About Paul Calderon
Paul Calderon, born in Puerto Rico in 1959, relocated to New York City with his family at the age of six, growing up in the vibrant neighborhoods of the Lower East Side and Spanish Harlem. After attending college, he enlisted in the United States Army and served overseas as an infantryman. Upon returning, Calderon pursued a career in acting, beginning on the New York stage where he earned an Obie Award for his role in "Blade to the Heat" at the Public Theatre. He appeared on Broadway opposite Robert De Niro in "Cuba and His Teddy Bear," and performed in off-Broadway productions such as "Requiem For A Heavyweight" and "Divine Horsemen." Notably, he portrayed Achilles in the New York Shakespeare Festival's production of "Troilus and Cressida" in Central Park. Calderon is a founding member of several theater companies, including the Touchstone Theatre, the American Folk Theatre, and the Labyrinth Theatre Company.
Initially considered for the role of Jules Winnfield in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction," Calderon had a stronger reading than Samuel L. Jackson, prompting serious consideration for the part. Ultimately, Jackson was cast after Tarantino wrote the character with him in mind. Calderon portrayed Paul, the bartender, in the iconic dialogue scene between Butch Coolidge and Marsellus Wallace.
Beyond acting, Calderon co-wrote the 1992 crime drama "Bad Lieutenant," directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Harvey Keitel. His extensive filmography includes over three dozen films such as "The Last Castle," the critically acclaimed "Girlfight," "Out of Sight," "Cop Land," "Four Rooms," "Pulp Fiction," "Bad Lieutenant," "The Firm," "The Addiction," "Q & A," "Sea of Love," "Clockers," and "King of New York." On television, he has made numerous guest appearances, including recurring roles on "Dream Street," "Law & Order," and "Miami Vice."
In 2010, Calderon was set to star as The Businessman in Sanzhar Sultanov's crime drama "The Story."
Movie Credits
Paul Calderon has appeared in 54 movies.
TV Credits
Paul Calderon has appeared in 26 shows.
