José Cortés was born in Puerto Rico and graduated from the Ofelia D'Acosta Acting Academy as well as the Escuela Central de Artes Visuales in San Juan. He studied Spanish literature at the University of Puerto Rico and gained a wide range of artistic experience in dance, theater, and film.

His path then led him to Berlin, where he completed both a bachelor's and a master's degree in opera directing. He worked as an assistant director at institutions such as the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Staatsoper Berlin, and the Opera Graz. He also took part in seminars and directing workshops with Tatjana Gürbaca, Claus Guth, Hans Neuenfels, Nadja Loschky, and Katharina Wagner.

His directing credits include La Bohème, Così fan tutte, Die Fledermaus, La Calisto, the world premiere of Lòvelease, and the inaugural Festspielnacht am Goldbergsee featuring orchestra and soloists from the Bayreuth Festival.

He made his debut this Spring at Staatstheater Wiesbaden with Puccini's Tosca.