Robert Beltran

Robert Adame Beltran (born November 19, 1953) is an American actor, known for his role as Raoul Mendoza in the 1982 Paul Bartel's black comedy film Eating Raoul, and as Commander Chakotay on the television series Star Trek: Voyager.

Early life

Beltran was born in Bakersfield, California, the son of Aurelia Olgin (née Adame) and Louis Perez Beltran, first generation Mexican-Americans. Beltran attended East Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College. He has two sisters and seven brothers, including the well-known Latin Jazz musician Louie Cruz Beltran.

Career

Beltran graduated from California State University, Fresno with a degree in Theater Arts and moved to Los Angeles to begin his acting career. He has been working steadily since 1979 in both theater and film. Beltran had his first film role in Zoot Suit in 1981, but his breakthrough came in 1982 when he played Raoul in the cult classic film Eating Raoul. Beltran also had a supporting role as Chuck Norris' partner, Deputy Kayo in Lone Wolf McQuade in 1983 (this film was also the basis for the TV series Walker, Texas Ranger starring Chuck Norris). He was in the 1984 TV movie The Mystic Warrior as the Native American "Ahbleza", and starred as Hector in the 1984 cult classic, Night of the Comet.