Who Is Ezekiel Pacheco? Biography Of The Latino Star Of At The Gates And On My Block

Ezekiel Pacheco’s rise feels like one of Hollywood’s most inspiring stories in recent years—a journey that began in short films and independent projects and eventually led him to Netflix, award-winning film festivals, and national headlines. His name is trending across 2024 and 2025 not just because he is talented, but because he is historic: Ezekiel is the first DACA recipient to lead a Hollywood studio film, a milestone that changed the conversation about who gets to be the face of American cinema. Many viewers first recognized him through his memorable performance as Sapo in Netflix’s hit series On My Block, but it was his powerful, emotionally charged role in At the Gates that cemented him as one of the most important new Latino actors of his generation.

His story is extraordinary. Born in Mexico and raised in the immigrant neighborhoods of Watts, Los Angeles, Ezekiel grew up surrounded by poverty, hustle culture, and the love of a hardworking family. With guidance from mentors like Shia LaBeouf and the legendary Ed Harris, he learned to shape raw emotion into stunning, deeply realistic performances. His journey reflects the struggle, resilience, and hope of millions of immigrants, making his work even more meaningful. In this full biography, we explore his early life, his undocumented years, his DACA experience, his acting training, breakthrough roles, personal life, net worth, and what the future holds for a young star rewriting Hollywood rules.

Profile Bio: Ezekiel Pacheco

Who Is Ezekiel Pacheco?

Ezekiel Pacheco is a Mexican-American actor celebrated for his emotionally raw, truthful, and deeply human performances. His acting style blends natural realism with a sensitive emotional range that critics describe as “unfiltered,” “authentic,” and “far beyond his years.” Trained at The Imagined Life Studio, one of Los Angeles’s most respected acting programs, he learned to work from emotional memory, honesty, and lived experience—skills that shaped his signature dramatic depth.

His biggest creative influences include Shia LaBeouf, whose artistic discipline helped him understand character psychology, and Ed Harris, who recognized Ezekiel’s talent early on and supported his training. After the release of At the Gates, audiences began to see him as a rare new star capable of carrying complex, emotional roles. Industry insiders call him “a rising star with dramatic depth,” praising his work ethic, discipline, and commitment to representing immigrant stories with truth and dignity. With more than 20,000 Instagram followers and a growing public profile, he has quickly become a recognizable and respected name in modern Latino cinema.

Early Life & Background

Ezekiel Pacheco was born in Ayutla de los Libres, Guerrero, Mexico, before being brought to the United States as an infant. He grew up in Watts, Los Angeles, a neighborhood known for its vibrant Latino culture but also its economic challenges. Life in a low-income immigrant household shaped his worldview early. His parents, Ezequiel Pacheco Sr. and Veronica Morales, worked tirelessly as street vendors, waking up before dawn to prepare food and serve the community. Ezekiel grew up surrounded by the grind, sacrifice, and determination that defined immigrant life.

As a child, he fell in love with movies, watching legends like Al Pacino and Denzel Washington with fascination. But at age 14, he learned a truth that changed everything: he was undocumented. This realization created fear and confusion but also a determination to rise above his limitations. The struggles of immigration became part of his identity and deeply influenced the roles he would later choose. Despite hardships, his childhood in Watts gave him a strong sense of community and resilience, shaping the man and actor he would become.

DACA Journey

Ezekiel’s life changed when he discovered he was undocumented, a moment that brought both emotional weight and uncertainty about his future. When he learned about DACA, it offered him something he desperately needed—a chance. DACA allowed him to study, work legally, and dream of possibilities once out of reach. But the path was never easy. He survived years of instability, lack of opportunities, and fear of deportation while building a career in an industry that rarely tells stories about people like him.

In 2023, he made history as the first DACA recipient to be cast as the lead in a Hollywood studio film, breaking a barrier no one before him had crossed. This moment became a cultural milestone, ensuring immigrant youth could finally see themselves reflected in mainstream cinema. His story embodies courage and transformation, and his advocacy for immigrant representation continues to inspire countless undocumented and DACA youth across America.

Family Background

Ezekiel’s parents, Ezequiel Sr. and Veronica Morales, are the foundation of his life and character. Their migration story, long work hours, and unwavering dedication shaped his values from childhood. Growing up in a family of street vendors, he helped his parents at their small business, J.K. Ice Cream & Snack Shop, learning discipline, humility, and the meaning of hard work. His mother played a major role in his emotional sensitivity, teaching him compassion, patience, and how to understand people deeply—qualities that later became essential to his acting.

His cultural roots remain central to his identity. Being both Mexican and American, Ezekiel values the traditions, language, and vibrant community that raised him. His upbringing allowed him to understand themes of struggle, resilience, survival, and love—elements that naturally show up in the characters he portrays.

How Acting Entered His Life

Ezekiel never imagined acting could be a real career. At 19, while studying business and helping his family survive financially, he started exploring acting workshops out of curiosity. Movies had always fascinated him, but he lacked access, connections, and formal training. Slowly, acting became more than a hobby. It became a calling. He began attending local classes, auditioning for short films, and learning the discipline required to build a career. Balancing work and acting was never easy. He often juggled classes, late-night scripts, and helping his family at their shop. But every struggle pushed him further, convincing him to take acting seriously. His journey proves that even dreams born in impossible circumstances can become reality with persistence.

Mentorship by Shia LaBeouf & Ed Harris

A life-changing moment came when Ezekiel met Ed Harris at the Sundance Film Festival. Harris immediately sensed Ezekiel’s natural talent and emotional truthfulness, encouraging him to pursue serious acting training. Harris went a step further—he sponsored Ezekiel to study at The Imagined Life Studio, one of the top acting programs in Los Angeles.

During this transformative period, Ezekiel also connected with Shia LaBeouf, who helped him refine his craft, dig deeper into emotional work, and understand the psychology behind character creation. Training at Imagined Life taught him emotional honesty, vulnerability, and character embodiment—skills that later shaped his stunning performances in At the Gates and other projects. This mentorship gave him credibility, confidence, and a strong artistic foundation.

Early Career

Ezekiel’s acting career began with short films, including his early debut in Grace (2019), a small but meaningful project that showcased his natural ability. He continued working on independent films and student projects, using each experience to sharpen his craft. Casting directors quickly noticed his intensity, humility, and eagerness to learn. Though he started as a nervous newcomer, he grew into a confident and passionate performer ready for bigger roles. These early years were filled with challenges—long auditions, small paychecks, and constant uncertainty—but they were also the foundation of his eventual success. Each short film became a stepping stone toward his breakthrough.

Breakthrough on Netflix

Ezekiel’s first major breakthrough came when he was cast as Sapo in the third season of Netflix’s popular series On My Block. Landing the role was a turning point, giving him visibility among millions of viewers worldwide. His character added new energy to the show, and audiences quickly took notice of the intensity and heart he brought to the screen. Working alongside rising stars like Diego Tinoco allowed him to learn from other young Latino actors who were also reshaping Hollywood representation. The Netflix spotlight helped him gain online popularity, new fans, and opportunities—showing the world that a young undocumented immigrant could become a force in mainstream entertainment.

“At the Gates” — Leading His First Major Hollywood Film

Ezekiel’s most defining moment arrived with At the Gates, where he starred as Nico, a 17-year-old undocumented teenager caught in a tense, emotional story about family, survival, and fear. This role was deeply personal for him, mirroring his own past, his mother’s sacrifices, and the emotional weight of growing up undocumented in America. Critics praised his performance as “impressively vulnerable,” “breakout-level,” and “a clear sign of a long future ahead.” Major publications including the LA Times, Medium, and ABC News highlighted his emotional depth and authenticity. At the Gates didn’t just elevate his career—it transformed him into a symbol for immigrant representation in Hollywood. This film proved he could lead a major production with power, subtlety, and heart.

Acting Style & Strengths

Ezekiel’s acting is defined by emotional vulnerability and deep realism. He brings raw truth to every character, creating performances that feel lived-in rather than performed. His strengths include a natural intensity, a deep understanding of human emotions, and the ability to portray immigrant stories with empathy and authenticity. His training with LaBeouf and Harris refined his ability to access emotional layers, making his performances both powerful and relatable. He is passionate about character psychology, human behavior, and storytelling—qualities that set him apart in an industry hungry for genuine, meaningful talent.

Personal Life

Despite rising fame, Ezekiel remains grounded and close to his roots. He still lives near his family in Watts, often helping them at their snack shop and staying connected to his community. His lifestyle is simple, humble, and family-focused. He does not share much about his relationships and prefers to keep his private life away from public attention. He maintains a modest social presence, choosing authenticity over celebrity glamour. Those who know him describe him as loyal, disciplined, and deeply connected to his family and heritage.

Social Media Presence

With more than 20,000 followers on Instagram, Ezekiel’s social presence continues to grow steadily. He posts behind-the-scenes pictures from film sets, personal reflections, quotes about perseverance, and promotions of his projects. His influence among young Latino actors is growing, inspiring many to pursue acting despite barriers. His authenticity attracts fans who respect both his talent and his cultural identity.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Ezekiel Pacheco’s estimated net worth ranges between $100,000 and $350,000. His primary income comes from acting roles in films and television, with At the Gates significantly increasing his value in Hollywood. As his career continues to grow, he is expected to receive higher salaries, potential brand collaborations, and producer opportunities. His financial journey is an inspiring reminder of how far determination can take someone who starts with nothing.

Representation, Impact & Role in Latino Visibility in Hollywood

Ezekiel’s career represents a new chapter for Latino and immigrant visibility in Hollywood. He is breaking stereotypes, opening doors, and proving that immigrant actors can lead major films with depth and authenticity. His performances carry the weight of real struggles, honoring undocumented families and giving voice to those who rarely see themselves on screen. He has become a symbol of resilience, courage, and possibility for young Latino and DACA youth across America.

Future Plans

Ezekiel’s future is full of promise. With the success of his recent films, he is expected to secure more major Hollywood roles, including dramatic television series and independent films. He continues expanding his acting training, exploring character-based storytelling, and developing projects that highlight immigrant experiences. There is also growing talk about him stepping into writing, directing, or producing stories that reflect the world he grew up in. His influence grows stronger with every performance, marking the beginning of a long and powerful career.

Conclusion

Ezekiel Pacheco’s journey from undocumented child to Hollywood lead is a story of courage, discipline, and extraordinary talent. His rise reflects the struggles and dreams of millions of immigrant families, and his dedication to truthful storytelling makes him one of Hollywood’s most important new voices. Whether through Netflix fame, his historic DACA milestone, or his emotional work in At the Gates, Ezekiel has proven he is not just an actor—he is a symbol of representation and hope. His career is just beginning, and the world is ready to watch him shine even brighter.

FAQs About Ezekiel Pacheco

1. Who is Ezekiel Pacheco?

Ezekiel Pacheco is a Mexican-American actor best known for playing Sapo in On My Block and Nico in At the Gates. He is also the first DACA recipient to lead a Hollywood studio film.

2. Where was Ezekiel Pacheco born?

Ezekiel Pacheco was born in Ayutla de los Libres, Guerrero, Mexico, and raised in Watts, Los Angeles, after his family immigrated to the United States.

3. What made Ezekiel Pacheco famous?

He became famous for his emotional performance as Nico in At the Gates and for portraying Sapo in Netflix’s On My Block. His historic role as a DACA lead actor also brought major attention.

4. What is Ezekiel Pacheco’s nationality?

Ezekiel Pacheco is Mexican-American. He was born in Mexico and grew up in the United States as part of an immigrant family.

5. What is Ezekiel Pacheco’s net worth?

As of 2025, Ezekiel Pacheco’s estimated net worth ranges between $100,000 and $350,000, mainly from acting roles in films and series.

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