Luis Tosar

Luis López Tosar (born 13 October 1971) is a Spanish actor from Galicia. He is one of the most recognizable and versatile actors in Spain.

He landed his film debut in Atilano for President (1998), followed by other roles in feature films such as Flowers from Another World (1999), Common Wealth (2000) and No News from God (2001). He won early acclaim and recognition for his performances in Mondays in the Sun (2002) and Take My Eyes (2003).

After a career turning point in the wake of his performance as Malamadre in Cell 211, he has been often typecast in thriller films.

Life and career

Tosar was born on 13 October 1971 in Lugo, although he usually prefers to identify with the parish of Xustás (in the municipality of Cospeito, also in the province of Lugo), where he spent his childhood and teenage years.

He began his career playing theater and shorts, but he gained notoriety in Galicia for his performance in 1998 TV Series Mareas Vivas (Televisión de Galicia).

His supporting performance as Damián in 1999 immigration-themed film Flowers from Another World earned him a nomination the Goya Award for Best New Actor.

Critically acclaimed for his supporting role in the unemployment drama Mondays in the Sun, abusive husband in Take My Eyes, an executive producer in Even the Rain, and doorman in Sleep Tight, his most acclaimed performance was from 2009 hit Cell 211 which stars Tosar as Malamadre, a prisoner that instigates a riot and befriends an undercover prison guard in the process. His only major role in an American film was Michael Mann's Miami Vice (2006), playing Colombian druglord Montoya. Besides that he has appeared in other English films The Limits of Control and Mr. Nice.