Known best as FBI Agent Danny Taylor on the popular missing-persons drama, “Without a Trace” (CBS, 2002- ), Enrique Murciano quickly made a name for himself in both film and television. Of Cuban decent, the handsome Miami native also appeared in the acclaimed films “Traffic” (2000) and “Black Hawk Down” (2001).
Born Enrique Murciano, Jr. on July 9, 1973 in Miami, FL, the actor attended college at Tulane University in New Orleans. Later, Murciano studied law at Boston Law School for a year before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his acting aspirations. On his first audition, Murciano landed a small speaking role in “Speed 2: Cruise Control” (1997). After appearing in episodes of “Suddenly Susan” (NBC, 1996-2000) and “The Pretender” (NBC, 1996-2000), the actor landed a role in the Academy Award-winning drama “Traffic” (2000). What was originally a two-day stint on the Steven Soderbergh-directed film, turned into several weeks of work. Murciano portrayed a DEA agent opposite Don Cheadle and Luis Guzman. Not bad for a beginner.
Murciano next appeared on the short-lived MTV series, “Spyder Games” (2001) before landing the role of Sergeant Lorenzo Ruiz in the acclaimed Ridley Scott drama, “Black Hawk Down” (2001). While working on the film, Murciano was introduced to producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who later offered him his big career break – FBI Agent Danny Taylor on the popular hit, “Without a Trace” (2002- ). Depicting the Missing Persons Squad of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, “Trace” drew a steady audience over time. Though the series began as a cut-and-dry crime drama, it later effectively wove in the characters’ personal tales, allowing Murciano’s Danny – a former alcoholic whose brother died of a heroin overdose – more character growth.
While working steadily on “Trace,” Murciano continued to find work on the big screen as well, appearing in the films “Café and Tobacco” (2003); “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous” (2005) opposite Sandra Bullock; and Andy Garcia’s feature directorial debut, “The Lost City” (2005). In 2006, Murciano appeared in the film “How to Go Out On a Date in Queens.”