Trivia

Was offered the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987). He would have been contractually obligated to work exclusively on the series, and not do any other projects while under contract. He wanted the flexibility to be able to work on multiple projects, and declined the role on that basis. Sir Patrick Stewart was eventually cast.

On 8/10/01, he was sentenced to 20 days in jail for trespassing in April 2000 on US Navy land on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. He and others were protesting the use of the island as a bombing test ground. President George W. Bush promised to end the testing in 2003.

Has stated that Blade Runner (1982) and Battlestar Galactica (2004) are the two projects he's most proud to be a part of.

Says that he is of Aztec and Spanish ancestry. His father was a Mexican immigrant and his mother was American-born of Mexican descent.

Agreed to the role of William Adama on the Battlestar Galactica (2004) remake only on the condition that the stories reflect as much realism and credibility as possible.

Gained 20 pounds and thinned his hair to prepare for the role of Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver (1988).

Drove a red Porsche Turbo, which he bought in Miami at a sale of articles confiscated in drug busts. He remarked, "He [the car's owner] got 30 years. I got the car!". Soon afterwards, the Porsche Turbo was stolen.

Declined an offer from director Michael Mann to reprise the role of Lt. Martin Castillo in the movie version of Miami Vice (2006). He was the only cast member from the original series Miami Vice (1984) who was approached to appear in the rebooted movie version of the series.

He was considered for the role of Klingon Commander Kruge in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), but lost the role to Christopher Lloyd because Lloyd was taller.

In December 2002, he narrated the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT (Walt Disney World) during the Christmas seasons.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on February 24, 1992.

He has appeared in seven films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant": Zoot Suit (1981), Blade Runner (1982), The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982), Stand and Deliver (1988), American Me (1992), My Family (1995) and Selena (1997). He has also directed one film that is in the registry: American Me.

He went to the United Nations with Mary McDonnell. to raise the profile of humanitarian concerns.

Turned down a regular role on Hill Street Blues (1981) (after several guest appearances) as well as major roles in Scarface (1983) and Firestarter (1984).

On March 3, 2008, he and Robert M. Young visited Madrid (Spain) to attend a show about their career.

Father, with Kaija Keel, of Mico Olmos and Bodie Olmos.

Was auctioned off for charity (lunch at the famed Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills) and "purchased" by Vicki Roberts.

Friends with Tony Award winner Raul Julia.

Attended and graduated from California State University-Los Angeles.

Received an honorary degree (Doctor of Fine Arts) from California State University-Fresno (1996).

Received an honorary degree (Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.)) from Whittier College (1993).

Is a supporter of SENS Research Foundation, a non-profit organization.

Attended and graduated from Montebello High School in Montebello, California.