Actor

René Lavan

Born November 5, 196811 films

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.

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The best way into René Lavan's work

First watchChe: Part One20086.8as Cuban Diplomat #2Ernesto Guevara, known as 'Che', leads a group of Cuban exiles under Fidel Castro in a revolution to overthrow Fulgencio Batista, the dictator of Cuba.View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach

6.2Christmas with the Kranks2004

6.4Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights2004

Filmography

11 films as actor

2026The Magnificent MendezRey
2026The Old Man and the ParrotYoelvis
2025Red LightAlex’s Father
2024Christmas OvertimeDale McClintock
2020The Last RafterThomas
2014Every Witch Way: SpellboundFrancisco Alonso
2008Che: Part OneCuban Diplomat #2
2004Christmas with the KranksEnrique Decardenal
2004Dirty Dancing: Havana NightsCarlos Suarez
1996Bitter SugarGustavo
1994TollboothJulio