If you’re like most people, you know Steven Michael Quezada as the guy who stood next to Hank Schrader while staring down a desert grave. He was the "voice of reason" in a world of blue meth and pipe bombs. But honestly, if you think Steven Michael Quezada movies and TV shows start and end with Breaking Bad, you’re missing about 70% of the picture.
He isn't just a sidekick. He’s a comedian, a former elected official, and a guy who has been grinding in the New Mexico film scene since long before it was "The Hollywood of the Southwest."
The Breaking Bad Shadow (And Why We Love It)
Let's get the big one out of the way. Between 2008 and 2013, Quezada played Steven "Gomie" Gomez. He was the DEA agent who actually did his paperwork. While Hank was out chasing "Heisenberg" like a man possessed, Gomie was the one keeping the investigation grounded.
It’s a role that defined his career. People still yell "Gomie!" at him in airports. He even brought the character back for Better Call Saul in 2020, appearing in episodes like "The Guy for This" and "Namaste." Seeing him and Dean Norris back together felt like a weird, nostalgic high school reunion, except with more bulletproof vests.
What’s wild is that Quezada wasn't just acting. During the height of the show's fame, he was actually getting involved in real-life Albuquerque politics. You don't see many Emmy-winning actors serving on the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners while their show is trending worldwide.
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Beyond the DEA Badge: Movie Highlights
Most fans don't realize how much work he has put into independent films and cult favorites.
Take Strange Darling (2023). It’s a recent thriller where he plays a character named Pete. Critics loved it—it’s sitting at a massive 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. It shows a totally different side of him than the stoic agent we saw in the ABQ desert.
Then there’s his work with the Broken Lizard crew in Beerfest (2006). He played a character simply credited as "Mexican." It’s a tiny role, but it highlights his roots in comedy. He also popped up in First Snow with Guy Pearce and the 2010 indie film Kites.
If you want to see him in something a bit more intense, check out:
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- The Condemned 2 (2015): He plays Raul Baccaro. It’s a gritty action sequel that didn't win an Oscar, but it gave him plenty of room to lean into that "tough guy" energy.
- 3 From Hell (2019): Rob Zombie fans probably spotted him as Diego. It's a blood-soaked, chaotic movie, and seeing a Breaking Bad alum in that world is a trip.
- Wish Man (2019): He plays Juan Delgadillo in this biographical drama about the founder of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It’s one of his more heartfelt roles.
Why the "After After Party" Changed Everything
In 2010, Quezada did something most actors wouldn't dare: he started his own late-night talk show in Albuquerque. It was called The After After Party with Steven Michael Quezada.
It wasn't just a vanity project. He used the show to give local New Mexico talent a platform. He wore a dozen hats—host, writer, and producer. The show won several Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards and basically proved that he could carry a production on his own back without needing Vince Gilligan’s scripts.
The Comedian Nobody Expected
Quezada started in stand-up. That’s his first love. If you watch his 2022 Amazon Prime special, The New Mexican, you’ll see he isn't Gomie at all. He’s loud, observational, and deeply connected to his Chicano roots.
He recently opened Quezada's Comedy Club and Cantina at the Santa Ana Star Casino in 2023. He’s not just performing; he’s building a home for the next generation of comics. It’s a move that fits his track record of community service. Remember, he served on the Albuquerque School Board before the County Commission. He actually cares about the place he lives.
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Notable TV Guest Spots
You’ve probably seen his face in more places than you realize:
- Documentary Now!: He played "El Chingon" in a parody of Vice-style documentaries. It was hilarious and proved he has the comedic timing to match guys like Bill Hader.
- Roswell, New Mexico: He played the Dean of Surgery.
- Magnum P.I.: He showed up as Uncle Bernardo in 2021.
- The Mindy Project: A quick but memorable guest spot.
What’s Next for Steven Michael Quezada?
As we move through 2026, he isn't slowing down. He’s still touring the comedy circuit—he’s got dates lined up at places like the Adler Theatre in Iowa. He’s also involved in the Red Clay project, which has been in development for a while.
Basically, the guy is a workhorse. Whether he’s playing a priest in an Eric Church music video (specifically "Give Me Back My Hometown") or a crooked councilman in the TV series Crash, he brings a specific, authentic energy to the screen.
If you really want to appreciate his career, don't just re-watch the Breaking Bad finale. Go find his stand-up. Look for his smaller indie roles. He’s a guy who survived the "Heisenberg" era and came out the other side as a mogul in his home state.
Actionable Ways to Explore His Work
If you want to dive deeper into the Steven Michael Quezada movies and TV shows catalog, start with Strange Darling. It’s his best-reviewed work in years and proves he's got leading-man potential in the thriller genre. After that, hit up his comedy special The New Mexican on Prime Video to see the real man behind the DEA badge. Supporting his comedy club in Santa Ana is also a great way to see him live if you’re ever passing through New Mexico.