Manny Pérez

Manuel Pérez "Manny" Batista is a Dominican American actor best known for his portrayal of Officer Carlos "Coco" Hernandez on the long-running NBC police procedural Third Watch. Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, he moved to the United States as a child and established a career spanning nearly three decades in both Hollywood and the Dominican Republic. His work often highlights Latino identity within crime dramas and action genres.

Pérez stands out among his peers for maintaining a consistent presence in mainstream television while balancing projects in his native country. He is also widely recognized as the first cousin of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Díaz. As of 2026, he continues to act in major productions like Fire Country and recent films such as Sound of Freedom. [edit]

Manuel Pérez was born into a large family in the Baitoa neighborhood of Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic. He was one of 11 siblings, a dynamic that shaped his early years before his family relocated to the United States. The move brought him to New York City and eventually settled in Rhode Island, where he attended high school. It was during these formative years that he began exploring the arts, finding an outlet through performance and storytelling.

His upbringing in the American Northeast provided a stark contrast to his Caribbean roots, a duality that would later inform his acting choices. In interviews from late 2025, Pérez credited the lessons learned from his father as the primary guide for his successful career. He noted that his father's strong work ethic and values instilled a deep sense of discipline early on, pushing him to pursue acting professionally despite the challenges of breaking into the industry. This foundation allowed him to navigate the transition from a student in Rhode Island to a working actor in New York. [edit]

Manny Pérez achieved his major breakthrough in 1999 when he was cast as Officer Carlos "Coco" Hernandez on the NBC police drama Third Watch. The series ran until 2005, and his role as a dedicated law enforcement officer made him a recognizable face among fans of the genre. The character showcased his ability to bring depth and nuance to roles involving law enforcement, setting the tone for much of his subsequent career.

Following his success on television, Pérez secured significant roles in feature films. In 2004, he starred in Washington Heights, a dramatic film set in the titular New York neighborhood that further cemented his status in movies dealing with Latino identity. He appeared in the biographical musical drama El Cantante in 2007, playing a supporting role in the story of salsa legend Héctor Lavoe. The following year, he joined the ensemble cast of the crime thriller Pride and Glory alongside Edward Norton and Colin Farrell, and appeared in the comedy-drama Nothing Like the Holidays.

His filmography continued to grow with appearances in Back in the Day (2013) starring LL Cool J. More recently, he appeared in the high-profile box office hit Sound of Freedom in 2023. As of 2026, Pérez remains active in television, featuring in the series Fire Country where his character Manny suffered a panic attack. He balances his U.S. work with projects in the Dominican Republic, including films like Colao and Separation. [edit]

Manny Pérez projects a grounded and authentic persona that fits naturally into the gritty realism of the crime dramas and action films he frequently appears in. He is often associated with a natural aesthetic, avoiding flashy styles in favor of characters that feel lived-in and real. Media coverage typically focuses on his professionalism and his ability to portray complex Latino characters with dignity.

In interviews, he speaks thoughtfully about mental health and the importance of representation. His public image is that of a respected character actor who prioritizes substance over stardom. He rarely engages in celebrity gossip, preferring to let his work speak for itself and maintaining a low profile outside of his professional commitments. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. There is no published ranking available in the September 2026 evaluation cycle.

Pérez does not have a formally named fandom or organized fan campaigns comparable to those of pop stars. His audience consists largely of viewers who followed Third Watch during its run and fans of Latino cinema who appreciate his authentic performances. These fans interact with him primarily through social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter/X, where he occasionally posts behind-the-scenes content and updates on his travels between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. [edit]

One of the most notable facts about Manny Pérez is his close family connection to literature; he is the first cousin of Junot Díaz, the renowned author who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. This link places him at the center of a vibrant Dominican intellectual and cultural diaspora.

Another interesting aspect of his background is his upbringing as one of 11 children. This large family dynamic is often referenced in interviews when discussing his perspective on community and responsibility. Additionally, Pérez maintains a dual career path, splitting his time between Hollywood productions and the growing film industry in the Dominican Republic, often starring in local projects that highlight Dominican culture. [edit]

Manuel Pérez comes from a large family, being one of 11 siblings born to parents in the Dominican Republic. His mother and father raised him in the Baitoa neighborhood of Santiago de los Caballeros before moving to the United States. His relationship with his father has been particularly influential; Pérez has frequently spoken about the discipline and work ethic his father taught him, which became central to his professional life.

He is closely related to the literary world through his cousin, Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz. While Pérez keeps his immediate family life private regarding spouses or children, his extended family remains a significant part of his public narrative. He currently lives in the United States but maintains strong ties to the Dominican Republic, where he spends time working on local film projects. [edit]

Junot Díaz (Cousin), Kevin Alejandro (Co-star), Leslie Alejandro (Co-star), Edward Norton (Co-star), Colin Farrell (Co-star). [edit]

Information regarding Manny Pérez's dating history and marital status is scarce in public domains. Unlike many celebrities of his stature, he maintains a notably private personal life. There are no verified public records of marriages, engagements, or high-profile romantic relationships listed in credible databases or news archives. He has never publicly confirmed a partner, and media coverage focuses exclusively on his professional endeavors.

As of 2026, Manny Pérez is reported to be single. He has not announced a spouse or current partner, and the lack of information suggests he prioritizes privacy regarding his family life. Fans and journalists alike respect his decision to keep his romantic life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on his contributions to the screen. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team research estimates Manny Pérez's net worth at approximately $3 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his steady income from nearly 30 years of work in major network television and feature films. His wealth is primarily derived from residuals from his long-running role on Third Watch, salaries from subsequent film and television roles, and potential business ventures in the Dominican Republic.

Celebrity net worth aggregators typically list him in the lower-middle tier of celebrity wealth compared to A-list superstars, reflecting his status as a respected character actor rather than a lead superstar. No specific real estate holdings or investment portfolios have been publicly disclosed, suggesting he maintains a relatively modest financial footprint relative to his fame. The estate value remains stable given his continuous work in the industry. [edit]