2020 Top Florida Latino Lideres Award Recipient
Oscar Torre, is a Latino Mover N’ Shaker from Miami, Florida.
LTM: What part of Florida do you live in – are you from Florida? Oscar Torre: If not – what brought you to Florida? Where is your family from? I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. My parents immigrated from Cuba in the early ’60s.
Oscar Torre in Miami, Florida is a recipient of Latin Times 2020 TOP Florida Latino Lideres Award!
LTM: Tell me about what you do for a living.
Oscar Torre: I’m making my living as an actor, but in the last few years, I’ve also been directing films. I made my directorial debut with the feature film, “Pretty Rosebud,” written and stars my wife, Chuti Tiu
LTM: Tell me about what organizations you are a part of. Oscar Torre: My wife and I are supporters of Best Friends Animal Society. Our kitty, Mochi, was adopted from them, as well. They do great work. It’s a no-kill animal rescue and pet adoption.
LTM: Tell us about the biggest highlights of your career.
Oscar Torre: Luckily, I’ve been blessed. The first one was getting cast in the film “Libertad,” playing a political prisoner in Cuba. My grandfather had been a political prisoner there for 11 years. He had been in the same prison as my character. A few years later, being cast as one of the lead roles in the Lionsgate heist comedy,” Ladron Que Roba a Ladron.” This was my first big role in Hollywood. A few months later, I was cast in the short-lived TV series, “Cane.” I played the role of Santo, Jimmy Smits, right-hand man. “The Hangover 3” was definitely another highlight. Being part of such a big film and working with that team was an honor. My most recent highlight is being part of the cast of Tyler Perry’s hit show, “The Have and The Have Nots.” I play Italian American mob boss, Vinny Malone.
LTM: What has been your biggest challenge, and how have you been able to overcome it?
Oscar Torre: I’ve had many. Many ups and downs that come with my chose profession. The times in between jobs are always hard because job security is not part of the job description. For me, keeping the faith and knowing in my heart that I’m exactly where I need to be, doing what God wants me to do. These downtimes have also been the times where I’ve had the most growth personally and professionally.
LTM: How important is being a Latino/Hispanic to you?
Oscar Torre: Whenever I’m asked, I always proudly say that I’m a Cuban American. I am blessed that my parents raised me to embrace my culture and the Spanish language, as well as teaching me the gifts that this country affords me.
LTM: What is your favorite type of musica, and what is your favorite song? Oscar Torre: I can be very eclectic in my music taste. I can go from Jay Z to Frank Sinatra to Celia Cruz to Johnny Cash. It all depends on my mood and the role I’m working on. While filming “The Have and Have Nots,” playing an Italian American, it’s been a lot of Frank Sinatra.
LTM: Being an Inspiration to others, what wisdom can you give young Latino/Hispanics?
Be the author of your story. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Your story will not look like anyone else’s because you are unique. Be nice to yourself in the process. I would also add, be grateful every day for all your blessings.
LTM: Tell us about what kind of projects you currently have going on.
Oscar Torre: I’m currently in the Tyler Perry series, “The Haves and the Have Nots.” The new season starts January 7th on the Oprah Network. I also shot one episode of the highly anticipated HBO series, “The Outsider.”
LTM: What can we expect to see from you in the future?
Oscar Torre: I’m now prepping to shoot a tv pilot in Miami, “Mob King.” I’m also in the post-production of two short films I wrote and directed “The Conquest,” starring Chuti Tiu and myself and “Just A Man & A Woman,” starring Chuti Tiu and Roberto Sanchez. We plan to be doing the film festival circuit with both of them.
LTM: What is your comida favorita?
Oscar Torre: I’m very eclectic, but I do love Cuban food as well as Chinese. Chuti is half Chinese and half Filipina, so I do get to eat a lot of great Chinese food.
LTM: What did I miss? Tell me something you want us to know!
Oscar Torre: You can follow me on Instagram at oscartorreactor. I’m always posting about my upcoming projects, and I’m also pretty good about responding to messages there. Thank you so much for adding me to this special issue. I’m honored.