David ZayasActor Evolution · YouTube
David Zayas
Actor · Since 1990
Known for
One of the great character actors in contemporary genre television fiction. International recognition as Sergeant Angel Batista in the Showtime series Dexter (2006-2013, 2021), one of his most recognized roles, which he reprised in the sequels and spin-offs. Breakthrough with HBO's Oz (1997-2003). Starred in Bringing Out the Dead (1999) by Martin Scorsese and Skyfall (2012). A Puerto Rican-American actor identified with crime and genre television fiction, recognized for his charismatic range and sustained presence in prestigious serialized productions.
David Zayas
Actor · Since 1990
47 Movies · 39 Series
Known for
One of the great character actors in contemporary genre television fiction. International recognition as Sergeant Angel Batista in the Showtime series Dexter (2006-2013, 2021), one of his most recognized roles, which he reprised in the sequels and spin-offs. Breakthrough with HBO's Oz (1997-2003). Starred in Bringing Out the Dead (1999) by Martin Scorsese and Skyfall (2012). A Puerto Rican-American actor identified with crime and genre television fiction, recognized for his charismatic range and sustained presence in prestigious serialized productions.
Movies
Plays Richard Manuel
The Running Man
2025
Plays Robert Torres
16 Blocks
2006
Plays Detective Dalberto
Michael Clayton
2007
Plays Cop in Elevator
Bringing Out the Dead
1999
Plays General Garza
The Expendables
2010
Plays Policeman
Stepmom
1998
Plays Osborne
Rounders
1998
Plays Lou
Annie
2014
Plays Charlie Russell
The Interpreter
2005
Plays John the Baptist
Force of Nature
2020
Plays Grayson
Wake
2009
Plays Alberto Reyes (voice)
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
2017
Plays Oliver
Skyline
2010
Plays Detective Larry Mullane
13
2010
Plays Ruben Ramirez
Samuel Bleak
2011
Plays Omar
All Revved Up
1998
Plays Officer Jerry Rifkin
The Yards
2000
Plays Guard
Jailbait
2004
Plays Paulie
Mimmo & Paulie
2004
Plays Pablo Guzman
The Wannabe
2015
Plays Eduardo
The Savages
2007
Plays Construction Foreman
Return to Paradise
1998
Plays Sergeant Kesper
Body Cam
2020
Plays Detective Richards
Tallulah
2016
Plays Alfred D'Angelo
A Gentleman's Game
2002
Plays Ramon
Snag
2023
Plays Ponce
Lost Cat Corona
2017
Plays Paulie
Undefeated
2003
Plays Cop #1
Scarred City
1998
Plays Ramon
Ride
2014
Plays Antonio de la Maza
The Feast of the Goat
2006
Plays Maurice
11:55
2017
Plays Officer Joseph Medina
The Lennon Report
2016
Plays Lt. Tarelli
Junction
2012
Plays Billy the Cop
Sam the Man
2001
Plays Fernando Capulet
R♥️J
2021
Plays Ramon
Coach
2010
Plays Hector
Burning Mussolini
2009
Plays Ramon
Shine
2017
Plays Cynthia's Dad
Anne B. Real
2003
Plays Tony
Flying By
2009
TV Shows
Plays Angel Batista
Dexter
2006
Plays Enrique Morales
Oz
1997
Plays Eduardo Bernal
Shut Eye
2016
Plays Angel Batista
Dexter: Resurrection
2025
Plays Sal Maroni
Gotham
2014
Plays Junior
Saint George
2014
Plays Rei Morales
The Beat
2000
Plays El Angel Del Diablo
Deadly Class
2019
Plays David Marrero
The Bear
2022
Plays Governor Martin Mendez
Blue Bloods
2010
Plays McGinty
Law & Order
1990
Plays Victor Ochoa
R.J. Decker
2026
Plays Manny Soto
The Blacklist
2013
Plays Super
Angels in America
2003
Plays Medina
Seven Seconds
2018
Plays Nacio Ramos
NEXT
2020
Plays Stanley Maas
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
2001
Plays Antonio Vargas
FBI
2018
Plays Angel Batista
Dexter: New Blood
2021
Plays Mike Fonseca
The Night Agent
2023
Plays Cartwright
Conviction
2006
Plays David
The Guest Book
2017
Plays Hombre borracho 1
Elite Short Stories: Samuel Omar
2021
Plays Ben Porterson
CSI: Miami
2002
Plays Javier
Burn Notice
2007
Plays Uncle Frank
Power Book II: Ghost
2020
Plays Tyson Hernandez
The Following
2013
Plays Charlie
Quantico
2015
Plays Salvadore Butrell
Grimm
2011
Plays Ernie Trask
Person of Interest
2011
Latest Trailers
Watch Trailer
The Running Man
Full Filmography 86
The Bear
David Marrero
2024–2026
R.J. Decker
Victor Ochoa
2026Season 2
R.J. Decker
Victor Ochoa
2026Season 1
The Night Agent
Mike Fonseca
2026Season 3
The Running Man
Richard Manuel
2025
Or Something
Uptown Mike
2025
Dexter: Resurrection
Angel Batista
2025–
Blue Bloods
Governor Martin Mendez
2017–2024
The Blacklist
Manny Soto
2013–2023
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is David Zayas and where are they from?
David Zayas is 64 years old, born on August 15, 1962 in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
What are the most famous roles of David Zayas?
David Zayas is best known for roles in The Expendables, 16 Blocks, Michael Clayton.
How many movies has David Zayas been in?
Over a 29-year career (since 1997), David Zayas has appeared in 47 movies and 39 TV shows.
What was David Zayas's first movie?
The career of David Zayas began with Lena's Dreams (1997).
What is David Zayas's most recent movie or series?
David Zayas's most recent release is R.J. Decker, which premiered on March 3, 2026.
What TV shows has David Zayas appeared in?
On television, David Zayas has appeared in Dexter, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Gotham, The Blacklist.
David Zayas
1962-08-15 · Ponce, Puerto Rico
David Zayas (born August 15, 1962) is a Puerto Rican theatrical, film, and television actor. He is best known for his roles as Angel Batista on Showtime's series Dexter and as Enrique Morales on the HBO prison drama Oz. Since 1998, Zayas has been married to actress Liza Colón-Zayas; he portrays the husband of her character on The Bear (2022 - present).