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David Joel Barrera (born December 28, 1968)[1] is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Ray 'Casey Kasem' Griego in Generation Kill. He has appeared in television series including Grimm, Heroes, CSI: Miami, Boston Legal, Medium, Nip/Tuck, NYPD Blue, Murder One, Without a Trace, The West Wing, The Big Bang Theory and 24 for which he got nominated for an ALMA Award.[2]

Key Information

Barrera is a graduate of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School in his hometown, San Juan, Texas, where he was part of the Theater Club. This high school is part of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District. Barrera is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, and went on to study in the graduate acting program at the University of California, San Diego. He is currently an Adjunct Faculty member teaching acting at Azusa Pacific University.

Barrera appeared in Universal's family comedy Evan Almighty, further he worked on films like Infinity, No Way Back and The United States of Leland (First Officer).[3]

Barrera guest starred in the episode, "Alex Gives Up", as Carlos Cucuy in a Disney Channel Original Series live-action sitcom, Wizards of Waverly Place in which his wife, Maria, was one of the main cast members. In 2015, Barrera guest starred in the episode, "Flicker", as Dr. Kaplan in the fifth season of American Horror Story.

Personal life

[edit]

Barrera has been married to fellow actress Maria Canals since 1999,[4] and they have two daughters, Bridget and Madeleine.[5]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1995 Now Way Back FBI Agent Brodie
1996 Eye for an Eye Precinct Officer
1996 Infinity Chepa
1998 Almost Heroes Ferdinand
1999 My Little Assassin Figueroa Television film
2000 Ballad of a Soldier Johnny
2001 The Barrio Murders Richards
2003 The United States of Leland First Officer
2003 Perfect Girl Sonny Short film
2005 How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer Sal's Uncle
2005 Girls Never Call Luis
2007 Evan Almighty Ark Reporter
2009 Cruzando The Matador Also associate producer
2010 Boyle Heights Frank
2011 Bright Nunez Short film
2011 Carbone: Breaking Point Juarez Short film
2012 The Asset Roberto Serrano Television film
2013 Night of the Hipsters Dick Short film
2014 Death Clique Mr. Ramirez Television film
2014 10.0 Earthquake Hector
2014 The Curious Story of Spurious Falls Man on the Hill
2015 I Am Gangster Carlos
2015 Schmoolie the Deathwatcher Burro Short film
2016 2 Lava 2 Lantula! Colombian Thug #2 Television film
2016 Run the Tide T.J.
2017 Perception Hector Jimenez Short film
2018 Crave: The Fast Life Antonio
2018 Ready Player One Guy on Bus Uncredited
2021 No One Gets Out Alive Beto
2022 Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Carlos Flores
2022 Swamp Lion Fatboy

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1995 First Time Out David 2 episodes
1996 Space: Above and Beyond 2nd Lieutenant James Herrick Episode: "Toy Soldiers"
1996 Moloney Paul Episode: "Pilot"
1996–97 L.A. Firefighters Captain Aleman 2 episodes
1997 Renegade Carlos Episode: "Top Ten with a Bullet"
1997 Diagnosis Murder Eddie Moreno Episode: "Blood Brothers Murder"
1997 Murder One Richard Higueras 4 episodes
1997 Pensacola: Wings of Gold Miguel Toledo Episode: "Yesterday, Upon the Stair...: Part 2"
1997 The Pretender Fernando Ramos Episode: "Back from the Dead Again"
1997 Murder One: Diary of a Serial Killer Richard Higueras Miniseries (6 episodes)
1998 Four Corners George Episode: "Betrayals"
1998 NYPD Blue Dr. Sampson Episode: "I Don’t Wanna Dye"
1998–2001 NYPD Blue Dr. Victor Carreras Recurring role (6 episodes)
1999 Millennium Sheriff Tommy Briggs Episode: "Nostalgia"
1999 JAG Lieutenant Achuleta Episode: "True Callings"
2000 Pacific Blue Unknown role Episode: "A Thousand Words"
2000 City of Angels Father Carillo 2 episodes
2001 Strong Medicine Charlie Perez Episode: "Maternity"
2001 Family Law Unknown role Episode: "LIar's Club: Part 1"
2001 That's Life Sanchez 3 episodes
2001 24 Philips Episode: "4:00 a.m.–5:00 a.m."
2002 American Family David Episode: "The Star"
2002 The Division Daniel Torres Episode: "Full Moon"
2002 ER Felix Hernandez Episode: "Walk Like a Man"
2003 Nip/Tuck Policeman Episode: "Megan O'Hara"
2003 Without a Trace Gorge Rodriguez Episode: "A Tree Falls"
2004 CSI: NY Jose Figueroa Episode: "Outside Man"
2005 Boston Legal Office Joe Garrett Episode: "Tortured Souls"
2005 Justice League Unlimited Thanagarian #2 (voice) Episode: "Hunter's Moon"[6]
2005 Medium Fr. Santiago Episode: "The Song Remains the Same"
2005 Veronica Mars Carlos Oliveres Episode: "Ahoy, Mateys!"
2006 The West Wing Jorge Santos Episode: "Running Mates"
2006 CSI: Miami Lorenzo Argenta Episode: "Death Eminent"
2006–08 Shark Medical Examiner Mickey Cuz-Alvarez 3 episodes
2007 NCIS Charlie Mills Episode: "Sharif Returns"
2007 Heroes Federal Agent Quesda Episode: "Chapter Eighteen 'Parasite'"
2007 Smith David Owens 2 episodes
2008 Ylse Rick Unknown episodes
2008 Generation Kill Gunnery Sergeant Ray "Casey Kasem" Griego Recurring role (7 episodes)
2008 The Closer Commandante Martin Vasquez Episode: "Tijuana Brass"
2009 Raising the Bar Alberto Capulet Episode: "Beating a Dead Horse"
2009 Three Rivers Unknown role Episode: "Ryan's First Day"
2010 The Mentalist Frank Rodriguez Episode: "Blood in, BLood Out"
2010 In Plain Sight Jack Suarez Episode: "Her Days Are Numbered"
2010 Wizards of Waverly Place Carlos Cucuy Episode: "Alex Gives Up"
2011 Human Target Julio Escalante Episode: "A Problem Like Maria"
2011 The Defenders Detective Fierro Episode: "Nevada v. Dough the Mule"
2011 Generator Rex Esteban (voice) 2 episodes[6]
2011 The Trainee Shadow Knight 3 episodes
2012 Southland Officer Jim Lopez 2 episodes
2012 Fairly Legal Eddie Salinas Episode: "Gimme Shelter"
2012 Grimm Luis Episode: "La Llorona"
2014 The Night Shift Detective Gonzalez Episode: "Save Me"
2014 The Big Bang Theory Officer Hernandez Episode: "The Locomotion Interruption"
2014 The Bridge Domingo Recurring role (6 episodes)
2014 Castle Principle Joe Silva Episode: "Child's Play"
2014 I Didn't Do It Officer Rivera Episode: "Bicycle Thief"
2015 Mom Gary Episode: "Benito Poppins and a Warm Pumpkin"
2015 American Horror Story Doctor Kaplan Episode: "Flicker"
2016 NCIS: Los Angeles Captain Vargas Episode: "Where There's Smoke..."
2016 Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything Sheriff Episode: "The Luchador"
2016 Shut Eye Mike Diaz 2 episodes
2017 Criminal Minds Mario Casteneda Episode: "Spencer"
2017 The Orville Vasquez Episode: "About a Girl"
2017 Chance Detective Sid Velerio 3 episodes
2018 Bosch Detective Stan Pipes Recurring role (4 episodes)
2018 Animal Kingdom Jeff Stewart Episode: "Prey"
2018 Dirty John Palmer Episode: "Approachable Dreams"
2019 SEAL Team Jeff Walker Episode: "Things Not Seen"
2019 What/If Javi Ruiz Recurring role (4 episodes)
2020 Selena: The Series Hector Episode: "Daydream"
2021 PEN15 Dr. Robins Episode: "Grammy"
2022 Killing It Carlos 2 episodes
2022 Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story Chief Arreola Recurring role

Theatre

[edit]
Year Play Title Role Director Theatre Playwright
2001 A Bicycle Country Pepe Richard Hochberg Marilyn Monroe Theatre at the Lee Strasberg Creative Center Nilo Cruz
unknown Street of the Sun Taper, Too
unknown The Seductions of Johnny Diego Taper, Too

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Need for Speed: Underground Jose
2005 Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition Oscar
2005 Ridge Racer 6 Actor
2006 Saints Row Stilwater's Resident

Awards

[edit]

While at the University of California, San Diego graduate acting program, Barrera was awarded the Princess Grace Award in acting.[3]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

David Barrera

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
David Barrera (born David Joel Barrera; December 28, 1968) is an American actor best known for portraying Gunnery Sgt. Ray "Casey Kasem" Griego in the 2008 HBO miniseries Generation Kill. Born in San Juan, Texas, he has built a prolific career spanning over three decades, accumulating more than 100 credits in film and television. His notable television appearances include recurring roles in series such as The Big Bang Theory, Castle, NYPD Blue, CSI: Miami, and Dirty John, alongside guest spots in Criminal Minds, Grimm, and American Horror Story. In film, Barrera has featured in projects like Evan Almighty (2007), No One Gets Out Alive (2021), and Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters (2022). A graduate with an MFA in acting, he also serves as faculty in the School of the Arts at Azusa Pacific University, where he contributes to theater and film education. Married to actress Maria Canals-Barrera since 1999, the couple resides in Los Angeles with their two daughters.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

David Joel Barrera was born on December 28, 1968, in , a small town in the Valley region near the U.S.- border. He grew up in this close-knit community, where his family faced financial hardships that shaped his early years. Barrera's parents, rooted in the local Mexican-American heritage of the Valley, provided unwavering encouragement despite their economic challenges, fostering an environment that nurtured his budding interests in .

Academic pursuits

Barrera graduated from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School in , in 1987. He pursued undergraduate studies in acting at in , Texas, where he earned a (BFA) in 1991 on a theater scholarship. After completing his BFA, Barrera relocated to for advanced training, enrolling in the Professional Actor Training Program at the . There, he obtained a (MFA) in in 1994 and received the Princess Grace Award in acting in 1993, recognizing his emerging talent as a young actor. These programs provided rigorous conservatory-style instruction in classical and contemporary techniques, equipping Barrera with the foundational skills necessary for a professional career in stage and screen performance.

Acting career

Beginnings in theater and television

Following the completion of his degree in from the in 1994, David Barrera relocated to to establish himself in film and television, opting against a path in Broadway theater. His rigorous theater training during undergraduate studies at [Southern Methodist University](/page/Southern_Methodist University) and graduate work at UC , including associated with the , equipped him with essential skills for the demands of on-camera . Barrera's entry into professional television occurred in the late , beginning with a recurring role as Dr. Victor Carreras on the NYPD Blue from 1998 to 2001, marking one of his initial sustained on-screen engagements. He followed this with guest appearances, such as Sheriff Tommy Briggs in the episode "Collateral Damage" of (1999) and Lieutenant Archuleta in the episode "Front and Center" of JAG (1999). Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Barrera faced typical challenges of breaking into the industry, including frequent auditions with low booking rates; he has noted that securing 5% to 10% of auditioned roles represents a strong success rate for at that stage. These early experiences, supported by securing representation through his theater-honed portfolio, facilitated his gradual shift from stage-oriented preparation to television guest work.

Breakthrough and notable roles

Barrera's breakthrough role arrived with his casting as Gunnery Sgt. Ray "Casey Kasem" Griego, the operations chief for Bravo Company in the , in the 2008 HBO miniseries . The seven-part production, written by and —creators of —was adapted from journalist Evan Wright's 2004 book of the same name, which chronicled Wright's experiences as an embedded reporter with U.S. Marines during the opening 40 days of the 2003 Iraq invasion. Filmed primarily in and to replicate environments, the series emphasized authenticity through an ensemble of lesser-known actors, including Barrera, whose prior credits like the 2007 film aligned with the project's grounded tone. The miniseries earned widespread critical acclaim for its unflinching depiction of military life, chaos, and bureaucracy, achieving an 86% approval rating on based on 42 reviews, with an average score of 9.1/10; critics lauded the ensemble's performances, including Barrera's portrayal of Griego, a no-nonsense nicknamed "Casey Kasem" for his distinctive radio voice that provided comic relief amid the tension. In a 2008 New York Times review, the series was hailed as "one of the best war movies ever made for television," highlighting the cast's ability to convey the ' camaraderie and frustrations without Hollywood gloss. Prior to Generation Kill, Barrera had garnered attention through high-profile guest appearances, including as Officer Phillips in season 1 of Fox's 24 (2001) and as Federal Agent Quesada in season 1 of NBC's Heroes (2007). These roles, alongside others in shows like and , frequently positioned him as law enforcement or military personnel, contributing to his typecasting in authoritative Latino figures that carried into his Generation Kill performance and beyond.

Film and television highlights

David Barrera's film career includes notable supporting roles that highlight his versatility in independent and genre projects. In the 2021 No One Gets Out Alive, he portrayed Beto, a key figure in a exploring immigrant struggles and elements, contributing to the film's tense atmosphere as an undocumented worker facing eerie threats in a . Earlier in the , Barrera appeared in indie dramas such as (2003), where he played First Officer, a minor but pivotal authority figure in a story examining guilt and societal alienation. These roles often positioned him as grounded, relatable characters amid larger ensemble casts, showcasing his ability to convey quiet intensity without dominating the screen. On television, Barrera frequently took on guest and recurring parts as officers or family-oriented figures, reflecting themes of Latino representation in procedural and dramatic series. In CSI: Miami (2006), he guest-starred as Lorenzo Argenta in the episode "Death Eminent," depicting a grieving father entangled in a murder investigation tied to urban development disputes. Similarly, in The Big Bang Theory (2014), he appeared as Officer Hernandez in "The Locomotion Interruption," a comedic authority figure dealing with Sheldon's mishaps during a train robbery scenario. His single-episode role in Dirty John (2018) as Palmer in "Approachable Dreams" portrayed a supportive ally in the true-crime anthology's exploration of deception and family dynamics. In Grimm (2012), Barrera played Luis Alvarez in "La Llorona," embodying a concerned Latino parent in a folklore-inspired episode about child abductions. Barrera's career evolved from predominantly guest-starring opportunities in the early to more substantial recurring arcs in the , allowing deeper character development. Following his breakthrough as Gunnery Sgt. Ray '' Griego in the 2008 miniseries , he secured multi-episode roles such as Domingo in The Bridge (six episodes, 2014), a cartel-affiliated figure navigating tensions, and Sid Velerio in Chance (three episodes, 2017), a determined investigator in a . In 2022, Barrera portrayed Chief Arreola in the miniseries DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, appearing in three episodes and gaining significant attention for the role. He also played Carlos in the film Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. These portrayals often emphasized resilient Latino men in high-stakes environments, from criminal underworlds to institutional systems, underscoring Barrera's commitment to authentic ethnic representation across genres.

Voice work and video games

Barrera ventured into with a minor role in the animated series , where he provided the voice for Thanagarian #2 in the 2005 episode "." This appearance showcased his ability to lend authenticity to alien warrior characters through vocal modulation, drawing subtly from his experience portraying authoritative figures in live-action television. In video games, Barrera contributed voice talent as Jose in Need for Speed: Underground (2003), a simulation where his performance added depth to street racer dialogue. He expanded into and for Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition (2005), portraying Oscar in the segment, involving physical performance capture to animate urban competitors. This work highlighted differences from on-set acting, as sessions required exaggerated movements in a marker-suited environment to map digital animations, contrasting the naturalistic delivery of camera-focused scenes. Barrera's game credits continued with motion capture duties in Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix (2006), enhancing character animations for expanded urban racing scenarios. In (2006), he voiced various Stillwater residents, contributing to the open-world game's ensemble of gang-affiliated characters through localized audio performances. These roles leveraged his expertise in portraying ensemble military and street-tough figures, adapting vocal intensity for without visual presence.

Academic and teaching career

Faculty position at Azusa Pacific University

David Barrera joined as an in the Department of Theater Arts within the School of the Arts in 2020. His appointment leverages his in from the , earned in 1994, along with his BFA in from in 1991, to bridge professional industry practices with academic instruction. As part of his daily responsibilities, Barrera teaches THTR 216 – Performance Cast, a hands-on course that awards credit to student-actors collaborating with instructors on departmental productions. This repeatable class, which students can take for up to 12 units, focuses on practical application of skills in live performances, fostering development through direct involvement in theater projects. Barrera's extends to guiding students in integrating professional techniques into their work, drawing from his expertise in theater and acting honed over decades. He incorporates real-world insights from his extensive into classroom sessions, helping students refine their approaches to scene study and character development.

Contributions to arts education

David Barrera has extended his expertise in beyond formal academia by serving as an acting coach at Limelight Acting Studio in , where he provides targeted training to aspiring performers drawing from his extensive on-set experience and over 100 and television credits. This role involves hands-on workshops that emphasize practical skills for professional auditions and performances, contributing to the development of emerging talent in the competitive entertainment industry in the . Inspired by his roots in the Rio Grande Valley of , Barrera has actively supported programs for young artists in underrepresented communities by hosting the 2022 Palm Awards, the premier high school theater recognition event in the region, which celebrates and mentors Latino-majority student performers through scholarships and visibility opportunities. His involvement as helped amplify local talent, fostering a pipeline for future actors from areas with limited access to industry networks. Barrera has also advocated for diversity in arts education and inclusive casting through participation in industry panels, such as the "Latino Power Couples" discussion at the 2024 Chicano Hollywood Elevate the Latino Voice Conference, where he shared insights on navigating Hollywood as a Latino artist alongside his wife, Maria Canals-Barrera. These efforts highlight his commitment to promoting equitable representation for Latino actors in educational and professional settings.

Personal life

Marriage and family

David Barrera married actress in 1999. The couple has two daughters, (born 2003) and Madeleine (born 2005). The family resides in , , where they maintain a close domestic life centered on shared routines and support for one another's pursuits. Barrera and his wife have navigated relocations and scheduling demands from their dual acting careers by prioritizing stability in , allowing their daughters to grow up in a familiar environment. In public discussions, Barrera has highlighted the challenges of Hollywood's pace, stressing the value of parental presence over perfection in raising children, noting that trusting in helps balance professional commitments with responsibilities.

Philanthropy and interests

David Barrera has actively supported initiatives promoting Latino representation and empowerment in the arts and education sectors. In November 2019, he attended the Eva Longoria Foundation Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, an event aimed at raising funds for programs that provide educational opportunities and entrepreneurial training for Latinas. Barrera has also engaged with the Imagen Foundation, a focused on fostering accurate and positive depictions of Latinos in entertainment media through awards, education, and advocacy. He participated in an on-site interview at the 2009 , discussing the importance of such portrayals alongside his wife, . Additionally, the couple attended the 30th Annual in in August 2015, contributing to the foundation's efforts to honor Latino achievements and inspire future generations in the industry.

Filmography

Film roles

David Barrera began his film career in the mid-1990s with supporting roles in independent action and drama features, gradually advancing to more prominent supporting characters in comedies, thrillers, and family-oriented films by the 2000s and beyond. Over his career, he has amassed more than 50 film credits, demonstrating versatility in portraying authority figures, family members, and community leaders across genres.
YearTitleRoleDescription
1995No Way BackFBI Agent BrodieBarrera played FBI Agent Brodie, a key supporting character in this action thriller involving a former cop seeking revenge.
1996InfinityChepaIn this biographical drama about physicist Richard Feynman, Barrera portrayed Chepa, a friend providing cultural context to the story.
1998Almost HeroesFerdinandBarrera appeared as Ferdinand, one of the explorers in this comedic adventure following a historical expedition.
2001The Barrio MurdersRichardHe depicted Richard in this crime drama set in a Latino neighborhood.
2003The United States of LelandFirst OfficerBarrera played First Officer in this drama exploring moral dilemmas surrounding a young offender.
2007Evan AlmightyArk reporterIn the family comedy sequel, Barrera played an ark reporter contributing to the ensemble of political and divine elements.
2009CruzandoThe MatadorBarrera portrayed The Matador, a central figure in this indie drama about border-crossing struggles.
2011BrightNunezHe played Nunez, a supporting ally in this crime thriller centered on urban tensions.
2012The AssetRoberto SerranoBarrera played Roberto Serrano in this suspenseful TV movie about hidden threats.
201410.0 EarthquakeHectorIn the disaster action film, Barrera played Hector, involved in crisis response efforts.
2015I Am GangsterCarlosBarrera depicted Carlos, a gang-affiliated character in this gritty crime drama exploring underworld dynamics.
2016Crave: The Fast LifeAntonioHe portrayed Antonio, a racer involved in high-stakes underground competitions in this action-drama.
2016Run the TideTJBarrera played TJ, a family member aiding in a road trip narrative of reunion and escape.
2021No One Gets Out AliveBetoIn this horror-thriller, Barrera's Beto serves as a protective figure in a tense immigrant story.
2022Strong Fathers, Strong DaughtersCarlosBarrera portrayed Carlos, a father emphasizing family bonds in this inspirational drama.
2022#FBFJasonHe played Jason, a central character navigating personal revelations in this mystery indie.
2022Swamp LionFatboyBarrera depicted Fatboy, a rugged outdoorsman in this survival adventure.
2024Mr. ManhattanReverend AlvarezIn the romantic comedy, Barrera's Reverend Alvarez offers guidance and humor in community settings.
This selection highlights key milestones in Barrera's film progression, from early ensemble parts to more defined supporting roles in contemporary releases.

Television roles

David Barrera has amassed over 100 television credits throughout his career, with a particular emphasis on procedural dramas, crime series, and occasional forays into sci-fi and anthology formats. His breakthrough television role came in the 2008 HBO miniseries , where he portrayed Gunnery Sergeant Ray "Casey Kasem" Griego across seven episodes, drawing from real events in the .

1990s

Barrera's early television work centered on guest and recurring appearances in police and legal procedurals. He had a recurring role as Dr. Victor Carreras in NYPD Blue on ABC from 1998 to 2001, appearing in multiple episodes including "Hearts and Souls" and "Love Hurts," alongside a one-off as Dr. Sampson in the 1998 episode "I Don't Wanna Dye." These roles established him in ensemble casts focused on urban crime stories.

2000s

The decade saw Barrera in a mix of guest spots across major networks, often playing law enforcement or authority figures in high-stakes narratives. Notable guest appearances include Officer Philips in 24 on Fox (2001, 1 episode), a policeman in Nip/Tuck on FX (2003, 1 episode), Gorge Rodriguez in Without a Trace on CBS (2003, 1 episode), Officer Joe Garrett in Boston Legal on ABC (2005, 1 episode), Father Santiago in Medium on NBC (2005, 1 episode), Lorenzo Argenta in CSI: Miami on CBS (2006, 1 episode), Charlie Mills in NCIS on CBS (2007, 1 episode), Jorge Santos in The West Wing on NBC (2006, 1 episode), and Federal Agent Quesada in Heroes on NBC (2007, 1 episode). His standout performance was the recurring lead in Generation Kill (HBO, 2008, 7 episodes), highlighting his ability to convey military camaraderie and tension.

2010s

Barrera balanced recurring arcs with guest roles, frequently in crime thrillers and supernatural procedurals. Recurring appearances include Domingo Gallardo in The Bridge on FX (2014, 5 episodes) and Detective Stan Pipes in Bosch on Amazon Prime Video (2014–2021, at least 3 episodes). He recurred as Det. Sid Velerio in Chance on Hulu (2017, 3 episodes) and Palmer in Dirty John on Bravo/USA Network (2018–2020, multiple episodes). Guest spots encompassed Luis in Grimm on NBC (2012, 1 episode, portraying a character in a supernatural investigation arc), Principal Joe Silva in Castle on ABC (2014, 1 episode), Officer Hernandez in The Big Bang Theory on CBS (2014, 1 episode), Gary in Mom on CBS (2014, 1 episode), Detective Gonzalez in The Night Shift on NBC (2014, 1 episode), Mario Casteneda in Criminal Minds on CBS (2017, 1 episode), and a recurring role as Javi Ruiz in What/If on Netflix (2019, 4 episodes). These roles often involved episode-specific arcs in ensemble-driven series.

2020s

Barrera continued with select recurring parts in true-crime and biographical series. He portrayed Chief Arreola in Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story on Netflix (2022, multiple episodes), contributing to the miniseries' depiction of law enforcement's response to the serial killings. Additional guest work includes appearances in The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix (2022, as Gabe Perez) and other streaming procedurals, maintaining his focus on dramatic authority figures.

Theater productions

David Barrera's theater career encompasses performances at several renowned venues, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in , Goodman Theatre in , and Dallas Theater in . These stage appearances, spanning regional and professional circuits, underscore his versatility in live performance, where the immediacy of audience response and unscripted energy differ markedly from screen acting. Early in his professional development, Barrera interned at and El Teatro Campesino, contributing to regional productions that honed his skills in ensemble-driven theater. His work during this period emphasized contemporary and culturally resonant dramas, reflecting influences from his training at the University of California, San Diego's MFA program, affiliated with . In the 2020s, Barrera returned to for a special live reading of the screenplay Popcorn Prophets at The Citrus Live in , on October 15, 2025, performing alongside such as Dannie McCallum. This event marked a revival-style showcase, highlighting his ongoing commitment to live storytelling in community-rooted settings.

Video game appearances

David Barrera has contributed to several video games through and work, primarily in the racing and action genres during the mid-2000s. His roles often featured supporting characters that aligned with his on-screen portrayals of authoritative or streetwise figures. In Need for Speed: Underground (2003), Barrera provided the voice for Jose, a character involved in the underground scene. He voiced and performed for Oscar, a prominent San Diego-based character in Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition (2005), a role that extended to the game's edition the following year where he contributed . Barrera lent his voice to additional characters in (2005), enhancing the game's arcade racing atmosphere. In the open-world action game (2006), he voiced various Stillwater's Residents, populating the game's urban environment with non-player characters.

Awards and recognition

Acting accolades

David Barrera received a nomination for the for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Series in 2002 for his role as Officer Phillips in the Fox series 24. In 2017, Barrera won the Best Actor award at the Pasadena International Film Festival for his performance in the short film Perception. These accolades highlight Barrera's contributions to Latino representation in television and independent cinema, stemming from roles in ensemble dramas and character-driven shorts.

Educational honors

David Barrera received the Princess Grace Award in acting in 1993 while pursuing his MFA at the University of California, San Diego's Professional Actor Training Program. This prestigious honor, granted by the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, recognizes promising young artists in theater and supports their professional development through scholarships. As an adjunct professor of acting at Azusa Pacific University since the early 2010s, Barrera has contributed to student mentorship in performance arts, though specific faculty excellence awards from the institution are not publicly documented.

References

  1. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/david-barrera/
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0056876/
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/david-barrera
  4. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1358092-david-barrera
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0056876/bio/
  6. https://myrgv.com/local-news/2022/10/15/netflixs-dahmer-series-earns-san-juan-actor-newfound-notoriety/
  7. https://www.apu.edu/faculty/dbarrera/
  8. https://pgfusa.org/princess-grace-award-winners/
  9. https://www.npr.org/2008/07/12/92489130/generation-kill-depicts-beginning-of-the-iraq-war
  10. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/five-called-duty-hbos-kill-137699/
  11. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/generation_kill/s01
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/arts/television/11kill.html
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285331/characters/nm0056876
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857644/characters/nm0056876
  15. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Justice-League-Unlimited/Thanagarian/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390296/fullcredits
  17. https://www.mobygames.com/person/115427/david-barrera/
  18. https://twitter.com/APUTHEATER/status/1324793074040643587
  19. https://catalog.apu.edu/academics/college-arts-humanities-theology-sciences/school-arts/theater/theater.pdf
  20. https://www.limelightactingstudio.com/about
  21. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1357842407973493&id=345762599181484&set=a.397418030682607
  22. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/chicano-hollywood-announces-elevate-latino-034500172.html
  23. https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2017/05/04/actor-shares-his-story-faith-day-prayer/100847522/
  24. https://www.christianpost.com/news/actors-david-and-maria-barrera-talk-trusting-god-with-their-kids.html
  25. https://www.alamy.com/beverly-hills-california-usa-15th-nov-2019-actor-david-barrera-and-wife-actress-maria-canals-barrera-attend-the-eva-longoria-foundation-gala-on-november-15-2019-at-the-four-seasons-beverly-hills-in-beverly-hills-california-usa-credit-barry-kingalamy-live-news-image332933601.html
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSWRiy6saVI
  27. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-david-barrera-and-maria-canals-barrera-arrive-at-the-30th-annual-imagen-124199217.html
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117193/fullcredits/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116635/fullcredits/
  30. https://letterboxd.com/actor/david-barrera/
  31. https://deadline.com/2017/08/chance-casts-david-barrera-marwan-salama-alan-ball-hbo-drama-series-1202145950/
  32. https://deadline.com/2018/07/dirty-john-jake-abel-david-barrera-recur-bravo-true-crime-anthology-1202437188/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0995832/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13207736/
  35. http://amprofile.blogspot.com/2012/04/david-barrera.html
  36. https://www.citruslive.com/event-details/popcorn-prophets-special-live-stage-reading
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390296/fullcredits/
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457413/fullcredits/
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0891578/fullcredits/
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477848/fullcredits/
  41. https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2002/04/17/Nominees-for-2002-ALMA-Awards/18701019085817/
  42. https://www.pasadenafilmfestival.org/piff-2017
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