5 Questions with actor Carlos Gomez

Carlos Gómez: From Broadway Heights to Hollywood, a Career That Keeps Expanding

Carlos Gómez is adding new chapters to a career that has taken him from Miami to Broadway and Hollywood. His latest film, Ghost Soldier, features him as Hernandez alongside Jim Caviezel, Garret Dillahunt and Olivia Thirlby. Directed by William Eubank, the action thriller follows a former Green Beret defending his Wyoming community against a powerful corporation and is scheduled for a November 11 release. 

He also appears in Pedro Pan, expected to be released in 2027. Directed by Richie Adams, the historical thriller dramatizes the operation that brought more than 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban children to the United States. Its ensemble includes Andy García, Néstor Carbonell, Yul Vazquez, Paz Vega, Danny Pino and Héctor Medina. 

Born in New York and raised in Miami to Cuban parents, Gómez built his career across film, television and theater. His screen credits include Robert Rodriguez’s Desperado, the romantic comedy Fools Rush In, and thrillers including The Peacemaker, The Negotiator and Enemy of the State. Later projects range from House of Sand and Fog and The Perfect Game to Dolphin Tale 2, Ride Along 2, Trial by Fire and The Report. 

One of his defining achievements came on Broadway in 2008, when he originated the role of Kevin Rosario in In the Heights. As the proud, hardworking father confronting the sacrifices behind his daughter’s education, Gómez helped anchor the musical’s family story. The production earned 13 Tony nominations and won four awards, including Best Musical, Original Score, Choreography and Orchestrations. 

His performances of “Inútil” and “Atención” were also featured on the original Broadway cast album, which received a Grammy nomination and won Best Musical Show Album in 2009. The Tony and Grammy recognition honored the production and recording, cementing the musical’s place as a landmark for Latino storytelling on Broadway. 

Television brought another signature role: medical examiner Carlos Sanchez on A&E’s The Glades. Gómez appeared throughout its four seasons and received Imagen Awards in 2011, 2012 and 2013 for his performance. He subsequently portrayed José Menendez in Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders, appeared as Agent José Campos in Madam Secretary, and joined the ensemble of The Baker and the Beauty. His extensive television credits also include ER, Friends, FBI, Hightown and Not Dead Yet.

Gómez has continued returning to the stage, with credits including Daphne’s Dive, Destiny of Desire and the 2024 world premiere of Gloria Calderón Kellett’s One of the Good Ones opposite Lana Parrilla at Pasadena Playhouse. His portrayal of Enrique earned standout reviews: the Los Angeles Times called him “the company’s secret weapon,” while BroadwayWorld declared, “He’s a riot.” Entertainment Weekly also praised his ability to reveal the character’s vulnerability and love for his family beneath the paternal bluster—recognition that underscored his command of both comedy and emotional depth. 

Today, Carlos Gómez answers our five questions, reflecting on a career that continues to cross genres and generations. Catch his latest film, Ghost Soldier, opening November 11.