1. Bratt’s Acting Career Began in Utah

That’s right! Benjamin Bratt’s professional acting career began at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, where he starred in the TV film “Juarez.” This role received high praise, which led to Bratt earning a supporting role in the TV film “Police Story: Gladiator School.” From there, Bratt received an increasing number of TV roles!

2. Benjamin Bratt’s Mom was a Native American Activist

Bratt’s mother was born in Lima, Peru, and is of Quechua descent. After moving to the United States at the young age of 14, the actor’s mother became passionate about fighting for Indigenous rights. When Benjamin Bratt was 6, his mother took him and his siblings to participate in the 1969 Native American occupation of Alcatraz to raise awareness of various issues the Native population was facing.

3. Benjamin Bratt has an Impressive Acting Career

It’s no surprise Benjamin Bratt’s career took off so quickly given the immense talent he displays in every role. That said, Bratt has participated in over 50 roles in both TV and film! From voice acting roles in movies such as “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” and “Despicable Me 2” to his well-known role as Rey Curtis in “Law & Order,” Benjamin Bratt has an admirable acting range.

4. Benjamin Bratt has an Honorary Doctorate Degree

In 2024, the talented actor was awarded an honorary doctorate by San Francisco State University. Bratt received a Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University. Bratt grew up in San Francisco and was even a student at the American Conservatory Theater’s Master of Fine Arts program.

5. Benjamin Bratt Ethnicity

Benjamin Bratt is of Quechua background, which is a community of Indigenous people in South America (primarily Peru) who speak various Quechua languages.

The Quechua people are well-known for their hand-woven material goods, which are made from llama and aplaca wool. On top of that, the Quechua people have made a major contribution to modern medicine through the use of Quinine, which is found on the bark of the cinchona tree and used to treat malaria-like symptoms.

6. Activism is an Essential Part of his Life

Benjamin Bratt’s mom got him involved in political activism pretty early in life and it carried into his adult life. For example, the well-known actor is active in the American Indian Movement and supports other Native American initiatives like the American Indian College Fund. Additionally, Bratt has supported efforts such as the Tribal Athletics Program, the United Indian Nations, and various documentaries about Indigenous and underprivileged communities.