René Lavan
Rene Lavan is a Cuban-American actor born in Artemisa, Cuba. He first gained widespread recognition starring in the hit Spanish-language telenovela Morelia, followed by leading roles in María Belén and Enamorada, becoming a familiar face to audiences across Latin America and beyond.
American audiences came to know Lavan through his role as Javier on One Life to Live. He later earned critical acclaim as the lead in Bitter Sugar (1996), directed by Leon Ichaso, portraying a young Cuban student confronting political repression in Cuba.
Lavan's film credits include Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, Christmas with the Kranks, Che: Part One and Che: Part Two, while his television work includes guest appearances on CSI: Miami and Las Vegas. In 2005, he made his Broadway debut in Latinologues.
Educated at the New World School of the Arts and trained with Uta Hagen, Lavan has worked extensively in both English and Spanish-language productions. In addition to acting, he has hosted television specials and award shows and has produced Latino-focused film and television projects through his own production company.
Acting
TV
CSI: Miami
as Miguel
2002
Movie
Christmas with the Kranks
as Enrique Decardenal
2004
Movie
Che: Part One
as Cuban Diplomat #2
2008
Movie
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
as Carlos Suarez
2004
TV
Burn Notice
as Alejandro Lopez
2007
TV
Las Vegas
as Brazilian Highroller
2003
TV
Every Witch Way
as Francisco Alonso
2014
TV
María Belén
as Pablo Díaz Cortázar
2001
Movie
Bitter Sugar
as Gustavo
1996
Movie
Every Witch Way: Spellbound
as Francisco Alonso
2014
Movie
Christmas Overtime
as Dale McClintock
2024
Movie
Tollbooth
as Julio
1994
Movie
The Last Rafter
as Thomas
2020
Movie
The Magnificent Mendez
as Rey
2026
TV
Enamorada
as Raimundo Alvarado
1999
Movie
The Old Man and the Parrot
as Yoelvis
2026
Movie
Red Light
as Alex’s Father
2025