Mike Diaz(V)
- Actor
Mike is a baby boomer who was raised in East Los Angeles. Mike joined
the United States Air Force in 1967 and served a one-year tour of duty
in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. In 1971, Mike was honorably discharged
from the USAF and joined the Ontario Police Department, where he worked
for two years. He then switched to the Los Angeles Police Department in
April of 1973. After many assignments throughout the department, Mike
landed a position as the Hollywood Division patrol adjutant, working
directly for the patrol captain. It was in that position that Mike
found himself taking several actors on department- approved research
patrol rides and advising/training them on police procedures and
tactics. Mike assisted Valerie Cruz to prepare her for her role in
"Cellular," Matt Dillon for his role in "Crash" and Donna Marie Ricco
for her role in "Vicious Circle," to name a few. It was Ms. Ricco who
convinced Mike to read for the part of Senior Sergeant Gomez, the
crusty veteran who is partnered up with rookie Sergeant Berger.
Writer/Director Paul Boyd and his lovely wife, Angelyna, gave Mike the
part - his first acting role - and the rest is history. Mike's latest
actor-assist was with his friend, Valerie Cruz, for her role as a
Police Lieutenant in the "Dresden Files." Mike is still an active
member of the Los Angeles Police Department.