Manny was born in Hatillo, Puerto Rico on January 6, 1960. He has two sisters and one brother, his mother Pina still lives in Puerto Rico. He graduated from S.U. Campo Alegre HS in 1978. After HS he joined the US Army where he served for 10 years. He later went on to complete a BS in English education and a Masters degree in Administration and Supervision of Educational Institutions. Manny worked as a Teacher and a Dean in the public School Systems in Puerto Rico and Florida before returning to active duty in 2003.Manny is also a US Army veteran having served three Combat tours in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is an alumni of the Wounded Warrior Program. In 2012 he retired from the Army as a Staff Seargent and decided to pursuit a career in acting. He has two children, Michelle and Nick and a granddaughter,Jeslyanis Nichole.In his spare time Manny practices Pa Kua Tai-Chi and is certified as a level one instructor.