Roel Navarro was an American actor who appeared in various TV shows and movies, most notably in Bosch, Empire, and Mayans M.C. He was also known for his role as Enrique Rios, a cartel crime boss, in the pilot episode of Training Day, where he had a shootout with Bill Paxton. Navarro died on October 7, 2021, at the age of 68. This article will explore his life and career, as well as some of the roles he played.
Early Life and Education
Roel Navarro was born on February 16, 1953, in Los Angeles, California. He was of Mexican descent and grew up in a bilingual household. He attended John Marshall High School, where he developed an interest in acting and music. He later studied at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he majored in theater arts. He also took classes in voice, dance, and martial arts.
Acting Career
Navarro began his acting career in the late 1970s, appearing in small roles in TV shows such as CHiPs, The Incredible Hulk, and Quincy M.E. He also had a recurring role as Fugitive Drug Dealer in Unsolved Mysteries in 1995. He made his film debut in 1980, playing a gang member in The Octagon, starring Chuck Norris. He went on to appear in other films, such as The Essence of Depp, 5th of July, and On Killer Robots.
Navarro’s breakthrough role came in 2017, when he played Enrique Rios, a ruthless cartel leader, in the pilot episode of Training Day, a TV series based on the 2001 film of the same name. He had a memorable scene where he exchanged gunfire with Bill Paxton, who played a corrupt cop. The episode was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Warner Bros. Television for CBS. Unfortunately, Paxton died shortly after the episode aired, and the series was canceled after one season.
Navarro continued to work in TV, landing roles in popular shows such as Jane the Virgin, Empire, Goliath, and Chicago P.D. He also played Mateo Sr., the father of the main character, in Sunnyside, a comedy series created by Kal Penn. His most recent role was as Pavia, the Vice President of the Mayans M.C., Tucson Charter, in the FX drama series Mayans M.C., a spin-off of Sons of Anarchy. He appeared in eight episodes from 2019 to 2021.
Personal Life and Death
Navarro was married to Yvonne Valadez, an actress who played his wife in Mayans M.C. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Navarro was also a singer and songwriter, who performed in various venues and events. He was a fan of Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley, and often paid tribute to them in his songs. He also enjoyed playing guitar, piano, and drums.
Navarro died on October 7, 2021, at his home in Los Angeles. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he had been battling a long-term illness. He was 68 years old. He was survived by his wife, children, and other family members and friends. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Legacy and Influence
Navarro was a versatile actor who could play different types of characters, from villains to heroes, from comedy to drama. He was praised for his charisma, talent, and professionalism. He was also a passionate and creative artist, who expressed himself through music and acting. He inspired many people with his work and his personality. He was remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend, who always had a smile on his face. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and songs, that will continue to entertain and touch audiences for years to come.
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