Born in Queens, New York, Madera was raised with his family in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where he began his acting career in the Dominican Republic television production “Grandes Series Domincanas” with a leading role in the limited-series “En La Olla” and “Trio en Alta Mar,” both helmed by director/producer Alfonso Rodríguez. After college, Madera moved to New York City to pursue acting and began booking prominent roles in feature films including DREAMING OF JULIA with Harvey Keitel and Gael García Bernal, THE LOST CITY opposite Andy Garcia, Dustin Hoffman, and Bill Murray, and THE WRATH OF CAIN alongside Ving Rhames and Robert Patrick, to name a few. While in New York City he also appeared on "Bookies Lament", before returning to the Dominican Republic to star in the mini-series "Asalto en la Lincoln". Immediately after, Madera became a part of the Primetime television series production and cast member of both hit sitcoms "Los Electrolocos"(lead) and "Ciudad Nueva". 

The star then notably played ‘Tavo’ on the action movie La Soga in 2009. Similarly, Madera gave his voice for the character Chorizo in an animated action-comedy movie Rango in the year 2011. Then in 2014, the actor worked in the drama thriller movie Supremacy. In the film, he played the role of Miguel. Madera is best known for his role as Mexican drug cartel criminal ‘Ignacio’ on Showtime’s hit dark comedy “Weeds.” Up next, Madera will star in a recurring role as a retired baseball player on the IFC television series “Brockmire.”

When he’s not starring on hit television shows, Madera enjoys playing guitar, golf, flying airplanes and lending his time to organizations dedicated to spreading awareness for Down Syndrome. Madera resides in Nashville and is happily married, living with his two children and wife, singer-songwriter, Jesse Lynn Madera.