Though born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Anthony Ruivivar received his bachelor of fine arts degree 6,000 miles away at Boston University.

Ruivivar describes his role as paramedic Carlos Nieto as, “an ethnically three-dimensional character you don’t often see on TV with a lot of room to explore. I am happy to portray who I am ethnically and not have to identify with only one part of my background. My father is Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish and my mother is Scottish and German. The writers have allowed [my unique diversity] to be who Carlos is on the show, and that’s brave.”

Ruivivar’s feature-film credits include the critically praised “High Art” as well as “In & Out,” “Starship Troopers,” “Simply Irresistible” (with Sarah Michelle Gellar), “Race the Sun” (with Halle Berry) and “White Fang II” (directed by Ken Olin). He’ll next star on the big screen in the independent features “Saturn” and “Swimming,” as well as the future DVD release of “Cash Crop” with James Van Der Beek.

The actor had a recurring role on the daytime drama “All My Children” and guest-starred on NBC’s “Law & Order.” Ruivivar maintains his roots in New York theater as a member of both the Imua! Theater company and Circle East (formerly known as the Circle Repertory Theatre). Anthony recently directed and co-wrote his first play -- SAFE -- shown at the Imua! Theatre Company.

In his free time, Ruivivar -- whose father is a musician -- enjoys writing and playing music. True to his Hawaiian upbringing, he loves boogie-boarding and surfing.

Ruivivar lives in New York City with his wife. His birthday is November 4.

Biography is from nbc.com