Willie Colón

Acting

Willie Colón

Born April 28, 1950 · South Bronx, New York, USA

Died February 21, 2026 · aged 75

William Anthony Colón Román , better known as Willie Colón, (April 28, 1950 – February 21, 2026) was a Nuyorican salsa musician and social activist. He began his career as a trombonist, and also sings, writes, produces and acts. He was also involved in the politics of New York City and international politics.

Known For

It Could Happen to YouIt Could Happen to You · 1994
It Could Happen to You
6.71994
MovieComedyDrama
Charlie Lang is a simple, kindhearted New York City cop. When he realizes he has no money to tip waitress Yvonne Biasi, Lang offers her half the winnings of his lottery ticket. Amazingly, the ticket happens to be a winner, in the sum of $4 million. True to his word, Lang proceeds to share the prize money with Biasi, which infuriates his greedy wife, Muriel. Not content with the arrangement, Muriel begins scheming to take all the money.
VigilanteVigilante · 1983
Vigilante
6.21983
MovieCrimeAction
New York City factory worker Eddie Marino is a solid citizen and regular guy, until the day a sadistic street gang brutally assaults his wife and murders his child. When a corrupt judge sets the thugs free, he goes berserk and vows revenge.
El CantanteEl Cantante · 2006
El Cantante
7.12006
MovieHistoryDrama
The rise and fall of salsa singer, Héctor Lavoe (1946-1993), as told from the perspective of his wife Puchi, who looks back from 2002.
SalsaSalsa · 1976
Salsa
10.01976
MovieDocumentaryMusic
The Fania All Stars perform for 44,000 fans at Yankee stadium in New York. Besides concert footage, there's also included a history of Salsa, and vintage film clips of Hollywood's portrayal of Latinos in movies during the 1930's and 40's.
I'm Not Supposed to Be HereI'm Not Supposed to Be Here · 2025
I'm Not Supposed to Be Here
2025
MovieDocumentaryMusic
A behind-the-scenes look at the music industry reveals what artists must face when chasing their passion. Eddie, a Miami-based music artist and lead singer of the international band Toke D Keda, born in Puerto Rico, is determined to achieve success at any cost. When he is denied a rightfully earned recording contract with Sony Music, he must make some tough choices. Giving up is not an option. A relentless pursuit of a lifelong dream takes Eddie on the journey of a lifetime. He will travel to the ends of the world to find himself and his purpose, but at what cost? Eddie suspects someone is stealing money, but this is the least of his problems. As the band's popularity rises, just trying to keep them together may prove impossible.
The Last FightThe Last Fight · 1983
The Last Fight
4.71983
MovieDrama
Singer-turned-boxer Andy 'Kid' Clave signs a contract with a shady promoter Joaquin Vargas. But Clave turns against Vargas when the promoter's thugs kill Clave's girlfriend when he thinks about backing out of the contract. While seeking a way to get revenge against Vargas, Clave learns that he has a blood clot in his head. But nothing will deter him from getting his revenge and making a shot at the title.
From Mambo to Hip HopFrom Mambo to Hip Hop · 2007
From Mambo to Hip Hop
2007
MovieDocumentary
Through interviews and performance clips, filmmaker Henry Chalfant explores the history of music in the South Bronx, from the Puerto Rican and Cuban influences that created the local salsa sound to the rise of hip-hop after fires destroyed the area. Artists appearing in this colorful documentary include Eddie Palmieri, Angel Rodríguez, Benny Bonilla, Clemente "Kid Freeze" Moreno, Ray Barretto, Willie Colón, Bobby Sanabria and many others.
Prison Stories: Women on the InsidePrison Stories: Women on the Inside · 1991
Prison Stories: Women on the Inside
4.21991
MovieDramaTV Movie
Three novels - three dramatic stories in the walls of the women's prison. The first story - a brand new, first went to prison inmates. The second - about a mother whose son has ceased to go to prison for visits. The third - about the experiences of women on the eve of its release.

Movies

It Could Happen to YouIt Could Happen to You · 1994
It Could Happen to You
6.71994
MovieComedyDrama
Charlie Lang is a simple, kindhearted New York City cop. When he realizes he has no money to tip waitress Yvonne Biasi, Lang offers her half the winnings of his lottery ticket. Amazingly, the ticket happens to be a winner, in the sum of $4 million. True to his word, Lang proceeds to share the prize money with Biasi, which infuriates his greedy wife, Muriel. Not content with the arrangement, Muriel begins scheming to take all the money.
VigilanteVigilante · 1983
Vigilante
6.21983
MovieCrimeAction
New York City factory worker Eddie Marino is a solid citizen and regular guy, until the day a sadistic street gang brutally assaults his wife and murders his child. When a corrupt judge sets the thugs free, he goes berserk and vows revenge.
El CantanteEl Cantante · 2006
El Cantante
7.12006
MovieHistoryDrama
The rise and fall of salsa singer, Héctor Lavoe (1946-1993), as told from the perspective of his wife Puchi, who looks back from 2002.
SalsaSalsa · 1976
Salsa
10.01976
MovieDocumentaryMusic
The Fania All Stars perform for 44,000 fans at Yankee stadium in New York. Besides concert footage, there's also included a history of Salsa, and vintage film clips of Hollywood's portrayal of Latinos in movies during the 1930's and 40's.
I'm Not Supposed to Be HereI'm Not Supposed to Be Here · 2025
I'm Not Supposed to Be Here
2025
MovieDocumentaryMusic
A behind-the-scenes look at the music industry reveals what artists must face when chasing their passion. Eddie, a Miami-based music artist and lead singer of the international band Toke D Keda, born in Puerto Rico, is determined to achieve success at any cost. When he is denied a rightfully earned recording contract with Sony Music, he must make some tough choices. Giving up is not an option. A relentless pursuit of a lifelong dream takes Eddie on the journey of a lifetime. He will travel to the ends of the world to find himself and his purpose, but at what cost? Eddie suspects someone is stealing money, but this is the least of his problems. As the band's popularity rises, just trying to keep them together may prove impossible.
The Last FightThe Last Fight · 1983
The Last Fight
4.71983
MovieDrama
Singer-turned-boxer Andy 'Kid' Clave signs a contract with a shady promoter Joaquin Vargas. But Clave turns against Vargas when the promoter's thugs kill Clave's girlfriend when he thinks about backing out of the contract. While seeking a way to get revenge against Vargas, Clave learns that he has a blood clot in his head. But nothing will deter him from getting his revenge and making a shot at the title.
From Mambo to Hip HopFrom Mambo to Hip Hop · 2007
From Mambo to Hip Hop
2007
MovieDocumentary
Through interviews and performance clips, filmmaker Henry Chalfant explores the history of music in the South Bronx, from the Puerto Rican and Cuban influences that created the local salsa sound to the rise of hip-hop after fires destroyed the area. Artists appearing in this colorful documentary include Eddie Palmieri, Angel Rodríguez, Benny Bonilla, Clemente "Kid Freeze" Moreno, Ray Barretto, Willie Colón, Bobby Sanabria and many others.
Prison Stories: Women on the InsidePrison Stories: Women on the Inside · 1991
Prison Stories: Women on the Inside
4.21991
MovieDramaTV Movie
Three novels - three dramatic stories in the walls of the women's prison. The first story - a brand new, first went to prison inmates. The second - about a mother whose son has ceased to go to prison for visits. The third - about the experiences of women on the eve of its release.
Nueva York: A Musical History of Latin New YorkNueva York: A Musical History of Latin New York · 2021
Nueva York: A Musical History of Latin New York
8.02021
MovieDocumentaryHistory
When the film West Side Story was released in 1961, New York's reviled Puerto Rican community gained some visibility and, over time, both in Spanish Harlem and the Bronx, neighborhoods plagued by poverty, drugs and crime, Hispanic identity was reborn and strengthened, thanks to a syncretic and intentionally popular music that eventually conquered the entire city.
Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa)Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa) · 1972
Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa)
8.01972
MovieDocumentaryHistory
Leon Gast's musical documentary reveals New York City's Latin culture and features live performances of salsa greats The Fania All Stars and The Spanish Speaking People of New York. A document of urban American Hispanic culture, Gast's film captures the rhythms of New York's Spanish Harlem, from illegal cockfights and Santeria rituals to the rooftops and backstreets of El Barrio and the legendary musicians performing at the Cheetah club.
LavoeLavoe · 2011
Lavoe
2011
MovieMusicDrama
Based on the life of Puerto Rican salsa singer Héctor Lavoe.
Beats of the Heart: SalsaBeats of the Heart: Salsa · 1979
Beats of the Heart: Salsa
1979
MovieDocumentaryMusic
'Salsa' captures a unique moment in time for this most exuberant and socially dynamic music.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades - Live In VenezuelaWillie Colón & Rubén Blades - Live In Venezuela · 1998
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades - Live In Venezuela
1998
MovieMusic
Concert in Venezuela at the July 1998 under the AMNISTIA festival. Here Ruben forgets a part of the lyrics and the musicians, although they still play, are surprised at what happened. TrackList 01. Que Sera 02. Pablo Pueblo 03. Idilio 04. Pedro Navaja 05. Gitana 06. Buscando Guayaba 07. El Gran Varon 08. Nacimiento De Ramiro 09. Plástico 10. Plantacion adentro, 11. Homenaje a Hector Lavoe

TV Shows

Miami ViceMiami Vice · 1984
Miami Vice
7.41984
SeriesCrimeDrama
The story of the Miami Police Department's vice squad and its efforts to end drug trafficking and prostitution, centered on the unlikely partnership of Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs - who first meet when Tubbs is undercover in a drug cartel.
The Cosby ShowThe Cosby Show · 1984
The Cosby Show
7.01984
SeriesComedyFamily
The Cosby Show is an American television situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from September 20, 1984 until April 30, 1992. The show focuses on the Huxtable family, an upper middle-class African-American family living in Brooklyn, New York.
Viña del Mar International Song FestivalViña del Mar International Song Festival · 1963
Viña del Mar International Song Festival
4.71963
Series
A yearly musical contest organized by the municipality of Viña del Mar, Chile which takes place during the last week of February at the Quinta Vergara Amphitheater since February 21, 1960.
Chico & CaetanoChico & Caetano · 1986
Chico & Caetano
1986
Series