Every once in a while I like to write something about an actor that (to me) is loaded with talent, but for one reason or another never hit it big or gets the credit they deserve. One of those guys is Joaquim de Almeida.
Who is Joaquim de Almeida? Well, he’s Portuguese actor who usually gets roles as Columbian drug lords. I first took notice of this guy way back in 1994 when he BRILLIANTLY played Felix Cortez in the Jack Ryan film “Clear and Present Danger” with Harrison Ford. He was easily the best thing about that flick, and I thought for sure we were about to see a mega star. The guy has that classic “Mans Man” good looks, great screen presence and a deadly accent. I thought for sure he would be huge. But it never turned out that way.
This week I finally got around to renting the 3rd season of “24” (I never watch them on TV… who wants to wait a week for the next episode of that show!) and THERE HE WAS! Once again a Drug Lord, this time one of Jack Bauers enemies Ramon Salazar. The dude was awesome in it!
I offer no theories why he didn’t become “A” list. I only lament. We salute you Joaquim de Almeida. You are way to good to not be way more famous.