Comprehensive Guide to Gerardo Celasco Movies and TV Shows

Gerardo Celasco, formerly known by his stage name Adrian Bellani, has established himself as a versatile force in Hollywood. From his beginnings in daytime television to his current status as a mainstay in high-stakes streaming dramas, Celasco’s career spans two decades of consistent growth. He is most widely recognized for his roles as the antagonist Xavier Castillo in How to Get Away with Murder, Detective Lopez in Netflix’s Devil in Ohio, and his breakout role as Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald in Passions.

Notable Television Career and Breakout Roles

Gerardo Celasco's television portfolio is extensive, ranging from series regular positions to impactful guest spots. His ability to transition from romantic leads to complex villains has made him a sought-after actor for major networks and streaming platforms.

Current and Recent Projects (2022–2025)

In recent years, Celasco has become a familiar face on Netflix and major network procedurals.

• The Waterfront (2025): In this high-stakes drama, Celasco stars as DEA Agent Marcus Sánchez. The series has garnered significant attention for its gritty portrayal of law enforcement and maritime crime.
• Pulse (2025): Celasco appears as Cam Fuentes in the episode "Nothing Personal," continuing his trend of portraying authoritative and complex characters in medical or procedural settings.
• The Idol (2023): Celasco appeared as Andres in the HBO series, marking a move into more provocative, high-budget prestige television.
• Devil in Ohio (2022): In this Netflix limited series, he played Detective Lopez. His performance provided a grounded, investigative perspective to a story centered on cult activity and psychological suspense.
• Swimming with Sharks (2022): Playing the character Miles, Celasco joined this Roku Original series that explores the dark underbelly of the Hollywood studio system.
• Good Sam (2022): On the CBS medical drama, he played the recurring role of Dr. Nick Vega, a character that showcased his ability to handle the fast-paced dialogue and emotional weight of a medical procedural.

The "How to Get Away with Murder" Era

One of Celasco’s most career-defining roles came in 2019 when he joined the final seasons of ABC’s How to Get Away with Murder. He portrayed Xavier Castillo, the formidable and ruthless brother of Laurel Castillo. As an antagonist, he went toe-to-toe with Viola Davis’s Annalise Keating, bringing a chilling sophistication to the role that solidified his reputation as a capable dramatic actor.

Sci-Fi and Thriller Series (2018–2020)

• Next (2020): Celasco was a series regular on this Fox sci-fi thriller, playing Ty Salazar. The show focused on a rogue AI, and Celasco’s performance as a father and husband caught in the crosshairs of a technological apocalypse was highly praised.
• StartUp (2018): In this tech-driven crime drama, he played the role of Fernan, appearing alongside actors like Adam Brody and Martin Freeman.

Early Career as Adrian Bellani and Soap Opera Success

Before adopting his birth name professionally, Gerardo Celasco worked under the name Adrian Bellani. This era of his career was defined by his work in the daytime television circuit, where he gained a massive following.

Passions (2006–2007)

Celasco’s breakout role was Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald on the NBC daytime drama Passions. He was the second actor to play the role, taking over a character central to the show's core romantic and supernatural storylines. His time on Passions established him as a household name among soap opera fans and opened the door to primetime opportunities.

Early Primetime Guest Appearances

During the late 2000s and early 2010s, Celasco made guest appearances on several iconic series, often credited as Adrian Bellani:

• Heroes (2007): Played Gilberto in the episode "Four Months Ago..."
• Rizzoli & Isles (2011): Played Manny Vega in the episode "Don't Hate the Player."
• RPM Miami (2011): He took a lead role as Alejandro "Alex" Hernandez in this action-packed series, which catered to a bilingual audience.

Major Film Roles and Cinematic Appearances

While television has been the primary focus of his career, Gerardo Celasco has appeared in several high-profile films, including Academy Award-nominated projects.

Moneyball (2011)

In the critically acclaimed film Moneyball, which stars Brad Pitt, Celasco played the role of Carlos Peña. This role allowed him to showcase his range in a serious biographical sports drama that focused on the data-driven revolution in professional baseball.

Battleship (2012)

Celasco appeared as Ensign Chavez in this big-budget science fiction action film directed by Peter Berg. The film was a major commercial production, placing him in the middle of a large-scale blockbuster environment.

Independent and Genre Films

• Green Card Warriors (2013): Celasco played Rigo in this drama that explores the struggles of undocumented immigrants serving in the U.S. military.
• Pimp Bullies (2011): In this thriller, he played the character Daniel, showcasing his ability to take on roles in grittier, independent cinema.
• Las Angeles (2010): He played Freddy in this indie project centered on the lives and intersections of people in Los Angeles.

Complete Filmography Summary

For quick reference, here is a categorized list of Gerardo Celasco’s most significant work across his career.

Television Credits

Film Credits

Summary of Gerardo Celasco's Career Impact

Gerardo Celasco has successfully navigated the transition from a "teen heartthrob" persona in daytime soaps to a serious dramatic actor in primetime and streaming. His bilingual capabilities and athletic background (having been a competitive equestrian and volleyball player) often bring a unique physical presence to his roles. Whether playing a dedicated DEA agent or a calculating villain, Celasco continues to be a versatile asset to any production he joins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Gerardo Celasco's most famous role?

He is most famous for his role as Xavier Castillo in How to Get Away with Murder and his early career role as Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald in the soap opera Passions.

Are Gerardo Celasco and Adrian Bellani the same person?

Yes. Early in his career, particularly during his time on Passions, Gerardo Celasco used the stage name Adrian Bellani. He has since transitioned back to using his birth name.

What movies has Gerardo Celasco been in?

His most notable film credits include Moneyball (2011) alongside Brad Pitt and the action blockbuster Battleship (2012).

Is Gerardo Celasco in The Waterfront?

Yes, he plays the lead role of DEA Agent Marcus Sánchez in the 2025 series The Waterfront.