Ruben Sierra was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “My Family,” “Seven Hours to Judgment,” and “The Secret Life of John Chapman.” He made significant contributions to theater and education, particularly in the Chicano community.
Personal and Family Life
Ruben Sierra was born on December 6, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas. He was married to Mary Sierra, and together they raised two children. Sierra was deeply involved in theater from a young age, which shaped his career in education and acting. He dedicated much of his life to improving the representation of Latino culture in the arts.
Career
Throughout his career, Sierra served as a professor at several universities, including California State University and the University of Southern California. He spent the majority of his professional life at the University of Washington, where he directed the Ethnic Cultural Center and Theater. Additionally, he was the founding artistic director of the multicultural Seattle Group Theater, and he worked with various theater companies to promote Chicano and Latino heritage through performance arts.
Death and Legacy
Ruben Sierra passed away on October 29, 1998, in Portland, Oregon, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His work left a lasting impact on the theater community, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where he was recognized for his dedication to cultural education and inclusion. In honor of his contributions, a gala was held shortly before his death, featuring actor Edward James Olmos as the keynote speaker.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Family/Mi familia | Gerardo | 1995 | 7.3 |
| Seven Hours to Judgment | Bartender | 1988 | 4.7 |
| The Secret Life of John Chapman | Phil | 1976 | 7.2 |