Author, Playwright. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York City, he was known for his views of criminals on the New York streets and prisons, a subject he knew well from his troubles with the law that resulted in two prison sentences (one for second degree robbery). When he was in prison he wrote the play "Short Eyes" a brutal account about the abuse suffered by a child molester in prison. “Short Eyes” was made in to a movie and won the New York drama critics circle award. He also helped create the “Nuyorican Poets Café” in New York City’s East Village. He also was an actor who appeared in several feature films and on television. He continued to write screen plays for such films as "Fort Apache: The Bronx"(1981). He died of cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 42. A movie was made about his life, simply called “Pinero” starring Benjamin Bratt as Pinero.
Author, Playwright. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York City, he was known for his views of criminals on the New York streets and prisons, a subject he knew well from his troubles with the law that resulted in two prison sentences (one for second degree robbery). When he was in prison he wrote the play "Short Eyes" a brutal account about the abuse suffered by a child molester in prison. “Short Eyes” was made in to a movie and won the New York drama critics circle award. He also helped create the “Nuyorican Poets Café” in New York City’s East Village. He also was an actor who appeared in several feature films and on television. He continued to write screen plays for such films as "Fort Apache: The Bronx"(1981). He died of cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 42. A movie was made about his life, simply called “Pinero” starring Benjamin Bratt as Pinero.
Bio by: Annette(Chavie) Rivera
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