By Yulson Suddreth 2nd Period Spanish II Mr. Blanton Andy Garcia By Yulson Suddreth 2nd Period Spanish II Mr. Blanton

Where Andy Garcia was Born Andy Garcia was born in Havana, Cuba on April 12, 1956. Today, he is known as one of the most talented actors in the world. His birth name is Andres Arturo Garcia-Menendez.

Family Life Today, Andy Garcia is a devoted family man with his wife, Maria Victoria “Morivi,” and three daughters, Dominique, Alessandra, and Daniella and one son, Andres. In 1998, He was named “Father of the Year.”

Family Life Andy was born to Amelie and Rene J. Garcia. He was close to his parents and they have a strong positive influence on his life. He has one sister, Tessi, and one brother, Rene (named after his father). At the age of five, Andy and his family were exiled to the United States when Castro took power in Cuba. He grew up in Miami, Florida. His parents did various kinds of work simply to survive. Over several years, they established a multi-million-dollar perfume company. After the failure of The Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Garcia family remained in the Miami, Florida. They have remained in the United States since then.

Career Andy Garcia attended Miami Beach Senior High School. He played basketball and baseball. His dream was to play baseball professionally. After an extended illness his senior year that kept him from playing sports, he decided to pursue an acting career. He began at Florida International University but soon went on to Hollywood after graduating. He started out with short roles while working two other jobs as a waiter and a warehouse worker.

Accomplishments Garcia made his breakthrough in 8 Million Ways to Die in 1986. He followed with the Godfather III with Oscar and Golden Globe nominations in 1991. Female fans fell in love with his character in the 1994 movie with Meg Ryan, When a Man Loves a Woman. He earned his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995. His acting talent is accompanied by his musical talent which earned him a Grammy Award in 1994 and another nomination in 1995. He was honored with the Harvard University Foundation Award for the American Performing Arts and Intercultural Relations, and a Hispanic Heritage Award for the arts for his work in The Lost City. Directed and starred in The Lost City

Interesting Facts At birth, he had a parasitic twin, which appeared as a tennis ball-sized growth on his shoulder. The failure of the Bay of Pigs Invasion forced Garcia’s family to move the Miami, Florida. He has homes in Los Angeles and Miami. He has maintained strong moral values since he was young child.

More Interesting Facts He refuses to do nude scenes. He seeks respect for his talent instead of money and fame. He has declined several blockbuster roles because of his strong moral values. He directed a feature length documentary concert film honoring Cuban musician, Israel Lopez. He is very proud of his Cuban roots and heritage.

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