Raúl Castillo

Raúl Castillo Jr. (born August 30, 1977) is a notable American actor and playwright, recognized for his significant roles in cinematic endeavours such as Amexicano and Cold Weather, as well as his impressive portrayal of Richie Donado Ventura on HBO's Looking series. He received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male for his performance in the film We the Animals. Castillo's written plays, including Border Stories and Between Me, You, and the Lampshade, have garnered considerable attention, and are frequently associated with the LAByrinth Theater Company and the Atlantic Theater Company.

Castillo's life began in McAllen, Texas, a town holding a 90 percent Mexican-American population. His parents, Mexican immigrants from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, fostered a bicultural upbringing for Castillo and his siblings. His acting journey began in third grade upon watching his older brother perform in a school production. His passion and interest in acting deepened during high school, leading to his enrollment at Boston University College of Fine Arts for undergraduate studies in playwriting. Despite his escalating acting career, Castillo maintained a strong inclination towards writing. His intriguing plays were usually based on the sociopolitical and racial tensions encountered along the border of Mexico and the United States.