Rolando Alberto Argueta-Molina, professionally known as Rolando Molina, is a Salvadoran-American actor born on August 13, 1971, in San Salvador, El Salvador.
He immigrated to the United States at a very young age with his family, eventually settling in the suburbs of North Hollywood, California.
Growing up in a modest household, Molina developed a passion for the entertainment industry through exposure to movies and television during his time at North Hollywood High School.
His journey into acting began unexpectedly while working as a security guard at Universal Studios, where he caught the eye of acclaimed director Edward James Olmos.
Molina, who holds dual American and Salvadoran nationality, is recognized for his versatile portrayals of complex characters, often drawing from his immigrant roots to bring authenticity to roles.
Siblings
Rolando grew up in a close-knit family unit shaped by resilience and determination.
As the eldest son of his single mother, Ana Molina, he shares a profound bond with his only sibling, his younger brother Mario.
The two brothers, along with their mother, faced significant challenges upon arriving in the United States, relying on the support of extended family and friends as they navigated the pursuit of the American dream.
The family eventually found stability in North Hollywood, where the brothers attended local schools and supported one another through the transitions of cultural adaptation and economic struggles.
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Career
Molina’s career in entertainment is a testament to serendipity and perseverance, evolving from humble beginnings into a steady stream of memorable roles across Hollywood’s biggest platforms.
After his breakout in American Me—where he auditioned at Olmos’s invitation and landed a part that showcased his raw talent—he quickly transitioned into supporting roles in high-profile films.
The 1990s saw him appear in gritty urban dramas like Menace II Society (1993), where he contributed to the film’s raw depiction of South Central Los Angeles life, and sci-fi thrillers such as Virtuosity (1995) alongside Denzel Washington.
Entering the 2000s, Molina balanced comedy and drama with standout performances, including the foul-mouthed neighbor Pete Jr. in Ice Cube’s Next Friday (2000), a role that highlighted his comedic timing, and the heartfelt portrayal of a gang member in the romantic drama Crazy/Beautiful (2001).
His filmography expanded further with parts in blockbusters like Bruce Almighty (2003), where he shared scenes with Jim Carrey, and action-packed entries such as Eagle Eye (2008) and Domino (2005) directed by Tony Scott.
On television, Molina has been a fixture in ensemble casts, playing characters like the excommunicated biker Benny in Sons of Anarchy (2011), the entangled father figure in Touch (2012) with Kiefer Sutherland, and Armando in Dexter (2013).
More recent credits include voice work in animated series like Family Guy and American Dad!, as well as dramatic turns in Shameless, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Animal Kingdom.
With over 100 credits to his name, Molina has also ventured into production and second-unit direction.
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