Geoffrey Rivas

For some actors, being consistently cast as a police officer, detective or security guard would start to feel troublesome and limiting. But for veteran character actor Geoffrey Rivas, who played dozens of such authoritative figures in everything from "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (CBS, 2000-15) to "American Horror Story" (FX, 2011- ), his naturally gruff demeanor and imposing physique made him a natural fit for characters on the enforcement side of the law. And while he often played tough guys in projects such as the gang drama "Blood In, Blood Out" (1993), Rivas also drew on his Latino heritage in a number of smaller roles. Aside from his TV debut in "Glory Years" (HBO, 1987), the UCLA graduate portrayed a bandleader in the Ritchie Valens biopic "La Bamba" (1987) and a gay theater director's flamboyant confidant in "Moe" (2008), which he also co-produced. His name may not have been all that familiar, but Geoffrey Rivas' under-the-radar talent was.