Rock Aviles American stand-up comedian and actor Date of Birth: 14.10.1952 Country: USA

1. Rick Aviles - American Stand-Up Comedian and Actor
2. Early Life and Comedy Career
3. Acting Career and Notable Roles
4. Personal Life and Tragic Ending

Rick Aviles - American Stand-Up Comedian and Actor

Rick Aviles was an American stand-up comedian and actor, best known for his role as the killer Willie Lopez in the film "Ghost." He was born Richard Anthony Aviles on October 14, 1952, in New York City. His parents immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico in the late 1940s, hoping to find a better life for themselves and their children. They settled in Manhattan, New York, where Rick was born.

Early Life and Comedy Career

Growing up in a troubled neighborhood, Rick often found himself in trouble, but one of his strengths was his ability to make people laugh. This talent eventually led him to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. His sister, Angel Aviles, also became an actress, appearing in movies and TV series, while his brother performed comedy acts under the pseudonym Rod Reyes.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Rick Aviles worked as a comedian in the Greenwich Village nightclubs, located in the Lower Manhattan area. In 1980, he was offered his first television roles. In 1981, he portrayed Mad Dog in the comedy film "Cannonball Run" alongside Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, and Farrah Fawcett. It was also Jackie Chan's first American film.

Acting Career and Notable Roles

From 1980 to 1995, Rick Aviles appeared in 22 films and TV shows. In 1987, he had a small role as a technician in the comedy film "The Secret of My Success" starring Michael J. Fox. In the same year, he became one of the hosts of the popular TV show "It's Showtime at the Apollo," where he worked for four years.

In 1990, Aviles landed his breakthrough role. He auditioned for the role of Willie Lopez, a cold-blooded gangster who kills Patrick Swayze's character in the romantic drama film "Ghost." The movie became a huge success and received multiple Oscar nominations. Along with Aviles and Swayze, "Ghost" also starred Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg.

Aviles had the opportunity to play another interesting role in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather Part III," followed by appearances in "Carlito's Way" with Al Pacino and "Waterworld" with Kevin Costner.

Personal Life and Tragic Ending

Rick Aviles battled with heroin addiction, which ultimately led to him contracting HIV. He passed away on March 17, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, due to pulmonary embolism caused by AIDS. Despite his untimely death, Rick Aviles left a lasting impact on the comedy and acting world with his memorable performances.