René Lavan
Born: 1968-11-05
Known For: Acting
Biography
Rene Lavan is a Cuban-American actor born in Artemisa, Cuba. He first gained widespread recognition starring in the hit Spanish-language telenovela Morelia, followed by leading roles in María Belén and Enamorada, becoming a familiar face to audiences across Latin America and beyond. American audiences came to know Lavan through his role as Javier on One Life to Live. He later earned critical acclaim as the lead in Bitter Sugar (1996), directed by Leon Ichaso, portraying a young Cuban student confronting political repression in Cuba. Lavan's film credits include Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Christmas with the Kranks, Che: Part One and Che: Part Two, while his television work includes guest appearances on CSI: Miami and Las Vegas. In 2005, he made his Broadway debut in Latinologues. Educated at the New World School of the Arts and trained with Uta Hagen, Lavan has worked extensively in both English and Spanish-language productions. In addition to acting, he has hosted television specials and award shows and has produced Latino-focused film and television projects through his own production company.
Filmography
2026
- The Old Man and the Parrot as Yoelvis
- The Magnificent Mendez as Rey
2025
- Red Light ... (Director)
2024
- Christmas Overtime as Dale McClintock
2020
- The Last Rafter as Thomas
2014
- Every Witch Way as Francisco Alonso
- Every Witch Way: Spellbound as Francisco Alonso
2008
- Che: Part One as Cuban Diplomat #2
2007
- Burn Notice as Alejandro Lopez
2004
- Christmas with the Kranks as Enrique Decardenal
- Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights as Carlos Suarez
2003
- Las Vegas as Brazilian Highroller
2002
- CSI: Miami as Miguel
2001
- María Belén as Pablo Díaz Cortázar
1999
- Enamorada as Raimundo Alvarado
1996
- Bitter Sugar as Gustavo
1994
- Tollbooth as Julio