Diego Mercado is an up-and-coming American actor, model, above the knee amputee, and adaptive fitness enthusiast. Diego became a worldwide sensation in 2016 after being featured in several inspiring viral videos at the age of 10, where he demonstrates his amazing fitness abilities in a cross-fit style workout alongside another amputee and Marine Corps Veteran. The inspirational viral videos caught the attention of many big-name producers, landing Mercado numerous casting opportunities, including an un-aired 2019 reality show pilot. Diego landed his first movie role as wheelchair bound antagonist, Steven Gonzalez, in the 2021 Netflix movie, Mixtape, alongside breakout stars Gemma Brooke Allen, Audrey Hsieh and Olga Petsa; and veteran actors Julie Bowen (Modern family), Nick Thune (Marvel's Venom), Jackson Rathbone (Twilight), Kiefer O'Reilly (DC's Legends of Tomorrow/Mighty Ducks Game Changers). The small role would make Diego the first-ever authentic teenage amputee to be cast by Netflix for a feature film, breaking barriers for actors with disabilities in the entertainment industry. In the same year, Diego was recruited by viral video superstar, Dhar Mann, for the lead role of Kyle, a track athlete with a disability who dreams of getting a college scholarship despite being bullied by a teammate. Diego's very emotional portrayal and ability to connect with audiences quickly made him a fan favorite of the Dhar Mann Channel. After delivering an equally heartfelt follow-up performance as Alex, a disabled Soccer player who dreams of being the next Cristiano Ronaldo, Mercado was affixed as a regular cast member of the popular series.