Biography
Veteran Mexican-American actor Pepe Serna has featured in over 100 films and 300 television shows, best known for his gritty supporting roles in movies such as Scarface (1983), where he played Al Pacino's ill-fated cocaine partner, the western Silverado (1985) alongside Kevin Costner, the crime drama The Rookie (1990) starring Clint Eastwood and Charlie Sheen, and American Me (1992) with Edward James Olmos. Throughout a career spanning more than fifty years, Pepe has portrayed characters on both sides of the law, from drug dealers to sheriffs.
Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 23, 1944, he is the son of a naval base interpreter for Latin American pilots and a hairdresser. His passion for acting emerged early, leading him to move to Hollywood in 1969 to pursue his ambitions. He quickly secured steady roles portraying Latino characters in film and television.
Pepe made his debut in the exploitation film The Student Nurses (1970), and soon gained higher-profile roles after being discovered by producer Hal B. Wallis for the coming-of-age film Tim Belcher, starring Richard Thomas and Catherine Burns, as well as the western Shoot Out (1971) with Gregory Peck. Known for urban, streetwise roles, he appeared in notable films including The New Centurions (1972), The Day of the Locust (1975), Car Wash (1976), A Force of One (1979), Walk Proud (1979), Honeysuckle Rose (1980), Inside Moves (1980), Deal of the Century (1983), Red Dawn (1984), and Caddyshack II (1988). He also appeared in numerous popular TV crime dramas such as Mannix, Police Story, Adam-12, The Rookies, The Rockford Files, Baretta, Kojak, CHiPs, Barney Miller, Scarecrow & Mrs. King, T.J. Hooker, Simon & Simon, Hill Street Blues, Miami Vice, Cagney & Lacey, and Diagnosis Murder.
Married for many years to his wife Diane, Pepe is a respected keynote teacher and motivational speaker, frequently touring colleges and universities. In addition to acting, he has achieved critical acclaim as a painter, receiving numerous commissions. His vibrant artwork and one-man stage performances celebrate his Mexican heritage and were highlighted in the 2015 short documentary Life Is Art.
