrough in Bless Me, Ultima, playing Uncle Pedro. Based on Rudolfo Anaya’s novel, the film is a drama set during World War II in New Mexico. This role introduced García-Rulfo to American audiences and allowed him to start transitioning into more international projects.

2014 – Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Cake (Arturo):

• In Cake, García-Rulfo played Arturo, a minor but impactful role alongside Jennifer Aniston. The film’s emotional depth and critical acclaim helped further his recognition in the U.S. film industry.

2015 – Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Missed Trains (Him):

• Missed Trains is a short film where García-Rulfo played an unnamed character referred to as “Him.” This project continued his exploration of indie films and short-format storytelling.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: Rising Star in Hollywood (2016-2017):

This was a crucial period for García-Rulfo, as he took on roles in major blockbusters and gained international prominence.

2016 – Term Life (Pedro):

• In Term Life, García-Rulfo played Pedro, a minor role in this action film starring Vince Vaughn. Though not a leading part, it contributed to his portfolio in Hollywood action films.

The Magnificent Seven (Vasquez):

• García-Rulfo’s role as Vasquez in the remake of The Magnificent Seven was a turning point in his career. Starring alongside heavyweights like Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke, García-Rulfo’s portrayal of the outlaw Vasquez required extensive gun training. The film’s success solidified his reputation as a versatile actor, capable of holding his own in ensemble casts in big-budget productions.

La vida inmoral de la pareja ideal (Lucio):

• Returning to Mexican cinema, García-Rulfo starred as Lucio in La vida inmoral de la pareja ideal, a romantic comedy. This role helped him maintain strong ties to his Mexican roots while his Hollywood career was blossoming.

Mexiwood (Axel Garcia):

• In this comedic drama, García-Rulfo played Axel Garcia. Mexiwood satirizes the blend of Mexican culture with Hollywood’s influence, reflecting García-Rulfo’s real-life career trajectory.

2017 – Murder on the Orient Express (Biniamino Marquez):

• In Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Kenneth Branagh, García-Rulfo played Biniamino Marquez, a character adapted specifically for him from Agatha Christie’s novel. Originally written as Antonio Foscarelli, the character was transformed to suit García-Rulfo’s Latin American background. This film allowed him to showcase his skills in a star-studded, classic mystery film.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: Established Actor (2018-2019):

During this period, García-Rulfo continued to land significant roles in both Hollywood and international films.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: 2018 – Sicario Day of the Soldado (Gallo):

• In this intense action thriller, García-Rulfo played Gallo, further expanding his action movie credentials. The Sicario series is known for its dark, gripping portrayal of the drug war, and García-Rulfo’s role was another step into larger American productions.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: 2018 – Widows (Carlos Perelli):

• In Widows, directed by Steve McQueen, García-Rulfo portrayed Carlos Perelli, the husband of Michelle Rodriguez’s character. This heist film was critically acclaimed and featured a strong ensemble cast, helping García-Rulfo continue his upward trajectory in Hollywood.

2018 -Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: Perfect Strangers (Mario):

• Perfect Strangers is a Mexican comedy-drama where García-Rulfo played Mario. This film shows his range, as it was a departure from his Hollywood action roles, offering a more intimate, character-driven performance.

2019 -Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: Mary (Mike Alvarez):

• In this horror-thriller, García-Rulfo played Mike Alvarez. The film revolves around a haunted ship, allowing García-Rulfo to explore the horror genre.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo: 2019 – 6 Underground (Javier / Three):

• García-Rulfo played one of the main characters, “Three” or Javier, in this big-budget Netflix action film directed by Michael Bay. The role put García-Rulfo at the forefront of action cinema, showcasing his versatility in a high-octane setting.

Recent Roles (2020-2022):

In these years, García-Rulfo took on a mix of action, drama, and character-driven roles in both American and Mexican films.

2020 – Greyhound (Lopez):

• In Greyhound, a World War II naval drama starring Tom Hanks, García-Rulfo played Lopez, one of the crew members aboard a U.S. destroyer. The film was praised for its tense action sequences, with García-Rulfo’s role contributing to the film’s portrayal of teamwork and courage under fire.

2021 – Sweet Girl (Amo Santos):

• In this Netflix action-thriller, García-Rulfo played Amo Santos. The film, starring Jason Momoa, allowed him to once again dive into the action genre, demonstrating his consistency in playing tough, physical characters.

2021 – The King of All the World (Manuel):

• García-Rulfo starred in this Mexican drama, directed by Carlos Saura. His role as Manuel allowed him to participate in a film focused on dance, art, and culture, showcasing his range beyond action films.

2022 – Dos Estaciones (Pepe):

• Dos Estaciones is a Mexican drama where García-Rulfo played Pepe. The film portrays life in rural Mexico, and García-Rulfo’s character helped bring a strong sense of authenticity to the narrative, reconnecting with his roots.

2022 – A Man Called Otto (Tommy):

• In this American comedy-drama, García-Rulfo starred alongside Tom Hanks. His character, Tommy, added depth to the story, offering a mix of humor and heartwarming moments. The role continued to solidify his place in mainstream Hollywood cinema.

Upcoming Projects (2024-2025):

2024 – Pedro Páramo (Pedro Páramo):

• García-Rulfo is set to play the titular character in this adaptation of Juan Rulfo’s legendary Mexican novel, Pedro Páramo. This role will be a significant moment in his career, as it ties him to one of the most iconic figures in Mexican literature, allowing him to embrace his heritage fully.

2025 – Jurassic World Rebirth (Reuben Delgado):

• García-Rulfo is set to appear as Reuben Delgado in Jurassic World Rebirth, a continuation of the blockbuster Jurassic World series. This role in a major franchise is another step toward solidifying his presence in mainstream Hollywood action films.

Over the years, García-Rulfo has demonstrated incredible versatility, moving fluidly between indie films, Mexican cinema, and Hollywood blockbusters. His career has been marked by a steady climb from smaller roles to starring in high-profile productions, with his unique ability to balance his Mexican roots with his growing Hollywood presence.