Biography for
Yancey Arias More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

27 June 1971, New York City, New York, USA

Height

5' 11" (1.80 m)

Mini Biography

Yancey Arias was born in the lower east side of Manhattan New York at Beth Israel Hospital on 16th Street, and 1st Ave. His mother from Puerto Rico is Miriam Almestica a business professor and entrepreneur. His father from Medellin Colombia is Antonio Arias who dedicates his life to tourism. His family realized that at a very young age he was to be an actor. Yancey always loved dancing at parties and entertaining the family. He started singing at the age of 12 when his grandmother threw him on stage to sing a song for a neighborhood talent show at Henry Street Settlement in down town Manhattan.

Yancey was discovered by professor James Green at Saint Johns Prep High School in Astoria Queens NY. James then introduced Yancey to Stage Door Manor in Lock Sheldrake New York where he studied theater under Jack Romano every summer, and winter with fellow actors Vincent Laresca, Christian J. Meoli, and Josh Charles.

During the last two years at Moore Catholic High School in Staten Island he won first place honors in New York City on the Forensics team, and took 3rd in the nation for the drama category. Yancey went on to study theater in college at Carnegie Mellon University. On his way back to his Junior year he was discovered by the producers of Miss Saigon on Broadway and left school to join the cast for the next five years. He continued his studies during his years on Broadway with Alan Savage, and honors his relationship greatly for having given Yancey so much continued care and knowledge. In 2000 Yancey Joined the cast of George Wolf's "THE WILD PARTY" with Eartha Kitt, Toni Collete, and Mandy Patinkin.

During his years on Broadway he had the opportunity to work on several TV series as a guest star. He stared, and co produced in two independent films "Destination Unknown", and "Home Invaders" which helped pave the way to his eventual move to Los Angeles. In 2002 Yancey had the privilege to be discovered by David Mills and Alan Coulter who cast him as the title role of Miguel Cadenas in the hit NBC miniseries "KINGPIN". Yancey continued to thrive in television, and film soon after the completion of that show giving him the opportunity to work in many projects with such greats as Edward James Olmos in "American Family" and Andre Braugher" in "THIEF" to name a few. Today Yancey continues to excel as an actor in film and TV. He has added, directing, writing, and producing to his experience as an artist. Yancey recently created his new production company NYC FILMS with his friends and partners Nestor Miranda and Charlton E. Lui. Yancey is grateful to every agent, manager that has helped him over the years such as Jean Fox, Chris Henze at THRULINE, The Paradigm agency, APA, and now Matt Luber, and GAA . He continues his studies with Alan Savage in New York, Catlin Adams and Howard Fine in Los Angeles. Yancey honors his family, mentors, and God for all the support, love, and education he has received over the years.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Miriam Almestica

Spouse

Anna Carolina Alvim

(22 December 2002 - present)

Trivia

Is a professional singer.

Attended Carnegie Mellon University.

He is of Colombian and Puerto Rican descent.

Did High School Theatre in Staten Island, New York.

Attended St. John's Preparatory in Astoria Queens, NY.

Attended Moore Catholic High School in Staten Island, NY.

Yancey is a martial artist with a first degree black belt, and is a practitioner of Wu Shu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Watsfa Scra, Wing Chun, Capoeira, and Hapkido.

In 2003, Yancey was simultaneously offered the series "Desperate Housewives" on ABC as Eva Longoria's husband Carlos, and a pilot called "Wanted" for CBS to star opposite Scott Glen, and Jason Gedrick. Yancey chose "Wanted".

Personal Quotes

Every morning I wake up to stretch, and chant "Today is the best day of my life".

I am so blessed, and forever grateful to my family, friends, mentors, and God.