Otto's passion for painting was his first connection into the arts. After pursuing Advertising Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, 1987 to 1989, then fine arts at the Columbus College of Art and Design, in Columbus, Ohio, on a scholarship, his passion shifted into theater. Returning to New York City in 1991, he studied acting under Jeanne Kaplan and Austin Pendleton at HB Studio. In 1996 he landed his breakthrough role Carmen "Chico" Guerra on the HBO series Oz.