Robert Beltran, born November 19, 1953, in Bakersfield, California, is an American actor best known for portraying Commander Chakotay, the first officer of Star Trek: Voyager. His career spans film, television, and theater, with notable roles in Eating Raoul, Night of the Comet, and Big Love.

     Beltran grew up in a large Mexican-American family, the seventh of ten children. He attended California State University, Fresno, where he earned a degree in Theater Arts. His early career included roles in Zoot Suit (1981), Eating Raoul (1982), and Lone Wolf McQuade (1983). He later starred in The Mystic Warrior (1984) and Gaby: A True Story (1987).

     In 1995, Beltran was cast as Commander Chakotay, a Native American Starfleet officer, in Voyager. He played the role for seven seasons, earning the Nosotros Golden Eagle Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Series. He later reprised Chakotay in Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–2023).

     Beyond Star Trek, Beltran appeared in Midnight Caller, Murder, She Wrote, Miami Vice, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. He also starred in Big Love (2009–2011) and performed in Shakespearean theater, including Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

     Beltran founded the East LA Classic Theater Group, mentoring young actors. He has been married to Louise Beltran, and they have one child.