Héctor "Ektor" Ramón Rivera Alicea (on February 11 in Bayamón,

Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (; abbreviated PR; tnq, Boriken, ''Borinquen''), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ( es, link=yes, Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, lit=Free Associated State of Puerto Rico), is a Caribbean island and Unincorporated ...

) is a Puerto Rican actor, singer and visual artist.

Musical Theatre

''Broadway'' He initiated his Broadway career in the leading role of

Emilio Estefan Emilio Estefan Gómez (born March 4, 1953) is a Cuban Americans, Cuban-born American musician and producer. Estefan has won 19 Grammy Awards. He first came to prominence as a member of the Miami Sound Machine. He is the husband of singer Gloria ...

for the musical

On Your Feet! ''On Your Feet!'' is a jukebox musical that played on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre. Based on the lives and music of 26-time Grammy Award-winning husband-and-wife team Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the musical has a book written by Alexander Dinel ...

, featured at the

Marquis Theatre The Marquis Theatre is a Broadway theater on the third floor of the New York Marriott Marquis hotel in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Opened in 1986, it is operated by the Nederlander Organization. There are about ...

, New York. The musical is based on the life and music of

Gloria Estefan Gloria Estefan (; born Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García; born 1 September 1957) is a Cuban-American singer, actress, and businesswoman. Estefan is a seven-time Grammy Award winner, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and has been ...

and her husband

. During this period, he performed in various concerts and special events like the

Tony Awards The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, more commonly known as the Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual cer ...

Billboard's Series,

CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc., commonly shortened to CBS, the abbreviation of its former legal name Columbia Broadcasting System, is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainmen ...

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade in New York City presented by the U.S.-based department store chain Macy's. The Parade first took place in 1924, tying it for the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States with ...

and the renowned New Year Eve's celebration,

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve ''Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'' (''NYRE'') is an annual New Year's Eve television special broadcast by ABC. The special broadcasts primarily from New York City's Times Square and prominently features coverage of its annual ball drop ev ...

, held at New York City's

Time Square Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment hub, and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is formed by the junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street. Together with adjacent D ...

for

ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...

. Years before, he joined the cast of ''Broadway and Beyond'', responsible for the opening of the Walt Disney Theater at the

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (commonly known as Dr. Phillips Center) is a performing arts center in Downtown Orlando, Florida, United States. It joined the Bob Carr Theater, which originally opened as the Orlando Municipal Audi ...

in Orlando, Florida. The show was directed by

Richard Jay-Alexander Richard Jay-Alexander (born May 24, 1953) is an American Broadway producer and director. He served as Executive Director of the New York City office of producer Cameron Mackintosh for twelve years, known for productions including ''Les Misérable ...

and included the participation of

Sierra Boggess Sierra Marjory Boggess (; born May 20, 1982) is an American theater actress and singer. She is best known for originating the role of Ariel in ''The Little Mermaid'' on Broadway, and for her multiple appearances as Christine Daaé in ''The Phant ...

Norm Lewis Norm Lewis (born June 2, 1963) is an American actor and singer. He has appeared in Europe, on Broadway, in film, television, recordings and regional theatre. Productions that he has been involved in include '' Dessa Rose'', ''Miss Saigon'', '' T ...

, Chris Mann,

Deborah Voigt Deborah Voigt (born August 4, 1960) is an American dramatic soprano who has sung roles in operas by Wagner and Richard Strauss. Biography and career Early life and education Debbie Joy Voigt was born into a religious Southern Baptist family ...

and

Jane Monheit Jane Monheit (born November 3, 1977"Jane Monheit." ''Contemporary Musicians''. Vol. 33. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2001. Retrieved via ''Biography in Context'' database, 2017-05-07.) is an American jazz and pop singer. Early life Monheit was b ...

among others. All accompanied by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Ektor was recognized as one of the Ambassadors of the

Puerto Rican Day Parade The Puerto Rican Day Parade (also known as the National Puerto Rican Day Parade) takes place annually in the United States along Fifth Avenue in the Manhattan borough of New York City. The parade is held on the second Sunday in June, in honor o ...

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

. ''London'' In 2019, he performed in the leading role of Juan Perón for the musical

Evita Evita may refer to: Arts * Evita (1996 film), ''Evita'' (1996 film), a 1996 American musical drama film based on the 1976 concept album of the same name * Evita (2008 film), ''Evita'' (2008 film), a documentary about Eva Péron * Evita (album), ''E ...

featured at the

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is an open-air theatre in Regent's Park in central London. The theatre Established in 1932, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the largest theatres in London (1,256 seats) and is situated in Queen Mary� ...

London London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...

, UK.

is a musical with music by

Andrew Lloyd Webber Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd-Webber (born 22 March 1948), is an English composer and impresario of musical theatre. Several of his musicals have run for more than a decade both in the West End and on Broadway. He has composed 21 musicals, ...

and lyrics and book by

Tim Rice Sir Timothy Miles Bindon Rice (born 10 November 1944) is an English lyricist and author. He is best known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, with whom he wrote, among other shows, ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'', ' ...

. It concentrates on the life of Argentine political leader

Eva Perón María Eva Duarte de Perón (; ; 7 May 1919 – 26 July 1952), better known as just Eva Perón or by the nickname Evita (), was an Argentine politician, activist, actress, and philanthropist who served as First Lady of Argentina from June 194 ...

, the second wife of Argentine President

Juan Perón Juan Domingo Perón (, , ; 8 October 1895 – 1 July 1974) was an Argentine Army general and politician. After serving in several government positions, including Minister of Labour and Vice President of a military dictatorship, he was elected P ...

. The story follows Evita's early life, rise to power, charity work, and eventual death. The musical was directed by

Jamie Lloyd Jamie Lloyd is a fictional character and one of the main protagonists of the ''Halloween'' franchise. Introduced in '' Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers'' as the series' new protagonist after Jamie Lee Curtis declined to return as Laurie ...

. In 2020, this version of the musical was nominated for two

Laurence Olivier Award The Laurence Olivier Awards, or simply the Olivier Awards, are presented annually by the Society of London Theatre to recognise excellence in professional theatre in London at an annual ceremony in the capital. The awards were originally known as ...

for best Musical Revival and Best Choreography by Fabian Aloise. ''Las Vegas'' Ektor is known for being one of the lead singers in the USA TV & Live Show

Q'Viva! The Chosen ''¡Q'Viva! The Chosen'' is an American reality television series. It premiered on January 28, 2012 in the United States in its Spanish-language version on Univision with a one-hour premiere and the first season concluded on April 28, 2012. It m ...

, produced by

Jennifer López Jennifer Lynn Affleck (' Lopez; born July 24, 1969), also known as J.Lo, is an American singer, actress and dancer. In 1991, she began appearing as a Fly Girl dancer on the sketch comedy television series ''In Living Color'', where she rema ...

Marc Anthony Marco Antonio Muñiz Rivera (born September 16, 1968), known professionally as Marc Anthony, is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time. A three-time Grammy Award and six-time Latin Gra ...

and "The billion-dollar tour director" (Variety) choreographer

Jamie King Jamie King (born 1972) is an American creative director, choreographer, and producer. His work directing concert tours for pop stars has grossed over $2 billion. Early career King started his career in entertainment as a dancer. He appeared on ...

. The show, created by

Simon Fuller Simon Fuller (born 17 May 1960) is a British entrepreneur, artist manager, and film and television producer renowned for nurturing and inspiring world class entertainment talent. He is the creator of the ''Idols'' TV format, including the UK s ...

, was the first show of its kind to be broadcast on both Univision and FOX simultaneously to a viewership of over 30 million people nationwide, and was presented live at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas before an audience of over 10,000 people. During the show, López praised Ektor's voice saying "Having so much talent, it makes me wonder why someone hasn't seen it before". ''Puerto Rico'' Ektor Rivera was part of the Tony winner musical

In The Heights ''In the Heights'' is a musical theatre, musical with concept, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a Book (musical theatre), book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. The story is set over the course of three days, involving characters in the larg ...

, created by

Lin-Manuel Miranda Lin-Manuel Miranda (; born January 16, 1980) is an American songwriter, actor, playwright and filmmaker. He is known for creating the Broadway musicals ''Hamilton'' (2015) and ''In the Heights'' (2005), and the soundtracks for the Disney animate ...

and presented to a full house at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. The musical made history as the first musical theater show presented on the arena. Rivera played the lead role of Usnavi, which was played by Lin-Manuel Miranda himself on Broadway in 2008. His first role in theater was in the musical ''

Fama FAMA () is a Hong Kong hip hop duo consisting of members C Kwan and Luk Wing (6-Wing). Formed in 2002, the duo have since released 10 studio albums and EPs. Known for their quick-wit and humour, along with the use of lyrics and music to reflect ...

'' (as Tyrone Jackson) produced by Sonia Valentín and Alba Nydia Díaz. After that, he has appeared as leading actor in adaptations of plays like ''Barrio arriba, barrio abajo'', ''

Rent Rent may refer to: Economics *Renting, an agreement where a payment is made for the temporary use of a good, service or property *Economic rent, any payment in excess of the cost of production *Rent-seeking, attempting to increase one's share of e ...

'' (as Benjamin Coffin III), ''

High School Musical ''High School Musical'' is a 2006 American musical television film directed by Kenny Ortega and written by Peter Barsocchini. The 63rd Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) and first installment of the ''High School Musical'' film series, th ...

'' (as Troy Bolton), ''

Hairspray Hairspray may refer to: * Hair spray, a personal grooming product that keeps hair protected from humidity and wind * ''Hairspray'' (1988 film), a film by John Waters ** ''Hairspray'' (1988 soundtrack), the film's soundtrack album ** ''Hairspray ...

'' (as Seaweed Stubbs), ''

Godspell ''Godspell'' is a musical composed by Stephen Schwartz with book by John-Michael Tebelak. The show is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew, interspersed with music mostly set to lyrics from traditional hymn ...

'' (as Jesus), "and '' The Outsiders'' (as Dallas Winston) among others. In 2008, critic Ileana Cidoncha praised Ektor's "scenic presence" in the play ''Hairspray'', where he interpreted the role of Seaweed Stubbs. * "In the Heights" (2021) * "El milagro de la Tortilla" (2015) * "Tu amigo es raro" (2015) * "The Mousetrap" (2013) * ''Godspell'' (2012) * ''Piaf'' (2011) * ''The Outsiders'' (2011) * ''Barrio Arriba, Barrio Abajo'' (2009) * ''Rent'' (2009) * ''Hairspray'' (2008-2009) * ''High School Musical'' (2009) * ''Godspell'' (2007-2009) * ''Objetivo Patria'' (2007) * ''FAME'' (2006)

TV & FILM

In 2022, Ektor Rivera and

Lacey Chabert Lacey Nicole Chabert ( ; born September 30, 1982) is an American actress. One of her first roles was playing Erica Kane's daughter on ''All My Children''. She was the third actress to play Bianca Montgomery, playing the part from 1992 until 1993. ...

starred in the film 'Groundswell' for the

Hallmark Channel The Hallmark Channel is an American television channel owned by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., which in turn is owned by Hallmark Cards, Inc. The channel's programming is primarily targeted at families, and features a mix of television movies and ...

. This story, filmed in Hawaii, is based on the book by Katie Lee Biegel and directed by

Lee Friedlander Lee Friedlander (born July 14, 1934) is an American photographer and artist. In the 1960s and 1970s, Friedlander evolved an influential and often imitated visual language of urban "social landscape," with many of his photographs including fragm ...

. Another film starring Rivera for the

was 'Sugar Plum Twist' alongside

Jamie Gray Hyder Jamie Gray Hyder (born April 27, 1985) is an American actress and model. She performed voice and motion capture work for the role of Lieutenant Nora Salter in '' Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare'' and voice acted for the operator Roze in '' Call of ...

and Laura Rosguer. In 2021, he starred in the Puerto Rican film 'La Ultima Gira', directed by Douglas-Pedro Sánchez. Ektor Rivera portrayed the complicated life of Daniel Santos, one of the most important singers in Latin America during the era of Bolero. Rivera not only played the character but also used his own voice to produce 8 songs on the soundtrack. The album was produced by Puerto Rican salsa band 'Orquesta El Macabeo' and it was considered the best music album of 2021 by Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular. Among his TV shows performances are: "Fantasy Island' (FOX), "NCIS" (CBS), "Start Up" (Netflix), “Lucia, Ignacio y otras historias”, “Nene lindo”, "Tercera", "Pasión de mil amores", "Incógnita" (TV Series), and "Ill Viaggio". In 2017 he participated as one of the stars to dance in the popular tv program

Mira Quien Baila Mira (), designation Omicron Ceti (ο Ceti, abbreviated Omicron Cet, ο Cet), is a red-giant star estimated to be 200–400 light-years from the Sun in the constellation Cetus. ο Ceti is a binary stellar system, consisting of a va ...

for

Univision Univision () is an American Spanish-language free-to-air television network owned by TelevisaUnivision. It is the United States' largest provider of Spanish-language content. The network's programming is aimed at the Latino public and includes ...

, becoming one of the finalists, representing

and the foundation ''Cabecitas Rapadas'' (‘Little Shave Heads’), non-profit entity for cancer patients in Puerto Rico. Ektor appeared in a recurring role in

Crackle Crackle or crackling may refer to: Foods * Cracklings, the tissue remaining after lard and tallow have been extracted from animal fats ** Pork rinds in American English, pork scratchings in British English when served in small pieces as a snac ...

series ''

StartUp A startup or start-up is a company or project undertaken by an entrepreneur to seek, develop, and validate a scalable business model. While entrepreneurship refers to all new businesses, including self-employment and businesses that never intend t ...

'' (as Eddie). As a Voice Over actor, Rivera recently joined the cast " The Shallows" by Sony Pictures. Since 2014 he is part of a various promotional sketches in the

Jimmy Kimmel Live ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, broadcast on ABC. The nightly hour-long show debuted on January 26, 2003, at Hollywood Masonic Temple in Hollywood, California, as part of ABC's lead ...

Show for ABC in Hollywood, CA. * Groundswell (2022) , Ben , Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movie * Sugar Plum Twist (2021) , Mateo , Hallmark movie * La Ultima Gira (2021) , Daniel Santos , Film * ''

Jimmy Kimmel Live! ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, broadcast on American Broadcasting Company, ABC. The nightly hour-long show debuted on January 26, 2003, at Hollywood Masonic Temple in Hollywood, Los ...

'' (2013-2016) Sketch. (ABC, Hollywood) * ''

'' (2012) Singer/Performer (FOX / Univision) * ''Yo Canto'' (2011) Host (Telemundo) * ''Club del Amor'' (2008) Host * ''Un día antes'' (2009) * ''

Objetivo Fama ''Objetivo Fama'' (sometimes abbreviated as ''OF'', Spanish for ''Target: Fame'') is a Puerto Rican singing talent contest that aired for over six years on WLII, the Univision outlet in Puerto Rico; and on Telefutura in the mainland United State ...

'' Primera temporada (2004) * " The Shallows" (VoiceOver - Feature / 2016) * " Start Up" (TV Series-Sony / 2016) * "Incógnita" (TV Series / 2015) * "Pasión de Mil Amores" (2014) * ''Por Carambola'' (2011) * ''Il Viaggio'' (2010) * ''Zapatos Prestados'' (para la Fundación Ricky Martin (2010) * ''Lucía, Ignacio y Otras Historias'' (2009) * ''Tercera'' (2008) * ''

The Argentine Argentina (), officially the Argentine Republic ( es, link=no, República Argentina), is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of , making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, th ...

'' (2008) * ''Nene Lindo'' (2007) Ektor has also been the face of marketing campaigns such as Kellogg's ''Zucaritas'' (Frosted Flakes), Fruit of the Loom, Intel, JCPenney, McDonald's, Sony, Coors Light, and Heineken, among others.

Music

Rivera adopted the stage name of ''Joker'' as he started his musical ventures in 1996, when he participated in an underground rap album titled ''Reggae Mania'' with DJ Joel. After that, he was part of a tropical music group named ''Magia'', a quartet directed by dominican singer and composer Raldy Vázquez. During that time, producer

Edgardo Díaz Edgardo Díaz (born 1947) is a Puerto Rican music producer. He is the creator of the "boy band" Menudo. Early life Díaz was born in Panama City, Panama to Puerto Rican parents "Nacho" Diaz and his wife "Panchi", Díaz grew up in Miami, F ...

( MENUDO, MDO) encouraged him to audition for the reality show ''

''. Ektor auditioned for the first season of the reality/talent show ''

'', which was held in 2004. He ended up as the second finalist of the competition, before winner

Janina Irizarry Janina Maria Irizarry Nazario (or simply Janina) is a Puerto Rican singer and actress more known for being the winner of the first season of ''Objetivo Fama'', a singing talent contest held in Puerto Rico. Janina has also hosted several televis ...

and finalist Sheila Romero. Despite not winning, Ektor still managed to get a record deal. In August 2005, he released his first album titled '' Un Paso del Amor''. The album spawned a hit single titled "Te Voy a Amar" that was used in a

soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...

from

Luny Tunes Luny Tunes are a reggaeton production duo consisting of Francisco Saldaña (Luny) and Víctor Cabrera (Tunes) who have been known for creating unique musical rhythms for some of the most popular reggaeton artists since the early 2000s. Biograph ...

, a famous duo of producers, expressed interest in working with Ektor during an interview in Puerto Rican TV show ''

Anda Pa'l Cara Anda or ANDA may refer to: Places China *Anda, Heilongjiang, a city in Heilongjiang, China *Anda railway station, a railway station in Anda, China Iran *Anda, Iran, a village in Fars Province, Iran Norway *Anda, Norway, an island in Øksnes mun ...

''. This prompted each party to initiate conversations for a collaboration, as well as rumors of a second album produced by the duo. However, the album never materialized. Still, Ektor collaborated with them in the song "I Think I'm in Love", which also features

Tainy Marcos Efraín Masís Fernández (born August 9, 1989), known professionally as Tainy, is a Puerto Rican record producer and songwriter. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he entered the world of reggaeton with his work on ''Mas Flow 2' ...

. The song was included in the album '' Los Benjamins: La Continuación''.

Host

Ektor Rivera was the MC for

La Musa Awards The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (LSHOF) ( es, El Pabellón De La Fama De Los Compositores Latinos) is an honor by its board of directors to "educate, preserve, honor and celebrate the legacy of the greatest Latin songwriters from all over the wo ...

in 2018 – The

Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (LSHOF) ( es, El Pabellón De La Fama De Los Compositores Latinos) is an honor by its board of directors to "educate, preserve, honor and celebrate the legacy of the greatest Latin songwriters from all over the wo ...

Miami Miami ( ), officially the City of Miami, known as "the 305", "The Magic City", and "Gateway to the Americas", is a East Coast of the United States, coastal metropolis and the County seat, county seat of Miami-Dade County, Florida, Miami-Dade C ...

. Together with news anchor Marjorie Ramírez, Ektor hosted ''Aventura Científica'' (Scientific Adventure) for SITV (Channel 40), a TV program that received the Environmental Excellency Award from the Environmental Protection Agency. It also received an

Emmy Award The Emmy Awards, or Emmys, are an extensive range of awards for artistic and technical merit for the American and international television industry. A number of annual Emmy Award ceremonies are held throughout the calendar year, each with the ...

as the best environmental program in 2015. In 2011, Ektor was co-host of the show '' Yo Canto'', alongside

Daniela Droz Daniela Droz (born August 16, 1977) is a Puerto Rican actress, singer, and television host. Early years Daniela esenia Droz Serranostarted her acting career during childhood. Her stage debut took place in 1987, at age 10, in the San Juan produ ...

in Telemundo, Puerto Rico.

Visual Artist

For many years, Ektor Rivera worked as an independent graphic artist in various companies dedicated to entertainment; designing concepts in large format for buses, banners, logos, musical productions, graphics for tv, movies and theater. His first individual exhibit was Persuasions (2007), he explored the meaning of imperceptible emotions through figures. Ektor holds a bachelor's degree in Arts, with honors (Magna Cum Laude), on Imaging and Digital Design from the School of Plastic Arts of Puerto Rico. One of his paintings (“Don Quijote”) made history at the “Miss World International 2010” competition held in Shanghai, China. The same was auctioned during the Charity Gala and it was designated as the piece of art with the highest collections. In 2023, actor & playwright

,along with Ender Vega and Luis A. Miranda Jr., commissioned Ektor Rivera to create a painting as part of a living tribute to Rita Moreno. The piece, measuring 8'x11' and created in acrylic, is now part of the private and permanent collection of the Centro de Bellas Artes de San Juan. http://www.ektorriveraart.com SOLO EXHIBITIONS: *2023 ''RITA'', Centro de Bellas Artes, San Juan, Puerto Rico *2019 ''Puerto Rico en Mi'', Museo de las Américas, San Juan, Puerto Rico *2012 ''Conexión'', Hotel La Concha, San Juan, Puerto Rico / ''Conexión'', Galería Telemundo, San Juan, Puerto Rico *2008 ''Íconos'', Latitudes, San Juan, Puerto Rico *2007 ''Persuasiones'', Huma, San Juan, Puerto Rico GROUP EXHIBITIONS: *2015 ''Tríptico Sicalíptico'', Vick Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico *2012 ''Calendart 2013'', Hotel Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico *2011 ''Calendart 2012'', Hotel Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico *2009 ''The New Phase'', Viota Gallery, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico *2008 ''Designers Fest'', Centro de Convenciones, Puerto Rico / ''El Rincón'', Exhibición Virtual para TISOC, Barcelona, España *2005 ''Colectivo EAP'', Escuela de Artes Plásticas de Puerto Rico, San Juan

Early years and education

Héctor Rivera Alicea was born on February 11 in Bayamón,

. His parents are Iris Alicea and Héctor Rivera Sr. He completed a

Bachelor's degree A bachelor's degree (from Middle Latin ''baccalaureus'') or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin ''baccalaureatus'') is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six ...

in Image and Digital Design from the

Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Diseño de Puerto Rico The Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Diseño de Puerto Rico ( en, School of Plastic Arts and Design of Puerto Rico) is an institution of higher learning engaged in the training of students in the visual arts. It is located in Old San Juan, San Juan ...

, graduating

magna cum laude Latin honors are a system of Latin phrases used in some colleges and universities to indicate the level of distinction with which an academic degree has been earned. The system is primarily used in the United States. It is also used in some So ...

. As for the acting, he has taken courses and independent workshops in Los Angeles and Puerto Rico. His acting mentors and acting schools are: Idalia Perez Garay, Vicente Juarbe, Yamaris Latorre, Alex Taylor, Courtney Burr iii, Margie Haber and Ivana Chubbuck, among others. On the other hand, as a singer, two of his main mentors are: Francisco "Vale" Rodríguez & Hilda Ramos.

Personal life

Ektor married

Yara Lasanta Yara Liz Lasanta Santiago (born April 3, 1986 in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican meteorologist and beauty pageant titleholder who participated and finished top 25 in Miss World 2010. Early life Prior to becoming Miss World Puerto Ric ...

in December 2013 in a ceremony in

Barranquitas, Puerto Rico Barranquitas (, ) is a small mountain town and municipality located in the Cordillera Central region of Puerto Rico, south of Corozal and Naranjito; north of Coamo and Aibonito; west of Comerío and Cidra; and east of Orocovis. Barranquit ...

References

External links

*
Interview
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rivera, Ektor Living people 20th-century Puerto Rican male singers 21st-century Puerto Rican male singers People from Bayamón, Puerto Rico 1980 births