Serna's first break in films came in 1970 on the
Roger Corman-directed film
The Student Nurses. Serna has also appeared in such films as
The Jerk,
Scarface directed by
Brian De Palma and
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. Serna acted in the film
Aguruphobia, which he also co-produced. He has also appeared on stage, including his solo show
El Ruco, Chuco, Cholo, Pachuco. He also played Señor Cárdenas in the film
Downsizing. Serna has been honored by the Screen Actors Guild Heritage Achievement Award; the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the Estrella Award for Arts & Culture from the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. ==Personal life==