Puerto Rican actor Armando Riesco was born on December 5, 1977 in Mayag?ez, Puerto Rico. He grew up with his parents, who are both Cuban immigrants, in the capital city of San Juan, where he took up his initial studied. He then moved to Chicago, where he studied at the Northwestern University. After graduating, he moved to New York City to pursue an acting career, initially building his reputation through local and off-Broadway productions, before moving on to the screen.
Riesco became a regular in the independent film circuit, starting with Spike Lee’s film adaptation, 25th Hour, in 2002. He also played roles in other independent films such as Pieces of April, Garden State and Bella. He also played several roles in television: in fact, his first screen appearance was through a guest role in the television series Early Edition. Other television guest roles include those for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Third Watch.
Riesco grew to national recognition when he appeared in more mainstream, albeit still mostly dramatic, films. He appeared in films such as National Treasure, and its sequel National Treasure: Book of Secrets, both starring Nicholas Cage; Harsh Times, starring Christian Bale; Fever Pitch, starring Drew Barrymore; and World Trade Center, also starring Nicholas Cage. He had a supporting role in the controversial miniseries The Path to 9/11. He also joined the regular cast of the short-lived medical series 3 lbs, where he played compassionate intern Tom Flores. The program was cancelled due to low ratings.
Riesco also works as a voice actor. He has lent his voice to one character in an episode of the children’s program Dora the Explorer, and also voiced characters for the video games Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Midnight Club II and The Warriors.