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Nelson delivered authentic performances when Mr. Leon Ichaso cast him in two biographical feature films. In Pinero, Nelson portrayed the complex poet and actor Tito Goya, supporting Benjamin Bratt as Pinero. He then showcased his charismatic talents in El Cantante as Johnny Pacheco, the Latin music pioneer and co-founder of Fania Records, who played a crucial role in Hector Lavoe’s career, portrayed by Marc Anthony.
Nelson credits the Off-Broadway play Blade To The Heat, produced at The Public Theater and directed by George C. Wolfe, as his first significant acting role, playing Wilfred Vinal. He earned notable praise: "Nelson Vasquez is probably the purest incarnation of verbal and physical anarchy seen on a New York stage in many a year. His live-wire unpredictability is almost scary at times." — Fine Arts
After appearing in various roles on television shows such as New York Undercover, Law & Order, and NYPD Blue, he landed his most recognized TV role as Correction Officer Eugene Rivera. Nelson’s portrayal of the brutally blinded Eugene Rivera captivated critics and audiences alike with its haunting, complex, and empathetic depth on HBO's gritty series OZ.
Nelson collaborated with American playwright Edwin Sanchez on the plays Clean, Icarus, and Barefoot Boy With Shoes On, which advanced his Off-Broadway career. He has been directed by some of the finest theater directors, including Casey Childs, Neil Pepe, Melia Bensussen, Jon Jory, Graciele Daniele, and George C. Wolfe.
Born and raised in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City, Nelson was drawn early to theater, art, music, and film, occasionally sneaking into these worlds. Fortunately, his strict, old-school mother disciplined him, and his passion for sports helped keep him on the right path.
His parents emigrated from the mountainous city of Lares, Puerto Rico, where they lived in poverty but were rich in cultural values. They worked various factory and labor jobs along the East Coast. Though times were tough, the smell of Latin food always filled their kitchen.
The youngest of three, Nelson dreamed of becoming a baseball player and athlete but soon realized there were insufficient financial, material, and emotional resources to pursue that path. He attended NYC public schools through 12th grade and earned an Associate’s degree in Communication.
In his early teens, Nelson and his family moved to the Amsterdam Public Housing Projects, known as the PJs, located just behind Lincoln Center, one of New York’s most renowned performing arts venues.
Nelson began his show business career on the streets of NYC as a breakdancer during the 1980s hip-hop explosion. He later studied and performed professionally as a dancer, transitioned to choreography, and ultimately succeeded in becoming a respected actor.
