Mario Van Peebles

Mario Van Peebles (born January 15, 1957) is a Mexican-born American film director and actor. He is best known for his roles in movies such as Heartbreak Ridge (1986) and his directorial work in New Jack City (1991) and USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016). Mario is the son of renowned actor and filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles, whom he portrayed in the 2003 biopic Baadasssss!. Born in Mexico City, Mario frequently traveled between Europe and the United States with his parents. He studied economics at Columbia University and made his screen debut in the soap opera One Life to Live in 1968. Mario Van Peebles continues to contribute to the film industry as both an actor and director.