Andy Garcia Long before Hollywood made this actor a blockbuster star in his all action films, he was experiencing his own action packed life living through the unsuccessful American ‘Bay of Pigs’ invasion of Fidel Castro’s Cuba in 1961. Andy Garcia was born in Havana, Cuba on April 12th 1956 to an English teacher mother and a lawyer father. In Cuba, Andy, his parents and his two brothers led a comfortable life until they were forced to leave, for political reasons after 1961. The family moved to Miami, Florida where his parents had to take on menial jobs in order to survival. After many years of hard work and using his business skills, Andy’s father, Rene and his mother Amelia built up a multi-million dollar perfume company. Andy was raised as a Catholic and attended Miami Senior High School where he enjoyed playing on the basketball team until he was diagnosed with hepatitis. It was during his period of illness that he decided to pursue a career in acting. While attending Florida International University Garcia followed his interest in acting and was soon drawn to Hollywood where he knew the big time could be found. As with most actors starting out in Hollywood, Garcia supported himself initially with part time work as a waiter and working in a warehouse.
He played bit parts in less well known movies but began hitting the big time when he was offered a role as a gang member in the television series ‘Hill Street Blues’ starring Dennis Franz and Veronica Hamel. After his appearance in ‘Hill Street Blues’ he was spotted by director, Brian de Palma and was instantly signed up for 1987 movie, ‘The Untouchables’ and starred with Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Robert De Niro which made him a Hollywood star. From there he went on to star in ‘The Godfather Part III’ which had him winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Garcia, once again appeared with several more of Hollywood’s greats when he starred in the 2001 remake of ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon. He also went on to appear in the 2004 sequel, ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ . Garcia turned his hand to writing and co-wrote ‘The Lost City’ which he directed and starred in alongside Dustin Hoffman and Bill Murray. With its release came an outburst of controversy in Latin America over the movie’s negative portrayal of the Cuban Revolution, and Che Guevara’s part in it. Garcia is a fervent critic of the Cuban government. Together with other stars and in particular Gloria Estefan, who was also born in Cuba, made a stand for Elian Gonzalez staying in the United States rather than returning to Cuba in early 2000.
In 1982 Andy married Maria Victoria Lorido and together they have three daughters and currently spend their time between their two homes in Miami and Los Angeles. ABB | 
