Manny Montana

Early life

Montana was born and raised in Long Beach, California. After graduating from Jordan High School, Montana got a football scholarship to California State University Sacramento, yet quit after an arm injury and dislocating his shoulder for the eighth time. He transferred to California State University, Long Beach to major in Journalism and Broadcasting. He worked as a DJ in school's student-radio station, which landed him an intern position at Power 100.3.

Career

After graduating in 2006, Montana pushed himself to acting. He started acting in student films which eventually led him to guest in episodes of various television series'. In 2012, Montana was cast as Johnny "J.T." Tuturro in Graceland. When cast, Montana admitted that being cast in a regular procedural where the conflict is wrapped by the end of the episode was his fear, since it did not test him as an actor, yet was relieved when each episode has different scenarios and great dialogue. He was also drawn to the character since Johnny is really light and nice, and only gets hurt if somebody lies to him, which he found was common with his personality as well.

In 2015, Montana appeared in Michael Mann's Blackhat as Lozano, a "wanted criminal". Montana admitted that he had auditioned for a lead role and did not receive it, yet got offered a supporting role, which he took in a heartbeat.

Personal life

Montana is an avid surfer, and has been surfing since 2005. Being raised in a tough neighborhood, Montana encourages the children in his area and invites them to play organized sports. Being a coach for the "Jordan Panthers", he creates a place for kids that keeps them away from everyday violence.