A luminary of the screen

TV and film star Danny Pino ’96 has earned acclaim for masterfully inhabiting the roles of Detective Scotty Valens in “Cold Case” and Detective Nick Amaro in “Law & Order: SVU” as well as the head of a drug cartel in current hit “Mayans M.C.”

The alumnus cut his chops on stage at FIU and has since made a name for himself as both a leading man and a devoted Panther.

Active professionally for more than two decades and with appearances in dozens of programs and movies, Pino knows the value of a strong start. He credits his theater professors, among them recently retired 40-year veteran Phillip Church, for teaching him how to turn disappointment into a catalyst for success. A proponent of increasing minority representation in drama — he suggests that viewers take some responsibility for making their wishes known regarding diverse casting — the Cuban American actor twice has received the Hispanic-focused Imagen Award for his work. He has returned to campus over the years to serve as grand marshal of the homecoming parade and to speak with FIU students about getting ahead in life.

“My time studying at FIU was formative. I carry valuable lessons learned from our outstanding professors in addition to the inspired and brave work of my talented classmates. I am forever grateful for the foundation FIU provided.”