Summary: Hector Jiménez is a Mexican actor and comedian, born December 13, 1973. He’s best known for his quirky roles in Nacho Libre, Epic Movie, and Wild Hogs. With a background in theater, his comedic timing and offbeat characters have earned him a cult fanbase.
Mexico, famously known for its vibrant cinema and iconic cartel roles, has introduced many remarkable talents to the world like Manuel Masalva — and Héctor Jiménez is one of the most renowned among them.
Unlike many actors, Héctor didn’t start directly in front of the camera. His journey began behind the scenes — working as an assistant director, cinematographer, producer, and even graduating as a dancer.
Eventually, he stepped into acting and appeared in several films, but it was Nacho Libre that gave him his big break and brought him into the spotlight. Since then, he’s been seen in many roles — from lead to side characters — including the recent release The Black Demon.
Want to know more about his journey, career, and rise to fame? Stick around — we’ve got it all covered in this blog.
Table Of Content
1. Who is Héctor Jiménez? | Overview
Héctor Jiménez is a versatile and celebrated Mexican actor, producer, and filmmaker who has been active in the entertainment industry since the early 2000s. Known for his unique screen presence and quirky roles, Héctor has become a recognizable face both in Mexican cinema and international films like Nacho Libre.
Credit – Hector Jimenez
But he’s not just an actor—Héctor Jiménez is a multi-talented artist. Over the years, he has worked as a:
- Producer
- Director
- Assistant Director
- Dancer
- Cinematographer
Before stepping into film, he spent eight years (1992–2000) performing in Mexican theatre, starting his artistic journey at a young age in Tijuana, Baja California. His early experience in physical theatre and clown performance helped shape his expressive and comedic style, which later became his trademark in movies.
With a career spanning over three decades, Héctor remains an influential and active figure in the Mexican film industry.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Héctor Jiménez |
| Date of Birth | December 13, 1973 |
| Age | 51 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Ethnicity | Latino / Hispanic |
| Profession(s) | Actor, Producer, Director, Dancer, Cinematographer |
| Years Active | 2004–present (film), 1992–2000 (theatre) |
| Known For | Nacho Libre, Epic Movie, Casa de mi Padre |
| Languages | Spanish, English |
2. Social Media
Credit – Hector Jimenez
If you want to follow Héctor Jiménez and get a peek behind the scenes of his projects, travels, and daily life, here are his official social media handles:
| Platform | Handle / Link |
|---|---|
| @hectorjimenezofficial | |
| Héctor Jiménez Official | |
| Twitter (X) | @hectorjimenezmx |
📌 Note: Always look for the verified badge to avoid fan or fake pages.
3. Childhood of Héctor Jiménez
Héctor Jiménez was born on December 13, 1973, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Not long after, he moved with his family to Tijuana, Baja California, where he spent most of his early years. It was in Tijuana that he completed his basic education and also discovered his first interest in the performing arts.
Although he didn’t receive formal acting training early on, this is where his passion for entertainment began to take shape — laying the foundation for the versatile career he would later build.
4. Education
After moving to Tijuana, Baja California, at an early age, Héctor Jiménez completed his basic education there. While detailed records about his academic background are limited, it’s known that his only formal acting training also took place in Tijuana.
There’s no confirmed information about any college degree or higher education, suggesting that Héctor may have entered the entertainment industry more through experience and passion than through academic routes.
5. Family of Héctor Jiménez
Not much is know about Hector Family. However, Héctor Jiménez was born and raised in Mexico, and while not much is publicly known about his family, it’s believed that they have roots in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
He has kept his personal and family life quite private over the years, focusing more on his work and creative journey.
6. Career
Héctor Jiménez’s career, spanning over three decades, is a vibrant mix of film and TV acting, voice roles, production, and early theatre work. Starting in local theatre in Mexico and later becoming internationally known, especially after Nacho Libre, Héctor has built a name for himself as a versatile performer with a distinct style.
🎭 Theatre & Clown Performer (1992–2000)
Héctor began his career in 1992, working in local theatres in Tijuana for nearly eight years. This foundational stage helped him develop as a performer. Afterward, he moved to Mexico City, where he joined a Swiss theatre company as a professional clown, sharpening his physical comedy and expressive abilities — traits that would later define his acting style.
🎬 Film Actor
Credit – Hector Jimenez
Héctor’s first film appearances came in 2004 with small roles in Mexican films like Mezcal and Voces Inocentes, but his breakthrough happened with Nacho Libre in 2006. Since then, he has played various comic, eccentric, and sidekick roles in both Mexican and Hollywood movies.
Notable Film Roles:
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Voces Inocentes | Raton |
| 2004 | Mezcal | Borracho joven |
| 2006 | Nacho Libre | Steven / Esqueleto (Breakout Role) |
| 2006 | Punto de fuga | Héctor |
| 2007 | Epic Movie | Mr. Tumnus / Tony Fauntana |
| 2007 | Wild Hogs | Store Clerk |
| 2008 | Navidad S.A. | Chícharo |
| 2009 | Sin Nombre | Leche / Wounded Man |
| 2009 | Gentlemen Broncos | Lonnie |
| 2010 | El infierno | Pancho Pistolas |
| 2010 | Sharktopus | Bones |
| 2011 | Cellmates | Emilio |
| 2012 | Casa de Mi Padre | Supporting Role |
| 2014 | Fachon Models | El Charal |
| 2016 | Compadres | Guasa |
| 2018 | Justice for All | Supporting Role |
| 2019 | Ruta Madre | Supporting Role |
| 2022 | Incomplete Lovers | Joaquín |
| 2023 | The Black Demon | Chocolatito |
| 2023 | The Great Seduction | Supporting Role |
📺 Television Actor
Héctor has also appeared in several television shows, primarily in Mexico but also in international streaming series.
Notable TV Roles:
| Year | TV Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Yo Gabba Gabba! | Himself |
| 2012 | El Albergue | Bulgaro Antonio |
| 2021 | Who Killed Sara? | Elroy |
🔊 Voice Actor
Héctor has lent his unique voice to animated features, bringing the same quirky energy that makes his live-action roles memorable.
Voice Roles:
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | El Santos vs. La Tetona Mendoza | Cabo Valdivia |
🎥 Producer
Though not his primary role, Héctor has also contributed to select independent film productions. These have mainly been Mexican indie films where he has been credited as either co-producer or creative consultant. Specific titles are lesser-known but part of his behind-the-scenes contribution to cinema.
🎞️ Cinematography & Early Roles
Before fully stepping into acting, Héctor worked on small-scale projects and theatre productions where he assisted with camera operations, lighting, and production coordination — particularly during his early years in Tijuana.
🚀 Breakthrough: Nacho Libre (2006)
Credit – Hector Jimenez
Nacho Libre remains the defining role of his career, where he played Esqueleto, the bony sidekick to Jack Black’s Nacho. His performance gained cult popularity and opened doors for Hollywood roles — marking his transition from a local theatre actor to an internationally recognized face.
7. Achievements
In a career spanning over three decades, Héctor Jiménez has made a lasting mark in both Mexican and international cinema.
🌟 MTV Movie Awards Nominee (2007) – Nominated for Best Fight Scene for Nacho Libre
🎬 Gained international fame for his breakout role as Esqueleto in Nacho Libre (2006)
🏆 Widely referred to as the “Mexican Steve Buscemi” for his distinctive character portrayals
🎭 Recognized for contributing to the growth of independent Mexican theater and film
📽️ Appeared in 40+ films and series, often praised for his comedic timing and expressive acting
🌍 Frequently featured in film festivals and indie projects, highlighting Latin American talent globally
8. Net Worth
In a career spanning over three decades, Héctor Jiménez has managed to build an estimated net worth of around $2 million. This wealth comes from his diverse work in acting, producing, and behind-the-scenes roles like cinematography and assistant directing.
From local Mexican theatres to international films, his journey has been both inspiring and financially rewarding.
9. Facts about Héctor Jiménez
Here are some unique and interesting facts about Héctor Jiménez:
- Known in Hollywood as “The Mexican Steve Buscemi” for his distinctive look.
- He started his career in Mexican theatre in Tijuana.
- Got his big break playing Esqueleto in Nacho Libre (2006).
- Worked as an assistant director and cinematographer before acting.
- Appeared in over 30 international films and series.
- Known for portraying quirky, offbeat characters.
- Has also done voice acting in animated features.
- Despite global fame, he stays deeply connected to his Mexican roots.
FAQs
1. Who plays Nacho Libre in the epic movie?
Ans: Nacho Libre is played by Jack black with Jareb Dauplaise.
2. What is the name of Esqueleto in Nacho Libre?
Ans: Esqueleto, the skinny wrestling partner, is played by Héctor Jiménez.
3. How tall is Esqueleto from Nacho Libre?
Ans: Héctor Jiménez (Esqueleto) is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
4. Is Nacho Libre a funny movie?
Ans: Yes! It’s known for its quirky humor, fun characters, and hilarious scenes, making it a cult comedy.
5. What other movies has Héctor Jiménez been in?
Ans: He has appeared in films like “Gentefied,” “Epic Movie,” “Black Demon,” and more.
6. Did Héctor Jiménez start as an actor?
Ans: No, he originally worked as an assistant director, dancer, and cinematographer before getting into acting.
