A seasoned theatrical actor, Mr. Mendoza discovered his love for the performing arts while studying political science at Santa Clara University. Quickly changing his major, he joined the theater program that would later provide the foundation for his acting and music career. Upon graduating from college, he landed lead roles in several professional theater companies and independent films, such as "Poco Loco," a romantic comedy directed by Debra Koons-Garcia (wife of the late Jerry Garcia); "La Virgin de Tepeyac," directed by famed playwright Luis Valdez; "Land of Milk and Honey," which screened at Cannes; and "The Novice" which would bring him to the annual Sundance Film Festival.
On the eve of relocating from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Mr. Mendoza was offered the role of Elvis in Steve Martin's hit, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile." He remained in Northern California for a year, performing eight shows a week at the Theatre on the Square. When the run ended he decided to make the long-awaited move to Los Angeles, where his reputation preceded his arrival. He landed lead roles opposite Sanaa Lathan ("Love and Basketball") and Amy Brenneman ("Judging Amy") in the productions of "Our Town" and "Walking Off the Roof," respectively.
His television credits include starring as Trace Miller in the television series, "Crusade"; the lead in the Aaron Spelling pilot, "Forbidden Island"; and guest-starring roles in "Charmed," "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Baywatch," "Pensacola: Wings of Gold" and "Zena: Warrior Princess." He also starred opposite Jane Seymour and James Farentino in the made-for-television movie, "Murder in the Mirror."
Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Mr. Mendoza moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where his parents raised him along with five siblings. A child advocate, he continues to work with East LA Classic Theater, a program designed to help inner-city children learn about classic literature and bridge the gap between intercultural boundaries. Their latest performance starred Mr. Mendoza as Claudio in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," a performance that gave him the opportunity to showcase his singing talent as well.
He is single and resides in Los Angeles, California.
Titans
Mark; "Frisky Business" (episode # 1.5)
November 1st, 2000
Port Charles
Joe Scanlon
August 2000 to July 3rd, 2001; February 19, 2002 to March 6, 2002
Forbidden Island
1999
Crusade
Trace Miller
1999
PLACE OF BIRTH: Chihuahua, Mexico
DATE OF BIRTH: October 27th
CHILDREN: Son, Roman (January 1991)