Santiago Hernán Vásquez is an American-Venezuelan actor, born on July 24, 1964 in the city of Cumaná (Sucre State, northeast Venezuela). He immigrated to the United States of America in 1982 at the age of 18. His mother is from the Margarita Island (largest island in the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta, northeastern coast of Venezuela). His stepfather was from Sicily, Italy, and immigrant to Venezuela. He got involved in independent films in the Kansas City area. His first two experiences in films were as a leading actor in two short films. His first short film titled "First Date" (directed by Gary Huggins) became an Official Selection at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, SXSW and a multitude of national and international film festivals. His second short film "The Grass Grows Green" (directed by Jesus Beltran) also became an Official Selection at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and SXSW. This film is also played at several national and international film festivals in the USA. He has over 40 years of martial arts experience. He is the founder of Chago Karate International. He has a 7th degree black belt in Karate under the auspices of the Midori Yama Budokai. He has a 6th degree black belt in Shorin Kempo with the American Black Belt Association. He also holds a 5th degree black belt and a certified instructor under the auspices of the Hana Dai Ichi Karate Association of the United States of America. He trained Karate in Japan at Akiyama Dojo and Miyano Dojo. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baker University School of Business, and Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Brookdale Community College. He received a certification in law enforcement from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Training Academy. He has 27 years of experience in law enforcement. Vásquez is fluent in Spanish and English. In his spare time he enjoys writing poetry and painting. He is proud to his Venezuelan cultural heritage and he is proud to be a Citizen of the United States of America.
