
J.R. Villarreal
Acting • Born 1992-09-28
Biography
Born in Houston, Texas, JR Villarreal has been working and living in Hollywood since the tender age of 10. A compelling and energetic actor, JR's talent and depth have earned him adulation from both industry professionals and fans alike. As a youngster, JR captivated audiences with his performance in the hit film Akeelah and the Bee starring alongside KeKe Palmer and Angela Bassett. Fresh off the success of Akeela, JR played the role of "Kit" in Millennium Film's action-drama, Bobby Z with Paul Walker and Lawrence Fishburne. Recently, his performance as the lead in the indie drama, Magic City Memoirs, garnered him a Best Actor award at the 2011 Ibiza International Film Festival. The film which is executive produced by Academy Award nominated actor, Andy Garcia, also won awards at the Miami International Film Festival and New York International Latino Film Festival. His latest feature is Paramount's found-footage parody, Ghost Team One. A horror comedy about two roommates deathly afraid of ghosts that both fall in love with a girl who believes their home is haunted. Ghost Team One is set to hit theaters October 11, 2013. JR's television roles include guest appearances on FX's new hit series The Bridge starring Demian Bichir, Fox's House M.D., Lifetime's Strong Medicine and CBS's Ghost Whisperer. Other television credits include guest lead roles in three of the highest rated shows on television - Cold Case, Without A Trace and CSI: Miami. A true thespian and student of the craft, JR's presence will continue to illuminate silver and small screens for years to come.
Filmography
18 credits
Akeelah and the Bee
Movie • 2006
Javier

Jenni
Movie • 2024
Juan 'Cinco' Lopez

Ghost Team One
Movie • 2013
Brad

The Death and Life of Bobby Z
Movie • 2007
Kit

High and Mighty
Movie • 2017
Hugo

Whiteblood
Movie • 2017
Rico

Spare Parts
Movie • 2015
Hector

Ghost Whisperer
TV • 2005
Joseph Borgia

Medal of Honor
TV • 2018
Gallegos

House
TV • 2004
Manny

Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion
TV • 2022
Cruz de la Vega / Black Scorpion

CSI: Miami
TV • 2002
Ben Tavez

Without a Trace
TV • 2002
Nelson Rodriguez

Freeridge
TV • 2023
Tio Tonio

Strong Medicine
TV • 2000
Marcos Garcia

United We Fall
TV • 2020
Felix Rodriguez

Landman
TV • 2024
Manuel

The Dutton Ranch
TV • 2026
Azul