Kirk Acevedo (born 1974 in Brooklyn, New York) is an actor of Puerto Rican descent who is best known for his role of "Miguel Alvarez" in HBO's T.V. series "Oz".

Kirk's parents imagrated from Puerto Rico and settled in Brooklyn, where Kirk was born. Later they moved to the Bronx where Kirk was raised and went to school. Since childhood, he showed an interest in acting when he would perform before his family in improvised shows. Kirk, also participated in his high school's drama club.

After graduating form high school, he enrolled in the Suny Purchase School of Acting (Purchase College). In the 1990's Kirk earned his "BFA" (Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts) and soon auditioned for "Oz". Some of his classmates landed parts in the series and this motivated him to try out for a part. He landed the role of "Miguel Alvarez" a prisoner in the "Oz" (which is the name of the prison). "Miguel" is a half crazed gang leader serving time and is involved in many of the situations presented. Kirk participated in the follownig episodes: 1-26; 34-36 and 41-56. He was nominated for the 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001 ALMA Award for his role in "Oz".

Among the other series that Kirk has participated in are, "Law & Order" (2001) as Det. Dan Salazar; HBO's "Band of Brothers", directed by Steven Spielberg, as SSgt. Joseph Toye and in "NYPD Blues". Some of the movies/mini series that he's been in are: "Bait" (2000); "Boiler Room" (2000); "Dinner Rush" (2000); "Arresting Gena" (1997) and "Kirk and Kerry" (1997).

In 1999, Kirk won an ALMA Award for his role in "A Thin Red Line". He was nominated in 1997 for the "Drama Desk Award" for "Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play", in the "Tooth of Crime".

He co-founded the theater company, The Rowschach Group, with Shea Wigham.

See also

• List of famous Puerto Ricans