Tony Plana

José Antonio Plana, better known as Tony Plana, is a Cuban-American actor and director renowned for his role as Ignacio Suarez on the ABC television show "Ugly Betty" and for voicing Manuel "Manny" Calavera in the video game "Grim Fandango." His portrayal in "Ugly Betty" garnered him several awards including a Golden Satellite Award, an Imagen Award, and an Alma Award.

In addition to his television roles, Plana has a prolific career in film, having appeared in over 70 feature films including "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Three Amigos," "JFK," "Nixon," "Salvador," and recent films like "Pain & Gain," "Roman J. Israel, Esquire," "Bombshell," and "Wasp Network." His work extends to directing as well, with notable projects including the film "The Princess and the Barrio Boy," which won the 2001 Imagen Award for Best Made for Television Movie.

Plana has a strong presence in the theater community, having created and directed numerous productions of Shakespeare's works for minority audiences, and his involvement extends across Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York City. He co-founded and serves as the executive artistic director of the East LA Classic Theatre (ECT), where he develops educational programs aimed at economically challenged communities, and has been engaged in improving literacy skills and promoting bilingual education through innovative programs like Language in Play (LIP).

Plana also teaches acting at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and Rio Hondo College. His educational efforts are recognized by his role as an affiliate faculty member of the Center for Equity for English Learners at Loyola Marymount University School of Education.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Plana graduated magna cum laude from Loyola Marymount University and received professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is a vocal advocate for comprehensive immigration reform in the U.S. and Alzheimer's disease awareness and prevention, inspired in part by his mother, Conchita, who suffers from the disease.