ABC 'Promised Land': 5 things you didn't know about John Ortiz

The lines between business and family intertwine in an intriguing new family drama full of power plays and secrets
John Ortiz stars as Joe Sandoval in 'Promised Land' (ABC)
John Ortiz stars as Joe Sandoval in 'Promised Land' (ABC)

ABC is bringing to screens a brand new family drama that revolves around a Latinx family's American dream and all they will do to protect it. 'Promised Land' follows the lives of the Sandovals who own vineyards and are one of the country's biggest wine producers.

The family business that started as a small vineyard has expanded into an empire and with an empire comes enemies. The ABC trailer shows Joe Sandoval being threatened by the mother of his children, while his kids themselves fight over the line of succession. Internal conflict and family secrets that could make or break the business loom over as constant threats. The latest ABC offering boasts of a talented cast set to bring to life this dysfunctional family. Read on to know more about them!

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John Ortiz as Joe Sandoval 

John Ortiz is an American actor. He made his film debut in 1993 when he played Al Pacino's young cousin Guajiro in 'Carlito's Way'. Ortiz has had a successful career in Hollywood and has worked in many movies and television shows. His work includes 'El Cantante', 'Miami Vice', 'The Job', 'Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem,' 'Pride and Glory', 'Bumblebee', and more. One of his most popular roles to date remains that of the antagonist Arturo Braga in 'Fast & Furious'.

Ortiz, who is of Puerto Rican ancestry, formed Latino Actors Base in 1992 with 13 other Latino actors to provide them with opportunities and a place to work which is today known as the LAByrinth Theater Company. The actor will play the role of Joe Sandoval, the patriarch of the Sandovals, in ABC's 'Promised Land'.

John Ortiz will play the role of Joe Sandoval in 'Promised Land' (ABC)

Cecilia Suárez as Lettie Sandoval

Cecilia Suárez is a Mexican actress and has worked in film, television, and theater across the United States, Mexico, and Spain. Although shielded from acting during her childhood, she has gone on to work in many of Mexico's most successful films. Suárez never intended to become an actor but when she was supposed to study law, she chose to explore theatre and found her calling. Some of her most successful works include 'Sex, Shame and Tears', 'The House of Flowers', Netflix's 'Sense8' and 'Spanglish' amongst others.

The actress is also a prominent activist working with the United Nations and European Union and has campaigned against femicide and violence against women along with human rights. She also holds the title of being the first Spanish-speaking actress to be nominated for an Emmy. She will essay the role of Lettie Sandoval, wife of Joe in 'Promised Land'.



 

Other cast members

'Promised Land' will also star Augusto Aguilera as Mateo Flores, Christina Ochoa as Veronica Sandoval, Mariel Molino as Carmen Sandoval, Tonatiuh as Antonio Sandoval, Andres Velez as Carlos Rincón, Katya Martín as Juana Sánchez and Rolando Chusan as Billy Rincón and Bellamy Young as Margaret Honeycroft.

'Promised Land' is set to premiere on January 24, 2022, at 9 pm ET. You can watch it on ABC and stream it on Hulu as well.

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