User talk:Jwcortes

J. W. was born & raised in Brooklyn, New York City in a ‘barrio’ called Sunset Park. After narrowly escaping from high school he desperately sought for a way out of a neighborhood ravished by gang violence and an epidemic known to the world as crack. But more importantly what he truly sought - was for a change within himself. In the weeks that followed he found what he believed was his opportunity, a sort of ‘one-shot deal’ if you would - he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. A decision he has been quoted as saying, “...at one point it saved my life and at another it almost took it away.”

In March of ￼2003 he found himself over 5,000 miles away from home with nearly a thousand other combat-ready U.S. Marines deployed to the small southern town in Iraq known as Nasiriyah; it later became synonymous with the dramatic capture & rescue of Army PFC Jessica Lynch. There they would partake in the beginning phases of our Nation's current war on Terrorism. It was in fact there, in the middle of nowhere through what he has often described as an epiphany that he decided IF and only IF he made it the hell out that he would pursue his childhood dreams. Those dreams of course encompassed a career in acting, singing and writing.

Since returning back to the ‘world’ he has remained true to his promise, relentlessly attacking the industry head-on. He made his first television appearance on the CBS show NUEVA ESTRELLA AWARDS a bilingual American Idol themed show without the 'Simon.'  The year 2007 marked his big-screen debut during the 2007 HBO NY Latino Film Festival as 'Magic' - a ruthless narcotics dealing father in the Independent Feature Film "44." He also managed to squeeze in a cameo as Joaquin Phoenix's trusty club-bouncer in "We Own The Night."

We’ll continue to see more of J.W. in the upcoming films “THE LAST AIRBENDER” directed by M. Night Shyamalan,￼"A KISS OF CHAOS" along side CSI: Miami’s Adam Rodriguez, “AS GOOD AS DEAD” opposite ofCary Elwes and “ANIMA SOLA” with As The World Turns’ Lauren Martin. He can also be seen & heard throughout NYC this summer as part of the highly anticipated 10th Anniversary HBO NY Latino Film Festival commercial & print campaign (www.nylatinofilm.com).

Never lending his craft to comfort, he works his other passion thru writing. He is currently work-shopping a new media enhanced play “MURDA CREEPIN” with THE COLLECTIVE REVOLVER (www.thecollectiverevolver.org) a theater company he co-founded with partner, Vaneik Echevarria. Giving back to his community means that he participates in Domestic Violence forums, often presented as a guest speaker. Along with the Bronx based theater company PREGONES, they spread the voice of reason and hope through a play called THE PHONE CALL. He is presently making his directorial debut with “CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR” www.co-themovie.com a film inspired by TRUE events. The film is written, produced and star’s J.W. in the lead role of Gunnery Sergeant Jason Cruz. Co-producing is award winning cinematographer Edwin Pagan (www.Pagan-Images.com & www.LatinHorror.com) Under the auspice of SETROC Entertainment, LLC www.setroc-ent.com preproduction has begun for two feature films scheduled for production in as many years beginning early 2010. The screenplays are inspired by his time in the Iraq and colorful upbringing on ‘Little Vietnam.’ He sleeps in New Jersey but his inner being is undoubtedly stamped BROOKLYNITE. He loves spending time at home with his 2 sons, bride & Nemo.