Emmy-Nominated Actor Benjamin Bratt
by Josh Bennett • October 2006 • 19 Comments •
Benjamin Bratt (California-Santa Barbara 1984) was already an experienced film and TV actor by the time his four-year stint as detective Reynaldo “Rey” Curtis on NBC’s long-running hit “Law & Order” made him famous.
Emmy Nominated
Benjamin Bratt was nominated for an Emmy in 1999 for his work on “Law & Order.” Three other Lambda Chi Alpha brothers have received this honor.
- Texas State-San Marcos 1970
- Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones
- Won in 1980
- Chicago 1923
- The Waltons
- Won in 1975; nominated in 1973-1978
- Wabash 1922
- Mr. Novak
- Nominated in 1964 and 1965
Born in San Francisco, California, on December 16, 1963, Bratt is the third of five children. He is the grandson of Broadway actor George Bratt and the son of a Peruvian Quechua Indian mother from Lima, Peru, who moved to the United States at age 14. His father, a sheet-metal worker, and his mother divorced in 1968.
Bratt also inherited three half-brothers from his father’s previous marriage. Since his grandfather was also an actor on Broadway, Bratt’s passion for acting has been passed down through the genes.
Early Breaks
Bratt showed no interest in acting until college. In 1986, he graduated with honors from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
He then attended the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco but did not complete the master’s program. Instead, he began his professional acting career at the Utah Shakespearean Festival.
His first two TV pilots, “Juarez and Lovers” and “Partners & Spies,” did not succeed. Two years later he got another break and was offered to star in “Knightwatch,” another short-lived project that had him playing the role of an ex-gang leader who became the leader of an anti-crime patrol.
In 1990, Bratt joined another drama with a short life, NBC’s “Nasty Boys,” which was produced by Dick Wolf, who also created and produced “Law & Order.”
Giving television a break, Bratt’s debut film roles came in 1990. First he was cast in “Bright Angel” and then in “Chains of Gold,” starring Joey Lawrence and John Travolta, in which he played a vicious drug dealer.
Bratt also had supporting roles in “One Good Cop” (1991), “Bound by Honor” (1993), and “Demolition Man” (1993).
After a few tough film starts, Bratt gained Hollywood’s attention in 1994 with “In The River Wild,” in which he played a Native American ranger, and in “Clear and Present Danger” where he was the field officer for American soldiers sent by the CIA to infiltrate the Colombian countryside.
Soon after those movies, he was cast as the lead in the James A. Michener’s ABC miniseries “Texas” in 1995. That year was also Bratt’s first role as the detective Rey Curtis on “Law & Order.”
Law & Order Fame
Bratt is best known for his role on “Law & Order.” The character’s Mestizo ancestry, a mix of Native Peruvian and German-English backgrounds, was the same as Bratt’s.
In 1999, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his work on the series.
During a hiatus from “Law & Order,” Bratt produced and starred in the indie film “Follow Me Home” in 1997. This was a low-budget film directed by his brother, Peter Bratt, that featured Alfre Woodard and Salma Hayek.
In 1999, Bratt decided to leave “Law & Order,” saying, “I’ve felt like it was time to get back home to my family. How do you walk away from the best job in the world and a group of people that you’ve grown to love? It’s not easy, and it was an extremely difficult decision that I had to make.”
On May 26, 1999, Bratt’s final episode aired. Two weeks prior to that he was named one of People’s “50 Most Beautiful” in the May 10, 1999, issue.
Family and Hit Movies
After leaving “Law & Order,” Bratt moved back to San Francisco to be closer to his family and focus on making movies.
“My family is like a sanctuary to me,” says Bratt. “I always turn to them for support and strength. I take comfort in knowing no matter which path I choose, my family stands behind me.”
In 2000, Bratt starred opposite Sandra Bullock in the hit romantic comedy “Miss Congeniality.” Bratt played the smooth law enforcement officer image as Bullock’s FBI ally.
During the same time, Bratt had a small role as part of a star-studded, ensemble cast in the Oscar-winning, narcotics drama “Traffic.” The cast included Benicio del Toro, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh and Bratt played a nearly unrecognizable sleazy drug dealer.
Bratt then played the lead performance in the independent biopic “Piñero” in 2001. His uncanny evocation of troubled Nuyorican writer and drug casualty Miguel Piñero attracted early dark horse Oscar buzz.
While filming “Piñero,” Bratt met actress-model Talisa Soto whom he married in April 2002. Today they have two children, Sophia Rosalinda Bratt and Mateo Bravery Bratt.
In 2003, he costarred in “Catwoman” with Halle Berry and Sharon Stone. Then he had a lead role as a TV star in the off-beat “Thumbsucker” in 2005, a movie about a teenage boy who has an oral obsession with his thumb.
That was followed by his role as Lt. Colonel Mucci in “The Great Raid” in 2005, which told the true story of the 6th Ranger Battalion that undertook a daring rescue mission to liberate over 500 American prisoners of war from the Cabanatuan Japanese POW camp.
Also in 2005, Bratt was recruited back to TV to play Maj. Jim Tisnewski in NBC’s “E-Ring,” a political drama set within the Pentagon. Jerry Bruckheimer was the executive producer. The show lasted only one season.
Upcoming Projects
Bratt is currently finishing the filming of “Love in the Time of Cholera” based on a 1985 Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel.
Scheduled for release in 2007, the movie is about a love triangle set in turn-of-the-century South America. The movie is being directed by Mike Newell who directed “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” and “Donnie Brasco.”
After that movie wraps, Bratt is set to star in “Guerrilla,” an epic about Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara that is being directed by Steven Soderbergh.
Photo Credits in Order of Apperance
- © Copyright Courtesy AP/Wide World Photos, All rights reserved
- © Copyright Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, All rights reserved.
- © Copyright Courtesy AP/Wide World Photos, All rights reserved.
- © Copyright Courtesy AP/Wide World Photos, All rights reserved.
Skip Selle Says:
October 2nd, 2006 at 5:03 pmIs Benjamin Bratt and Lambda Chi? If so, when and where?
Tom Rambo, LXZ #54, 1972 Says:
October 2nd, 2006 at 5:49 pmIf I all I wanted to know was information about Benjamin Bratt’s acting resume, I could go to IMDB.com and get the same, if not better, information. Unless you can provide some insight regarding a celebrity member’s feelings about their fraternity experience, I don’t see the point in writing an article about them.
Ken Thorp Says:
October 2nd, 2006 at 6:32 pmI agree with Tom Rambo. I’d like to know more about their fraternity experience and how it helped to shape their life.
David Ritchey Says:
October 2nd, 2006 at 7:32 pmAbout Dean Jagger — he won an Academy Award.
Author, please do all of your research.
Tyler Says:
October 2nd, 2006 at 7:55 pmWhere was he a Lambda Chi and what were his experiences as a brother? Simple journalism, appeal to your audience.
Jason Pearce Says:
October 2nd, 2006 at 8:26 pmBrothers,
The first sentence states that Benjamin Bratt is a 1984 graduate from our California-Santa Barbara chapter; sorry if this was confusing. And had he agreed to our request for an interview, we would have gladly written more about his fraternal experience. Sadly, he has not responded to our requests.
As for Dean Jagger in the sidebar, he was nominated for an Emmy in 1964 and 1965 for his work in the television series “Mr. Novak.” While he did win an Oscar in 1950 for his work in “Twelve O’Clock High,” we mentioned only Jagger’s Emmy because it was the one thing Bratt, Boothe, Geer, and Jagger have in common.
Sincerely,
Jason Pearce, Editor
David L. Woods Says:
October 3rd, 2006 at 8:27 amJason: It is always tough to be an editor. But I suspect in today’s web site & blogs, it has become even tougher. Now, everyone thinnks they are an editor, too. And it is so much easier to reply on line than having to use pen, pencil, typewriter, paper, envelope, & stamp. As a PR pro for at least 50 years, I think this web mag is a lot better than i expected. But I suggest you think more like the readers who replied — but in advance. Your comments back & decision are excelllent, but you could have easily included them in the story in the first place, which would have reduced the fields on which your critics could comment. I’m sure most of those of us with time & willingness to comment on passt fraternal days & business or career lessons learned are less prominent as individuals than the level you would prefer to feature. I guess I was aware Bratt was a brother, but your story of his career seemed better to me than what might exist on the Wipetka free encyclopedia — although I haven’t looked yet. DLW ZN 45
Tom Rambo, LXZ #54, 1972 Says:
October 3rd, 2006 at 10:45 amI think Brother Woods raises a point worth pursuing. Lambda Chi Alpha not only defined my college experience; it helped shape the man I’ve become. I would be far more interested in learning about the impact the fraternity has had on other brother’s lives than learning that Dean Jagger and Benjamin Bratt are Lambda Chis. Like Brother Woods, I would be more than happy to share my experiences, as I’m sure hundreds of other brothers would as well.
Overall, I’m very happy with the content and quality of the online Cross and Crescent. I particularly enjoy the articles on fraternity history, like the one in the current issue about the Theta Kappa Nu ritual. I had my doubts about giving up on the magazine format, but I think they’ve pretty much been put to rest. I also like the fact that the Internet format allows instant feedback and commentary.
Chris Barrick Says:
October 3rd, 2006 at 11:07 amDavid,
Dean Jagger did infact win an Academy Award but the sidebar is about people who have been nominated or have won Emmys as Bratt has.
Robert Cottone Says:
October 3rd, 2006 at 12:20 pmIt is unclear as to whether was in a fraternity or not…Benjamin Bratt could not have been a Lambda Chi at your UCSB link (http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl/GreekLife/chapterinfo/inter-fraternity.asp) because there is no LAMBDA CHI Chapter there (unless the charter was revoked…) Please clearly where and when he was a member and what his fraternal experience was. Else, I can just read People magazine for my up to minute entertainment report. Perhaps a review of the “LOST” cast would be more appropriate subject matter for your next exposé…
Eric Feigl Says:
October 3rd, 2006 at 3:34 pmGuys, take it easy on the author–lots of bashing…
PAZ 706
Bill Clemons ZH770 Says:
October 3rd, 2006 at 10:58 pmSure he was. I went through with him; a very charasmatic man, even in his formative years. Or, maybe it was the ties…Yours in ZAX…Phantom.
Bob Burke ZH670 Says:
October 4th, 2006 at 8:21 pmYes, it is true the charter of the LXA chapter at UC Santa Barbara has been revoked as of two years ago. The chapter was alive and thriving in the 1980s when Ben Bratt was a member.
[Aside: Hi Bill Clemons!]
Tom Earp, LX Z 1 Says:
October 8th, 2006 at 6:02 pmSo, out of wanting to know, what has Benjamin Bratt done to be part of LXA if anything?
This smacks to the Printed C & C when the wowies, did and when We as Broters actually want to know more about what Our Zetas are doing, Good, Bad, or Indifferent!
Great, He is Brother, did He give an interview or not? No!
This is supposed to be about Our Brothers, Active and Alumni and how We are doing as a International Greek Organization.
I hate smoke signnals, I want to know what is going on from IHQ.
Oh, Our IHQ!
Jaason. get with it and print what has been asked for!
Chris Broglin-Sigma Alpha 59 Says:
October 9th, 2006 at 10:02 amGentlemen:
It seems several of you are too quick to criticize but how many of you are willing to step up to the plate and contribute. I had no problem realizing Mr. Bratt was a Lambda Chi from reading the article.
I believe Jason did a fine job providing information on one of my favorite actors on one of my all-time favorite shows. Come on, read & enjoy. If you want to be an entertainment critic or a publishing editor, have at it. This however, is not the proper forum.
ZAX,
Chris Broglin
Vincennes University 72
Indiana University 74
Tom Rambo, LXZ #54, 1972 Says:
October 9th, 2006 at 11:58 amWith all due respect to Brother Broglin, this most certainly is the proper forum to offer criticisms. Any editor should be concerned with the opinions of his/her readers regarding the content of their work. If you’re going to write and edit in a web-based format and you can’t deal with criticsim, you’re in the wrong line of work!
One of the advantages (or disadvantages, depending on your perspective) of the web is that you can provide/receive immediate feedback. I write for a living, providing content for online training courses on a variety of different subjects. I get feedback on a regular basis. If it’s helpful, I incorporate it into my work; if it’s not, I blow it off. Regardless of whether it’s pro or con, one thing is for sure; I’m going to receive it whether I like it or not.
As I said in my previous comment, I would be more than happy to provide content for C&C, as I’m sure Brother Woods would, or any of our brothers with some talent for writing. It would, of course, be subject to review by Jason Pearce in his role as editor.
Again, my opinion of the publication overall is quite positive. I will, however, continue to offer constructive criticism when I feel it’s warranted, as I would hope all brothers would do, and as I would hope Jason would expect us to do. What Jason chooses to do with it is his call. I’m sure he’s broad shouldered enough to take it with a grain of salt, and confident enough in his writing and editorial abilities to appreciate helpful commentary when he gets it.
Tom Rambo,#54
Lambda Chi Zeta
Pittsburg State University 1972
Paul Ramey Says:
November 6th, 2006 at 9:28 amIt’s all about the Fraternity and Brotherhood. If a Brother isn’t inclined to give an interview, we shouldn’t be inclined to print an article about him. While I like his work as an actor, I’m disturbed that he wouldn’t grant an interview for the Cross & Crescent.
Paul Ramey #114
ECU ‘67
Greg J. Bennett Says:
December 12th, 2006 at 7:22 pmEveryone seems to have an opinion but few seem to have their facts straight. I attended UCSB from 1981-1985, and rushed Benjamin into the house. I also lived in the house all except the first seven weeks of my first quarter … another story. Ben might have graduated in 1986, he was behind me in school. He did live in the house for at least a couple of years. He was sober and courteous and serious about acting from the start.
Rosario Wohlsen Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:38 amI do not belong to your fraternity but I have read the article object of discussion because I am Peruvian. Bashing each other in a public forum takes away from your status of gentlemen. This my be directed mainly to the brothers but you are not the only ones that read it. I think it was an excellent article, very informative and interesting. It depicted the serene and noble character of one of your brothers and it made me think of suggesting my kid to go to one of your houses when he attends the University next Fall. Sadly, I changed my mind after witnessing the little kindness you show to each other while filling your mouths with the word “brother” Grow up!