He’s best known as the reality television star who made history by becoming the first Latino and Cuban to win Big Brother, a milestone achieved during the show’s 19th season. That victory really put him on the map, and fans have been following his journey ever since. Before he gained fame on national television, he was already hard at work—running a family-owned haircare business alongside his brother. It’s clear entrepreneurship runs in the family. He was born and raised in West New York, New Jersey, where he spent his early years. Then, during his early teens, he relocated to Miami, Florida, a move that would eventually shape much of his personal and professional path. Interestingly, he comes from a family with reality TV roots—his sister, Maytee Martinez, is also a well-known reality star. Over the years, he’s continued to build his brand, balancing past successes with new ventures, all while staying true to his heritage and background. His story is one of determination, culture, and breaking barriers—one step at a time.
After winning Big Brother, he landed a role on the popular soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. It was a big step for him, really opening doors in the entertainment industry. He worked hard to make the most of the opportunity, and fans were excited to see his transition from reality TV star to actor. His performance brought fresh energy to the show, and many credited his success to that pivotal moment after Big Brother. It’s safe to say that winning Big Brother truly changed his trajectory, setting him up for new adventures in Hollywood.