Hispanic Actors You Might Not Know Have Passed Away

The entertainment industry has been shaped by the immense talent of Hispanic and Latino actors who left an indelible mark on film and television. Many of these performers became household names while others were brilliant character actors whose faces you instantly recognize. Time often moves so quickly that audiences may not realize some of their favorite stars from classic cinema or recent hits are no longer with us. This list honors the legacy of these talented men who contributed significantly to Hollywood and international media.

Anthony Quinn

Born in Mexico to a Mexican mother and Irish father, Anthony Quinn became one of the most respected actors in cinema history. He won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in ‘Viva Zapata!’ and ‘Lust for Life’. Quinn is perhaps best remembered for his earthy and passionate performance in the title role of ‘Zorba the Greek’. His career encompassed a vast array of ethnicities and characters that showcased his incredible range. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 86 due to respiratory failure.

Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero was a Cuban-American actor who enjoyed a prolific career as a leading man and comedic character actor. He is famously known as the first actor to play the Joker in the 1960s ‘Batman’ television series and its spin-off film. Romero refused to shave his signature mustache for the role and the makeup artists simply painted over it. He also appeared in the original ‘Ocean’s 11’ alongside Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Romero died in 1994 at the age of 86 from complications of a blood clot.

José Ferrer

José Ferrer was a Puerto Rican actor and director who achieved history as the first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award. He took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his magnificent performance in the 1950 film ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’. His deep voice and commanding screen presence allowed him to play authoritative figures in films like ‘The Caine Mutiny’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Ferrer also had a distinguished directing career in theater and film. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 80.

Desi Arnaz

Desi Arnaz was a Cuban musician and actor who revolutionized the television industry alongside his wife Lucille Ball. He starred as Ricky Ricardo in the sitcom ‘I Love Lucy’ which remains one of the most beloved shows in television history. Arnaz was also a brilliant producer who pioneered the three-camera setup that became the standard for sitcoms. His contributions to American entertainment extended far beyond his on-screen persona. He died in 1986 at the age of 69 from lung cancer.

Freddie Prinze

Freddie Prinze was a stand-up comedian and actor of Puerto Rican and German descent who rose to fame with meteoric speed. He starred as the title character Chico Rodriguez in the smash hit sitcom ‘Chico and the Man’. His comedy often drew upon his mixed heritage and resonated deeply with audiences in the 1970s. He was the father of actor Freddie Prinze Jr. and was considered one of the most promising talents of his generation. Prinze tragically died in 1977 at the age of 22.

Miguel Ferrer

Miguel Ferrer was a Puerto Rican-American actor known for his authoritative voice and intense on-screen demeanor. He was the son of José Ferrer and singer Rosemary Clooney and carved out his own successful path in Hollywood. Audiences know him best as Owen Granger in ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ and Bob Morton in the classic sci-fi film ‘RoboCop’. He also provided the voice for the villainous Shan Yu in the Disney animated film ‘Mulan’. Ferrer passed away in 2017 at the age of 61 from throat cancer.

Gregory Sierra

Gregory Sierra was an American actor of Puerto Rican descent known for his memorable roles in classic 1970s sitcoms. He played the neighbor Julio Fuentes in ‘Sanford and Son’ and the detective Chano Amenguale in ‘Barney Miller’. His expressive face and timing allowed him to seamlessly switch between drama and comedy throughout his career. He remained active in television and film for decades often playing law enforcement officials. Sierra died in 2021 at the age of 83 from cancer.

Henry Darrow

Henry Darrow was a Puerto Rican actor who broke ground for Hispanic representation on American television. He is best known for his role as the charming and roguish Manolito Montoya in the western series ‘The High Chaparral’. Darrow also had the distinction of being the first Latino actor to portray Zorro on television in ‘Zorro and Son’. His career included hundreds of appearances in shows ranging from ‘Star Trek’ to ‘The Golden Girls’. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 87.

Geno Silva

Geno Silva was a Mexican-American character actor who left a lasting impression with a single silent role. He is most famous for playing The Skull which was the hitman who takes out Al Pacino’s character in the climax of ‘Scarface’. Silva worked frequently with major directors like Steven Spielberg in ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’ and David Lynch in ‘Mulholland Drive’. He was a veteran of the stage and appeared in numerous television productions. Silva died in 2020 at the age of 72 from complications of frontotemporal degeneration.

Trinidad Silva

Trinidad Silva was a beloved American character actor of Mexican descent known for his comedic timing. He gained fame as the smart-talking gang leader Jesus Martinez in the police drama ‘Hill Street Blues’. His popularity in that role led to him being cast in the weird Al Yankovic film ‘UHF’ where he played a host of a show about animals. Critics and audiences alike praised his ability to bring warmth and humor to tough roles. He was killed by a drunk driver in 1988 at the age of 38.

Adan Canto

Adan Canto was a Mexican actor who had successfully crossed over into major Hollywood productions. He gained significant recognition for playing the mutant Sunspot in the blockbuster ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. His television work included main roles in ‘Designated Survivor’ and the popular series ‘The Cleaning Lady’. He also showcased his range as a director and writer for short films. Canto passed away privately in 2024 at the age of 42 after a battle with appendiceal cancer.

Sergio Calderón

Sergio Calderón was a Mexican actor with a distinctive look that landed him roles in some of the biggest blockbuster franchises. He is instantly recognizable to fans of ‘Men in Black’ as the head on a stick held by an alien. Calderón also played the pirate lord Captain Vallenueva in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’. His career spanned six decades and he often played colorful villains or tough characters. He died in 2023 at the age of 77.

Kamar de los Reyes

Kamar de los Reyes was a Puerto Rican actor best known for his long-running role on daytime television. He played the character Antonio Vega on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’ for many years. Video game fans recognize him as the motion capture and voice actor for the antagonist Raul Menendez in ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops II’. He continued to work in television with recent roles in shows like ‘The Rookie’. De los Reyes passed away in 2023 at the age of 56 after a brief battle with cancer.

Pedro Armendáriz Jr.

Pedro Armendáriz Jr. was a prolific Mexican actor who followed in the footsteps of his legendary father. He appeared in over 140 films including Hollywood productions like ‘The Mask of Zorro’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Mexico’. He played the corrupt President Hector Lopez in the James Bond film ‘Licence to Kill’. His versatility allowed him to play everything from refined politicians to rugged lawmen. He died in 2011 at the age of 71 from eye cancer.

Cantinflas

Mario Moreno who was known professionally as Cantinflas was a Mexican comedian and actor revered throughout the Spanish-speaking world. He gained international fame for his role as Passepartout in the 1956 film ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. Charlie Chaplin once famously referred to him as the greatest comedian alive. His character of the peladito or impoverished everyman became a symbol of Mexican national identity. Cantinflas died in 1993 at the age of 81 from lung cancer.

Gilbert Roland

Gilbert Roland was a Mexican-born American actor whose career began in the silent film era and lasted until the 1980s. He was often cast as the Latin Lover but later transitioned into rugged roles in westerns and adventure films. He starred in ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’ and the ‘Cisco Kid’ film series. His longevity in the industry was a testament to his adaptability and charisma on screen. Roland passed away in 1994 at the age of 88.

Fernando Lamas

Fernando Lamas was an Argentine actor and director who became a top leading man in Hollywood during the 1950s. He was known for playing the Latin Lover archetype in films like ‘The Merry Widow’ and ‘Dangerous When Wet’. Lamas was also a frequent guest on talk shows where his charm and accent made him a popular figure. He was the father of actor Lorenzo Lamas and served as the inspiration for the Billy Crystal character Fernando. He died in 1982 at the age of 67 from pancreatic cancer.

Alejandro Rey

Alejandro Rey was an Argentine-American actor who found significant success on United States television. He is best remembered for his role as the playboy Carlos Ramirez in the sitcom ‘The Flying Nun’ alongside Sally Field. Rey also appeared in films such as ‘Fun in Acapulco’ with Elvis Presley and the action movie ‘Mr. Majestyk’. He remained a busy character actor in the 1970s and 1980s. Rey passed away in 1987 at the age of 57 from lung cancer.

Ramon Novarro

Ramon Novarro was a Mexican actor who became one of the biggest box office draws of the 1920s. He is best known for playing the title role in the silent epic ‘Ben-Hur’ which cemented his status as a superstar. Novarro possessed a good singing voice and transitioned into talkies better than many of his contemporaries. His career slowed in later years but he remained a respected figure in the industry. He was tragically murdered in his home in 1968 at the age of 69.

Leo Carrillo

Leo Carrillo was a performer of Spanish and Californian heritage who could trace his ancestry to the early settlers of San Diego. He is most famous for playing Pancho the loyal sidekick in the television series ‘The Cisco Kid’. His character was known for his fractured English and comedic relief which made him a favorite with children. Carrillo was also a dedicated preservationist and played a key role in the California park system. He died in 1961 at the age of 81 from cancer.

Alfonso Bedoya

Alfonso Bedoya was a Mexican actor who immortalized himself in cinema history with one specific role. He played the bandit leader Gold Hat in ‘The Treasure of the Sierra Madre’ and delivered the famous line about stinking badges. His distinct face and menacing yet humorous delivery made him a sought-after character actor in Hollywood westerns. He appeared with stars like Gregory Peck in ‘The Big Country’. Bedoya died in 1957 at the age of 53.

Roberto Gómez Bolaños

Roberto Gómez Bolaños was a Mexican actor and writer known affectionately as Chespirito. He created and starred in the television shows ‘El Chavo del Ocho’ and ‘El Chapulín Colorado’ which are legendary across Latin America. His characters are cultural icons that have been watched by billions of people for decades. Even without major English-language crossover he remains one of the most successful comedians in history. He died in 2014 at the age of 85 from heart failure.

Ramón Valdés

Ramón Valdés was a Mexican actor who achieved immortality as the character Don Ramón in ‘El Chavo del Ocho’. His portrayal of the unemployed and short-tempered neighbor endeared him to generations of viewers. He came from a famous family of entertainers that included his brothers Tin Tan and Manuel Valdés. His comic timing and natural charisma made him a standout in the ensemble cast. Valdés passed away in 1988 at the age of 64 from stomach cancer.

Rubén Aguirre

Rubén Aguirre was a Mexican actor best known for his role as Profesor Jirafales in ‘El Chavo del Ocho’. His character was the tall and romantic schoolteacher who was always bringing flowers to Doña Florinda. Aguirre started his career as a radio announcer and television host before joining the Chespirito troupe. His height and booming voice made him a distinctive presence in all of the group’s sketches. He died in 2016 at the age of 82 from pneumonia.

Eduardo Palomo

Eduardo Palomo was a Mexican actor who gained international fame as a leading man in telenovelas. He is best known for his role as Juan del Diablo in the wildly successful period drama ‘Corazón salvaje’. His rugged looks and intense acting style made him a heartthrob throughout Latin America and in countries like Italy. He had begun to make inroads into Hollywood with small roles before his sudden death. Palomo died of a heart attack in 2003 at the young age of 41.

Emilio Fernández

Emilio Fernández was a legendary Mexican director and actor known by his nickname El Indio. He directed the masterpiece ‘María Candelaria’ which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. As an actor he appeared in Hollywood classics such as ‘The Wild Bunch’ where he played the villainous General Mapache. He was a larger-than-life figure who helped shape the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Fernández died in 1986 at the age of 82.

Frank Silvera

Frank Silvera was a Jamaican-born American character actor of Spanish and Jewish descent. He was known as the man with a thousand faces because he could convincingly play characters of almost any ethnicity. He often played Mexican roles in films like ‘Viva Zapata!’ and directed highly acclaimed theater productions. Silvera was a champion for civil rights and racial representation in the arts. He died accidentally in 1970 at the age of 55.

Enrique Rocha

Enrique Rocha was a Mexican actor with a deep and resonant voice that made him perfect for villainous roles. He starred in numerous telenovelas such as ‘Rebelde’ and ‘El Privilegio de Amar’. Rocha was also a voice actor who provided the Spanish dub for Bagheera in the live-action ‘The Jungle Book’. His commanding presence made him one of the most recognizable antagonists in Mexican television history. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 81

Ignacio López Tarso

Ignacio López Tarso was a titan of Mexican cinema and theater with a career spanning over seven decades. He starred in ‘Macario’ which was the first Mexican film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His ability to perform in classical theater and popular television made him a national treasure in Mexico. He continued to work well into his nineties with remarkable memory and vitality. López Tarso passed away in 2023 at the age of 98.

Héctor Bonilla

Héctor Bonilla was a Mexican actor and director known for his work in socially conscious films. He starred in the groundbreaking movie ‘Rojo amanecer’ which depicted the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre. Bonilla was also a star of telenovelas and theater who appeared in productions of ‘Man of La Mancha’. His contribution to the arts was recognized with the highest honors in the Mexican film industry. He died in 2022 at the age of 83 from kidney cancer.

Manuel Ojeda

Manuel Ojeda was a Mexican actor who became a familiar face to international audiences as a villain. He played the corrupt Colonel Zolo in the hit adventure film ‘Romancing the Stone’ alongside Michael Douglas. Ojeda had an extensive career in Mexican cinema and television often playing antagonists with chilling effectiveness. He remained active in the industry until shortly before his passing. He died in 2022 at the age of 81.

Claudio Brook

Claudio Brook was a Mexican actor with a distinguished career in both European and Mexican cinema. He worked with the surrealist director Luis Buñuel in films like ‘Simon of the Desert’ and ‘The Exterminating Angel’. Brook also appeared in international productions including the James Bond film ‘Licence to Kill’. His sophisticated demeanor and fluency in multiple languages made him a versatile international actor. He passed away in 1995 at the age of 68 from stomach cancer.

Germán Valdés

Germán Valdés was a Mexican actor and singer better known by his stage name Tin Tan. He popularized the Pachuco character in Mexican cinema and was a talented singer and dancer. Disney fans might not know that he provided the voice for Baloo in the Spanish dub of ‘The Jungle Book’. His comedy was marked by improvisation and a unique use of slang that influenced Mexican culture. He died in 1973 at the age of 57 from hepatitis.

Ernesto Gómez Cruz

Ernesto Gómez Cruz was a highly respected Mexican actor with more than two hundred acting credits. He rose to fame in the classic film ‘Los Caifanes’ and became a staple of Mexican cinema. He delivered powerful performances in modern hits like ‘El crimen del padre Amaro’ and ‘El infierno’. His work earned him numerous Ariel Awards which are the Mexican equivalent of the Oscars. Gómez Cruz passed away in 2024 at the age of 90.

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