Luis Valdez is a prominent American playwright, director, and actor, known for his significant contributions to Chicano theater. He founded the El Teatro Campesino in 1965, which focused on the struggles and experiences of farmworkers, particularly during the United Farm Workers movement led by Cesar Chavez. Valdez's most famous work, the play Zoot Suit, premiered in 1978 and highlighted the racial tensions faced by Mexican Americans in the 1940s. His efforts have helped to elevate the visibility of Latino culture in the arts and have inspired many artists and activists within the Chicano community.