A Life Forged in Music and Ambition

Some careers are built, but others are destined. For Hechter Ubarry, a life on stage and screen seems to have been written in the stars. His is a story that could only happen in New York—a journey of a talented Puerto Rican kid from Harlem who, through sheer force of will, found his way to the bright lights of Broadway and the silver screen.

Ubarry is more than just an actor; he’s a singer, a survivor, and a quiet pioneer of the Nuyorican theater movement. His path was never easy, but it’s a powerful reminder that talent, when mixed with grit, can create a lasting legacy.

From the Rhythms of Harlem to the Halls of Fame

A Childhood Steeped in Sound

Hechter Ubarry’s story begins with a move from Puerto Rico to New York City when he was just three years old. Raised in Harlem, his world was filled with music. His mother had been a singer on the radio back in Puerto Rico, and their home was a constant hub of visiting musicians.

This musical upbringing was complemented by his grandmother’s love for the classic Hollywood films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Add a dash of youthful obsession with Elvis Presley, and you have the perfect recipe for a future performer. The local movie theaters became his escape, a place where he could dream of a life far from the neighborhood’s tougher realities.

Finding His Way at Performing Arts High

That dream led him to the famed High School of Performing Arts. With a mix of guts and raw talent, he auditioned with a monologue from Macbeth—a play he had never even seen performed. He got in, but his journey was almost cut short when his family decided to move out of the city.

In a moment that feels like it’s straight out of a movie, a classmate named Polly McLean offered him a place to stay. This act of kindness allowed him to continue his studies, immersing him in Brooklyn’s vibrant West Indian culture and introducing him to the sounds of Calypso. It was a period of struggle, but also one of immense growth and generosity.

The Great White Way Beckons

A Broadway Debut to Remember

Just a few months out of high school, Ubarry made his Broadway debut. He was cast in the epic production of The Royal Hunt of the Sun, sharing the stage with giants like Christopher Plummer and David Carradine. The role of an Inca Indian was his official entry into the world of professional theater, earning him his coveted Actors’ Equity card.

It was the validation he had worked so hard for. He was no longer just a kid with a dream; he was a working actor in the heart of New York’s theater district, learning from the very best in the business.

A Familiar Face on Broadway

His career on Broadway continued to blossom. He was part of the original run of Man of La Mancha and later had the chance to work with his dear friend, the great Raul Julia, in a revival of the show. His unique look and versatile talent led to fascinating roles, including playing a Jewish-Chinese prince in the musical Chu Chem.

With credits in shows like West Side Story and The King and I, Ubarry proved he could handle just about anything, building a reputation as a charismatic and dependable stage presence.

Hollywood’s Go-To Villain: Crocodile Dundee II

The Unforgettable Rico

While the stage was his first love, Hollywood couldn’t ignore his talent. In 1988, Hechter Ubarry became a household name, or at least a household face, when he played the menacing drug lord Rico in the blockbuster hit Crocodile Dundee II. His intense performance made Rico one of the most memorable movie villains of the decade.

This role brought him international recognition and proved he had the charisma to command the big screen. It was a career-defining moment that opened up a new world of possibilities in film.

Ubarry continued to build an impressive filmography, often playing complex and formidable characters. He faced off against Christopher Walken as another drug kingpin in McBain and appeared alongside Bruce Willis in 16 Blocks.

From his very first role in The Cross and the Switchblade, he has consistently brought a sense of depth and realism to his characters, making him a sought-after character actor for decades.

A Champion of Latino Theater

The Leading Man of the Nuyorican Stage

Ubarry never forgot his roots. He became a central figure in New York’s exciting Nuyorican theater movement, a cultural explosion that gave voice to the city’s Puerto Rican artists. He was named the “Galan,” or leading man, of El Nuevo Teatro Pobre de America, a theater group founded by director Pedro Santaliz.

He embraced the role, starring in numerous Spanish-language plays and becoming a leading voice in a movement that celebrated his heritage. He worked with other luminaries like Miguel Piñero, the celebrated playwright of Short Eyes.

Theater for the People

His work with the legendary Miriam Colon and her Puerto Rican Traveling Theater was another highlight. They brought shows to the streets, performing on the back of a truck in parks across the city. Their hit musical, La Farsa Del Amor Compradito, brought joy and culture directly to communities that rarely had access to live theater.

The Beat Goes On

An Ageless Performer

Hechter Ubarry’s creative fire has never dimmed. For more than twenty years, he has been delighting audiences with his own cabaret show, showcasing his enduring talent as a singer and storyteller. He continues to perform, driven by a pure love for his craft.

His career is a masterclass in how to build a life in the arts, navigating the industry’s highs and lows with grace and professionalism.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Hechter Ubarry’s story is one of inspiration. It’s a reminder that talent can be found anywhere, and that with perseverance and a little help from others, even the biggest dreams are within reach. His legacy lives on, not just in his performances, but in the doors he helped open for a new generation of Latino artists.