Here are 5 famous actors from Mexico were born in 1904:
Alfonso Bedoya (April 16, 1904 Vícam-December 15, 1957 Mexico City) a.k.a. Alfonso Bedolla, Alfonso 'Indio' Bedoya or J. Bedolla was a Mexican actor.
Bedoya is best known for his role as the bandit leader "Gold Hat" in the 1948 John Huston film, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre." He delivered one of the most famous lines in cinema history when he said, "Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges!" in response to a demand for his identification. Bedoya appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, often portraying villains and bandits due to his rugged looks and deep voice. He also worked in theater and on television, primarily in his native Mexico. He died at the age of 53 due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver.
Born in a small town in the state of Sonora, Mexico, Bedoya began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1920s as a stage actor. He gained early recognition for his commanding presence and deep baritone voice. Bedoya made his film debut in the 1930s and quickly became a popular character actor in the Mexican cinema.
Despite his success in Mexican films, Bedoya is best remembered for his role as "Gold Hat" in "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre." The film, which starred Humphrey Bogart and was directed by John Huston, is widely considered one of the greatest American films of all time. Bedoya's performance as the bandit leader was a key element of the film's success, and his line about the "stinkin' badges" has become one of the most quoted in movie history.
Bedoya continued to work in films into the 1950s, appearing in a mix of Mexican and American productions. In addition to his acting work, Bedoya was also a talented musician and songwriter. He wrote several songs that were recorded by popular singers of the day.
Bedoya's life was cut short by his struggles with alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver. Despite his relatively brief career, he made a lasting impact on the world of film and is remembered as one of the most memorable character actors of his time.
Emilio Fernández (March 26, 1904 Coahuila-August 6, 1986 Mexico City) a.k.a. Emilio Fernandez, Emilio Fernandez Romo, El Indio, Emilio "El Indio" Fernández, Emilio 'El Indio' Fernandez, Emilio 'Indio' Fernandez or Indio Fernández was a Mexican screenwriter, film director, actor and film producer. He had three children, Xochitl Fernández De Valois, Jacaranda Fernández and Adela Fernández.
Emilio Fernández was known for his contributions to the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. He wrote and directed a number of notable films throughout his career, including "Maria Candelaria," which won the Palme d'Or at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. He also acted in over 40 films, often playing tough, stoic characters. Fernández was a pioneer in the use of Mexican landscapes as a backdrop for his films and was a major figure in the development of Mexican national identity in film. In addition to his work in film, he was also a talented painter and sculptor.
Some of Emilio Fernández's other notable films include "Pueblerina," "Flor Silvestre," and "Enamorada." He also worked with famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo on the film "Redes." Despite being a major figure in Mexican cinema, Fernández faced controversy and criticism for his personal relationships and behavior. He was known for his volatile temper and was involved in several physical altercations with other film industry figures. He also had a reputation for being a womanizer and was accused of domestic violence. Nevertheless, his contributions to Mexican cinema and culture have continued to be celebrated and studied to this day.
Chano Urueta (February 24, 1904 Cusihuiriachi-March 23, 1979 Mexico City) also known as Santiago Eduardo Urueta Sierra was a Mexican film director, actor, screenwriter and film producer. He had three children, Marco A. Urueta Orta, Luisa Lucia Urueta Orta and Iliana Urueta Orta.
Chano Urueta was born in Cusihuiriachi, Chihuahua, Mexico, and began his film career in the 1920s as an actor. He later transitioned to directing and produced over 70 films throughout his career, which spanned nearly four decades. Urueta was known for his work in the horror and fantasy genres, with films such as "El Monstruo Resucitado" and "The Black Pit of Dr. M." which remain cult classics to this day.
Urueta's films often dealt with themes of the supernatural and the macabre, and he had a reputation for creating eerie and atmospheric visuals. Despite being known primarily for his genre work, he also directed films in other genres, including musicals, westerns and comedies.
In addition to his work in film, Chano Urueta was also a noted screenwriter, having penned the scripts for several of his own films. He was also involved in theatre, directing and producing plays in Mexico City.
Today, Chano Urueta is remembered as a key figure in Mexican cinema, and his work continues to be celebrated by horror and fantasy fans around the world.
Urueta was a self-taught filmmaker, having learned the craft through trial and error. His early work as an actor helped him to develop an understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking. He began directing in the 1930s, and quickly established himself as a skilled and innovative filmmaker. Chano Urueta's films were distinguished by their inventive camera work, use of music and sound effects, and striking visual style.
In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Chano Urueta was involved in the Mexican film industry in other capacities. He co-founded the Mexican Film Technicians Union, and was a key figure in the development of the country's film industry. Urueta also served as president of the Mexican Film Directors Guild.
Throughout his career, Chano Urueta was known for his dedication to his craft and his passion for cinema. He continued working until the end of his life, completing his final film just a year before his death. His legacy lives on in the numerous horror and fantasy films that continue to inspire filmmakers today.
Salvador Baguez (January 9, 1904 Juárez Municipality, Chihuahua-July 26, 1979 Los Angeles) also known as Salvador Bagues, Salvadore Baguez or Salvador Baquez was a Mexican actor.
Baguez starred in over 150 films throughout his career, starting in the Mexican film industry in the 1920s before eventually moving to Hollywood in 1945. He was known for his versatility, playing both leading and supporting roles in dramas, comedies, westerns, and even horror films. Some of his most notable performances include "The Bullfighter and the Lady" (1951), "Tarzan's Hidden Jungle" (1955), and "The Magnificent Seven" (1960). Baguez was also a talented musician and composed music for several of his films. In addition to his acting career, he was a respected director and producer both in Mexico and the United States, often collaborating with his wife, actress and producer Lupe Velez.
Born to a family of musicians, Baguez began his acting career in theater before transitioning to the film industry. He quickly became a well-known figure in the Mexican film industry and worked with some of the biggest stars of the time. During his time in Hollywood, Baguez was often cast in roles that perpetuated negative stereotypes of Latinos, but he was vocal about the need for more positive and nuanced portrayals of Latinx people in the media.
Baguez was married three times and had two daughters. He had a reputation for being a thoughtful and generous colleague and was respected by his peers in the industry. Despite his success, he remained committed to helping other Latinx actors and filmmakers navigate the often-difficult landscape of the entertainment industry. After his death from cancer in 1979, Baguez was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the film industry.
Gonzalo Curiel (January 10, 1904 Guadalajara-July 4, 1958 Mexico City) also known as Gonzalo Curiel y Orquesta was a Mexican film score composer and actor.
He was one of the pioneers of Mexican film music and worked on over 300 films throughout his career. Curiel began his musical career as a violinist and later joined the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico City. He then ventured into film composition and quickly gained recognition for his work. His most famous piece is the theme song for the classic Mexican film "Nosotros los pobres". Curiel not only composed music for films but also acted in several of them, including "La Barranca sangrienta" and "La Fuga". Despite his success, he remained grounded and approachable, always willing to collaborate and help other musicians. His legacy lives on today as his music continues to be celebrated and remembered by generations of film enthusiasts.
Curiel's talent and expertise in music composition led him to establish his own orchestra, the Orquesta Gonzalo Curiel, which was composed of some of the most talented musicians in Mexico. He also became a teacher and mentor to many aspiring composers and musicians in the country. Curiel's work was not limited to film, he also composed music for theater productions and television shows. He was a prolific composer, having produced over 1,000 compositions during his career. In addition to his musical contributions, Curiel was also a supporter of the Mexican Communist Party and promoted social justice causes through his music. Despite passing away at a relatively young age, Curiel's legacy has continued to influence the world of music in Mexico and beyond.