Many might remember Morales as portrayed by actor Esai Morales — no relation — in the 1987 film “La Bamba,” the biopic about Valens' life. Morales was the rugged, mustached man who proudly rode his motorcycle and sported a tough, leather-jacket-clad exterior.

Esai Manuel Morales Jr. (born October 1, 1962) is an American actor. He has had notable roles in the films Bad Boys with Sean Penn and La Bamba with Lou Diamond Phillips. His television roles include the PBS 2002 drama series American Family, the Showtime series Resurrection Blvd.

Esai Morales' wife, Elvimar Silva, keeps her personal life private. She shares a young daughter, Mariana, with the actor, who sometimes joins them during red-carpet events. Puerto Rican actor Esai Morales began his acting career making waves in theater.

In the 1987 movie “La Bamba”, Bob Morales was portrayed by actor Esai Morales as a careless, impetuous, somewhat irresponsible but nonetheless caring older brother to Ritchie Valens, the musical prodigy that hailed from Pacoima.