Why Danny Ramirez Is Hollywood’s Rising Star to Watch
Danny Ramirez is an American actor who has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most exciting rising stars. Born September 17, 1992, in Chicago and raised in Miami, this 33-year-old actor of Colombian and Mexican descent has captivated audiences in blockbuster hits like Top Gun: Maverick and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Quick Facts About Danny Ramirez:
- Most Notable Roles: Lt. Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Joaquin Torres/The Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
- Background: Colombian and Mexican heritage, studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts
- Career Start: 2015, after a serendipitous encounter on a college soccer field
- Upcoming Projects: Captain America: Brave New World (2025), Avengers: Doomsday (2026), The Last of Us Season 2, and his directorial debut Baton
- Beyond Acting: Director, producer, and founder of Pinstripes production company
When Danny Ramirez looks back at the starting point of his acting career, it feels as if the universe had chosen a soccer field to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. He was a college freshman with a sprained ankle when a production assistant approached him about being an extra in The Reluctant Fundamentalist. That moment—watching Riz Ahmed work on set—sparked something profound.
“I was a young Latino who believed Hollywood only had space for white leads,” Ramirez has said. Seeing Ahmed front and center was the “green light” he needed.
Since then, Ramirez has built a career playing complex characters across television and film. From his early role in Assassination Nation (2018) to his breakout performance flying alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick, he’s proven his range. Now, as the new Falcon in the MCU, he’s stepping into a legacy role that means everything to the communities he represents.
But Ramirez isn’t content just acting. He’s launched his own production company, Pinstripes, with the mission to tell stories “no one else is, in a fashion you’ll never forget.” His directorial debut Baton—a soccer drama he’s writing, directing, and starring in—reflects his journey as a first-generation American athlete turned artist.
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From the Soccer Field to the Silver Screen: An Unconventional Start
Danny Ramirez‘s path to Hollywood was anything but traditional. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Miami, Florida, his early life was deeply rooted in athletics. Before he ever dreamed of the silver screen, young Danny Ramirez had his sights set on becoming a professional athlete, first in American football and then in soccer. He played college soccer at Oglethorpe University, a period that would ironically lead him directly to his true calling.
It was during his freshman year, on his nineteenth birthday, that destiny intervened. Sidelined with a sprained ankle during soccer practice, a production assistant approached him. They were filming Mira Nair’s 2012 film The Reluctant Fundamentalist on a nearby field and needed extras. Danny Ramirez agreed, and that casual decision changed everything. He spent his time on set observing Riz Ahmed, a British Pakistani actor, in a leading role. This was a pivotal moment for Danny Ramirez, who, as a young Latino, had previously felt that Hollywood only had space for white leads. Ahmed’s presence was the “green light” he needed, a powerful affirmation that a career in acting was attainable for someone like him.
Inspired, Danny Ramirez decided to pursue acting seriously. He bravely dropped out of college and made the significant move to New York City, a hub of artistic opportunity. Initially, he took on modeling jobs and enrolled at NYU Poly, but his ultimate goal was to refine his craft at a prestigious institution. His dedication paid off when he was accepted into New York University’s renowned Tisch School of the Arts, one of the most respected acting programs in the country. Our local New York City is where Danny Ramirez truly began to hone the skills that would soon make him a household name.
His professional acting debut came in 2015, with a small role as “Moving Van Kid #1” in an episode of Showtime’s The Affair. From there, he steadily built his resume, appearing in popular television series such as Blindspot in 2016 and Orange is the New Black in 2017. These early experiences provided invaluable on-set training and exposure.
A significant early film role was in the 2018 thriller Assassination Nation, where he played Diamond. Danny Ramirez has described this role as a “life-changing experience,” a testament to the powerful impact certain characters can have on an actor’s journey. He also gained wider recognition for his recurring role as Mario Martinez in the hit Netflix series On My Block, showcasing his ability to connect with diverse audiences. With 32 acting credits to his name already, and a staggering 28 previous acting credits on his IMDb profile, his early career was a testament to his relentless work ethic and talent.
For a comprehensive look at his journey from those formative early days, you can explore Danny Ramirez’s full filmography.
Breakout Roles: Soaring in Top Gun and Joining the MCU
The trajectory of Danny Ramirez’s career truly took flight with his role as Lt. Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia in the critically acclaimed and box-office phenomenon, Top Gun: Maverick (2022). This role was a game-changer, not just for him, but for the entire cast, as it saw them flying alongside the legendary Tom Cruise.
The preparation for Top Gun: Maverick was no ordinary acting gig. The cast underwent intense flight training, experiencing real G-forces in F/A-18 Super Hornets, a challenge that pushed them to their physical and mental limits. This dedication translated directly to the screen, lending an unparalleled authenticity to the aerial sequences. Danny Ramirez‘s performance as the earnest and skilled “Fanboy” resonated with audiences, making him a memorable part of a truly iconic ensemble.
The film itself was a monumental success, soaring to nearly $1.5 billion worldwide and playing a significant role in bringing audiences back to theaters after a challenging period for the cinema industry. His involvement in such a globally impactful film solidified his status as a rising star. Even before the film’s release, his talent was recognized when he received the Third Annual Stonestreet Studio Granite Award in 2018, a testament to his burgeoning career. It’s no wonder that working with an icon like Tom Cruise left a lasting impression. Cruise, known for his dedication and wisdom, reportedly advised Danny Ramirez to always have two skills on rotation that he is actively learning, a philosophy Danny Ramirez has clearly taken to heart.
The Journey of Danny Ramirez to the MCU
Perhaps one of Danny Ramirez’s most significant and anticipated roles is his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Joaquin Torres. His journey in the MCU began with the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021). In the series, he portrays Joaquin Torres, an Air Force intelligence officer who becomes a close ally and confidant to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who eventually takes on the mantle of Captain America.
The character of Joaquin Torres is particularly significant as he is set to become the new Falcon in the MCU. This transition is a powerful moment for representation, as Danny Ramirez steps into a role that carries deep meaning for many. While his storyline in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was somewhat condensed due to the series’ six-episode format, the head writer, Malcom Spellman, acknowledged that Torres had “meatier scenes” and a more prominent arc that could be explored in future MCU projects. This foreshadowing proved true, much to the delight of fans.
Danny Ramirez will reprise his role as Joaquin Torres, officially taking on the Falcon mantle, in the upcoming film Captain America: Brave New World (2025). This marks a monumental step for his character and the MCU as a whole, as he flies alongside Anthony Mackie’s Captain America. The dynamic between Danny Ramirez and Anthony Mackie on set has been described as one of genuine brotherhood and camaraderie, full of “goofing off” and easy chemistry, which we expect will translate beautifully to the screen.
Beyond Captain America: Brave New World, Danny Ramirez is also confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday (2026), further cementing his place in the expansive Marvel universe. The excitement around his character, and the potential for him to evolve into a major superhero, has been noted by critics and fans alike. We are thrilled to see his character soar.
You can learn more about his casting in the MCU here: More on his MCU casting.
The Expanding Universe of Danny Ramirez
Beyond the high-flying blockbusters and superhero sagas, Danny Ramirez has consistently demonstrated his versatility as an actor, taking on a diverse range of roles across various genres. His commitment to challenging himself and exploring different facets of storytelling is evident in his extensive filmography, which includes 32 acting credits with 28 previous and 4 upcoming projects.
His ability to seamlessly transition between major studio productions and more intimate, character-driven projects is a hallmark of his talent. We’ve seen him in romantic comedies like Look Both Ways (2022), where he showcased his charm and comedic timing. He also digd into darker narratives, appearing in a chilling episode of Black Mirror (2023) titled “Mazey Day,” which allowed him to explore complex psychological themes. Horror fans will also recognize him from Tales of the Walking Dead (2022), where he steerd the post-apocalyptic landscape with compelling intensity.
Danny Ramirez has also been involved in several independent and upcoming films that promise to further highlight his range. He starred in the queer love triangle drama Chestnut (2023) and was part of the ensemble cast for Winner (2024), a biographical drama. These roles showcase his commitment to diverse storytelling and working with innovative filmmakers.
Here are some of his notable roles outside of blockbusters:
- Mario Martinez in ‘On My Block’
- Wes in ‘The Gifted’
- Ash in ‘No Exit’
- Manny in ‘The Last of Us’
What’s Next for Danny Ramirez?
The future looks incredibly bright for Danny Ramirez, with a slate of exciting projects on the horizon that span both television and film.
One of the most anticipated is his role as Manny in Season 2 of HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Last of Us. Fans of the video game and the show alike are eagerly awaiting his performance in this adaptation known for its emotional depth and exploration of human choices in a brutal world. Danny Ramirez has expressed his honor in joining such a “championship-winning team,” comparing the experience to being a new player on an already successful squad. He appeared in 4 episodes of The Last of Us Season 2, and we can expect his character to be central to the unfolding narrative.
In the film world, Danny Ramirez is set to appear in Samo Lives, a Jean-Michel Basquiat biopic, which will undoubtedly offer him another opportunity to dig into a rich, real-life character. Furthermore, he is cast in a highly anticipated Scarface reboot. This role presents a unique challenge, allowing him to put his own stamp on a legendary cinematic character. He’s also attached to Pursuit of Touch, a new movie from writer Jeremy O. Harris.
Beyond specific projects, Danny Ramirez is a passionate advocate for representation. He firmly believes in the significant impact a Latino superhero can have on children, offering them a chance to see themselves reflected on screen – something he lacked during his own upbringing. His career aspirations extend beyond personal success; he aims to break down barriers and create opportunities for future generations of Latino actors. This commitment to impact and authenticity is a driving force behind his choices and future endeavors. His talent has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his nomination for Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series at the 2025 Astra TV Awards and Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Imagen Awards.
Beyond the Screen: A Creator in the Making
While his acting career continues to flourish, Danny Ramirez is not content with simply performing. He is actively venturing behind the camera, embracing roles as a director, producer, and writer. This multifaceted approach to filmmaking reflects his desire for greater creative control and his commitment to telling unique stories that resonate with him.
In a significant move, Danny Ramirez co-founded the production company Pinstripes with his partner Tom Culliver. Their mission is clear: to tell stories “no one else is, in a fashion you’ll never forget.” This initiative underscores his dedication to crafting narratives that are both compelling and distinct, often drawing from his own experiences and cultural background.
His most ambitious project in this vein is Baton, a sports drama that marks his directorial debut. Not only is Danny Ramirez directing this film, but he is also writing it and starring in it. Baton is deeply personal, inspired by his philosophies on success, sacrifice, and his identity as a first-generation American. The film aims to authentically portray the Latino family experience in Hollywood, a theme that is close to his heart. As a former college soccer player, he’s particularly focused on shooting the soccer sequences with realism, much like Whiplash depicted drumming or Black Swan showcased ballet.
The project has garnered significant attention, notably with the involvement of football icon David Beckham. Beckham and his Studio 99 are producing Baton, a partnership that brings invaluable expertise and insight into sports. Beckham’s involvement ensures that the film’s athletic portrayals are accurate, a crucial element for Danny Ramirez in making athletes proud of the final product.
His transition to directing and producing is a natural evolution for Danny Ramirez, who has always approached his craft with a thoughtful and immersive mindset. He believes that directing is a “dream role” that allows him to touch upon all aspects of his life experiences. With 1 producer credit and 2 director credits already to his name (including short films like Farm to Table), Danny Ramirez is clearly building a lasting legacy that extends far beyond his captivating performances on screen. He wants to create the roles he desires, rather than waiting for them to be written for him, exemplifying a proactive and visionary approach to his career.
Frequently Asked Questions about Danny Ramirez
Who is Danny Ramirez?
Danny Ramirez is an American actor of Colombian and Mexican descent, born September 17, 1992. He is known for major roles in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Joaquin Torres / The Falcon.
How did Danny Ramirez start acting?
His career began unexpectedly after a soccer injury in college led him to take a role as an extra in the film ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’. Inspired by the experience, he went on to study at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
What are Danny Ramirez’s biggest upcoming projects?
He is set to reprise his role as The Falcon in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ and ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, appear in Season 2 of HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’, and will write, direct, and star in his own film, ‘Baton’.
Conclusion
From his serendipitous start on a college soccer field to becoming a fixture in Hollywood’s biggest franchises, Danny Ramirez embodies the spirit of a true artist. His journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of representation. We’ve seen him soar as “Fanboy” in Top Gun: Maverick, and we’re eagerly anticipating his continued flight as the new Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
But Danny Ramirez is more than just an actor; he is a multifaceted talent, stepping into the roles of director and producer, and actively shaping the future of storytelling through his production company, Pinstripes. His dedication to crafting authentic narratives, especially those that highlight Latino experiences, marks him as a significant voice in the industry.
From his student days honing his craft at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts to his global stardom, we at Edible Brooklyn celebrate Danny Ramirez’s remarkable journey. His story reminds us that with passion and vision, one can truly make an impact, both on screen and behind the scenes.
As we continue to follow his exciting career, we invite you to explore the rich and diverse cultural landscape that inspires so many artists. Find the local flavors and vibrant community that make our city so unique.
