- Hispanic and Indigenous American actor/writer/director Justin Johnson Cortez rose to prominence in 2022 as one of the year's hottest breakout talents, starring in The CW's highest rated new series "Walker Independence" from executive producer Jared Padalecki. Set in the late-1800's as a prequel to The CW's number one rated hit-series "Walker," Johnson Cortez stars as Calian, an Apache tribe member working as a scout for the city of Independence, Texas.
Driven by a desire for authenticity in Hollywood, Johnson Cortez worked directly with an Apache translator for the role and received blessings from Apache Elders for his dedication to a true portrayal of the tribe's native language, indigenous to the Southwestern United States. He was also involved in script translations and native storylines, as well as performing his own horseback riding stunts.
In March 2023, The CW announced Johnson Cortez will be joining the mothership series "Walker" in a major recurring role. His character, Detective Sonny Alcala, will have ties to his "Walker Independence" character Calian.
Johnson Cortez also stars in the indie feature "Gift of Fear" which brings awareness to the devastating epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women, and made its world premiere at the 2023 Native Women in Film & Television Film Festival. His performance as Manny Donovan garnered a "Best Lead Actor" nomination at the 2023 Red Nation International Film Festival.
Johnson Cortez has also guest-starred on such series as "911: Lone Star," "Lucifer," and served as actor/writer/director/producer in the short film "The Fall," which was a 2020 Skins Fest official selection. A Santa Paula, California native of Yaqui Tribe descent, Johnson Cortez is a true handyman, adventure-seeking athlete and artist at heart. He enjoys using his hands to build custom furniture, riding motorcycles, and creating art and stencil work out of wood blocks; as well as spending time with his wife Rachel and two daughters, Olivia and Evelyn.- IMDb Mini Biography By: MRK MGMT
- Gender / Gender identityMale
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