Here are 5 famous actors from Mexico were born in 1939:
Jorge Fons (April 23, 1939 Tuxpan-) also known as Jorge Fons Pérez is a Mexican film director, screenwriter, actor, film producer and television director.
Fons started his career in the film industry by working as an assistant director for Luis Buñuel's 1961 film "Viridiana". He went on to direct his first film in 1969, "El Juicio de Martín Cortés". Some of his most notable works include "Los Albañiles" (1976), "Rojo Amanecer" (1989), and "El Callejón de los Milagros" (1995).
Fons has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Ariel Award for Best Director for "Rojo Amanecer" and the Golden Ariel for lifetime achievement in Mexican cinema. He has also directed several television series, including "Mujer, Casos de la Vida Real" and "La Rosa de Guadalupe". Fons continues to be a prominent figure in the Mexican film industry and has contributed greatly to the development of Mexican cinema.
In addition to his work in film and television, Jorge Fons has also been a professor at the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica, Mexico's prestigious film school. He has taught and mentored many young filmmakers who have gone on to become successful directors and producers in their own right. Fons is known for his socially and politically conscious films, which often address issues such as poverty, inequality, and corruption in Mexican society. He has been praised for his ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences around the world. In recognition of his contributions to Mexican culture and cinema, Fons was awarded the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in the Fine Arts category in 2018.
Fons' directorial style is known for its realism and attention to detail. He often casts non-actors in his films to bring a sense of authenticity to his stories. Fons' film "Rojo Amanecer" is based on the true story of the Tlatelolco massacre, which took place in Mexico City in 1968. The film was highly controversial when it was released and was initially banned in Mexico. However, it has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the best political thrillers in Mexican cinema.
In addition to his film and television work, Fons has also worked as a theater director and producer. He has directed several plays, including "La Casa de Bernarda Alba" by Federico García Lorca and "El Otro" by Carlos Fuentes.
Fons' contributions to the Mexican film industry have been recognized by the government and his peers. In 2013, he was awarded the Medal of Merit in Fine Arts by the Mexican government. He has also received the Rosalío Solano Prize, the Salvador Toscano Medal, and the National University's Medal of Merit.
Despite his many accolades, Fons remains humble about his achievements. He has said that his greatest accomplishment is being able to tell stories that challenge people's view of the world and inspire them to make positive changes in their communities.
Throughout his career, Jorge Fons has also been an advocate for the preservation of Mexican cinema. He has served as the president of the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences and has worked to promote the restoration and preservation of classic Mexican films. In 2010, he founded the Mexican Film Heritage Foundation, which aims to preserve and promote Mexican cinema through the restoration of historic films and the creation of film education programs.
Fons' work has had a lasting impact on Mexican cinema and has influenced generations of filmmakers. His films have been praised for their honest and unflinching portrayal of Mexican society and their ability to address complex issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way. Fons continues to be an active participant in the Mexican film industry and is known for his dedication to storytelling and his commitment to social justice.
César Sobrevals (February 19, 1939 San Andrés Tuxtla-May 19, 1995 Mexico City) was a Mexican actor.
Sobrevals obtained a degree in architecture before pursuing a career in acting. He began acting in the late 1950s and went on to appear in more than 80 films, including "La Choca," "Los Cacos," and "Anita la Huerfanita."
In addition to his film work, Sobrevals was also active in television and theater. He appeared in numerous telenovelas, including "El Extra," "Chispita," and "Atrévete a Soñar," and was a founding member of the National Theater Company.
Sobrevals was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. He received numerous award nominations for his work, including three Ariel Awards, which are Mexico's equivalent of the Academy Awards.
Sadly, Sobrevals passed away in 1995 at the age of 56 due to liver disease. However, his contributions to Mexican cinema and theater continue to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
Sobrevals also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to various animated films and TV shows such as "The Jungle Book" and "The Aristocats" in Spanish. In addition to his successful acting career, he was also involved in activism and political causes. He was a member of the Mexican Communist Party and a supporter of the Cuban Revolution. He was even arrested and jailed for his political activism for a short period of time. Outside of his artistic and political pursuits, Sobrevals was an avid sports fan, particularly of soccer, and played the sport himself in his younger years. Despite his passing, his legacy lives on, and he remains one of the most respected and beloved actors in Mexican cinema history.
Sobrevals was born in the state of Veracruz in Mexico, and he grew up in a family that was involved in the arts. His mother was a teacher, and his father was a painter, so he was exposed to the world of creativity and storytelling from a young age. It was this upbringing that inspired him to pursue a career in the arts.
In the early years of his career, Sobrevals acted in theater productions, including performing with the Mexican National Theater Company. This experience helped to hone his acting skills and gave him a solid foundation for his future work in film and television.
Sobrevals was also known for his work as a director, having directed several episodes of the popular telenovela "El Extra." He was known for his attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in the actors he worked with.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Sobrevals was also a devoted family man. He was married twice, and he had six children. He was a loving and dedicated father, and his children have spoken openly about how much he meant to them.
Today, Sobrevals is remembered as a true icon of Mexican cinema and theater. His legacy lives on in the countless films and television shows he appeared in, as well as in the hearts and minds of his fans and supporters.
Sobrevals was also actively involved in the Mexican Actors Association (ANDA), working to improve the working conditions and rights of actors in the industry. He was a vocal advocate for fair pay and better protection for actors, and his efforts helped to bring about positive changes in the industry.He was known for his generosity and kindness, often helping out struggling actors and providing them with support and guidance to help further their careers. He was widely respected and admired not only for his talent as an actor but also for his humanity and compassion.Sobrevals' contributions to Mexican cinema and theater have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a posthumous Ariel Award in 1996 for his role in the film "En el Tiempo de las Mariposas." His impact on the cultural landscape of Mexico is immeasurable, and he will always be remembered as a true legend of the performing arts.
René Cardona Jr. (May 11, 1939 Mexico City-February 5, 2003 Mexico City) also known as Rene Cardona Jr., Maximilian Zeta, Richard Chardon, René Cardona hijo or Renè Cardona Jr. was a Mexican actor, film director, film producer and screenwriter. He had two children, René Cardona III and Christian Cardona.
René Cardona Jr. was a prolific figure in the Mexican film industry, with over 100 film credits to his name. He worked in a variety of genres, including horror, comedy, and action. Some of his most notable films include "Survival of the Dead" (1974), "Santo and Blue Demon vs. Dracula and the Wolfman" (1973), "Guyana: Crime of the Century" (1979), and "Santa Claus" (1959). Many of his films have become cult classics and are still popular to this day. In addition to his work in film, Cardona Jr. also made several appearances on Mexican television. He passed away in 2003 after suffering a heart attack.
René Cardona Jr. was born into a family of filmmakers, as his father René Cardona was also a renowned director and actor. He began his career in the film industry at a young age, making his debut as a child actor in the film "El Capitán Centellas" (1943). As he grew older, he transitioned into behind-the-scenes roles, starting as an assistant director and working his way up to become a respected director and producer in his own right.
Cardona Jr.'s films often tackled controversial topics, such as drug trafficking, corruption, and political violence. He was known for his gritty and realistic portrayals of Mexican society, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Despite the serious themes of his films, he also had a talent for comedy and was able to infuse humor into even the darkest situations.
Aside from directing and producing, Cardona Jr. was also recognized for his talents as a screenwriter. He wrote many of the scripts for his own films, as well as for other directors in the industry. He was highly regarded for his ability to create complex characters and intricate plots that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
While Cardona Jr. was not always well-received by critics, he remains a beloved figure in Mexican cinema. His contributions to the industry helped shape the Mexican film landscape, and his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers today.
René Cardona Jr. was known for his collaborations with many notable actors in the Mexican film industry, including the lucha libre wrestlers Santo and Blue Demon. He directed several films starring the wrestlers, which became popular among audiences in Mexico and other parts of the world. In addition to his work in film, Cardona Jr. was also actively involved in the Mexican Actors Guild and served as its president for several years. He was a passionate advocate for the rights of actors and worked to improve working conditions in the industry. Despite his success as a filmmaker, Cardona Jr. struggled with personal demons throughout his life. He was open about his struggles with drug addiction and often used his experiences as inspiration for his films. Despite facing challenges, he remained committed to his craft and continued to work until his untimely death in 2003.
As a testament to his impact on Mexican cinema, René Cardona Jr. was honored with several awards throughout his career. He won the Ariel Award (Mexico's equivalent to the Academy Award) three times, for Best Director for "La Ley de Herodes" (1999), Best Screenplay for "El Náufrago de la Calle Providencia" (1985), and Best Supporting Actor for "Los Cachorros" (1974). He also received a Golden Aztec Award at the Mexico City International Film Festival for his contributions to the film industry.
Aside from his prolific film career, Cardona Jr. was also a devout Catholic and was known for his charitable work. He founded a group called the "Brotherhood of the Rosary" which provided aid to the needy and organized pilgrimages to religious sites. He was also a strong supporter of the Guadalupana Movement, which aims to promote devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
René Cardona Jr.'s impact on Mexican cinema cannot be overstated. His films continue to be celebrated and studied by cinephiles around the world. Despite facing personal challenges, he remained a dedicated filmmaker and advocate for the industry until his passing in 2003.
Juan Ángel Martínez (July 19, 1939 Mexico City-May 10, 1984 Mexico City) was a Mexican actor.
He started his acting career in the 1960s and quickly became a popular figure in the Mexican entertainment industry. He appeared in over 50 films and television shows throughout his career, gaining recognition for his dynamic and versatile acting ability.
Martínez was known for his memorable performances in films such as "El ángel exterminador" (1962), "El Topo" (1970), and "La ley del monte" (1976). His talent as an actor extended beyond the screen and he also performed in several theater productions.
Martínez's legacy in Mexican cinema is still celebrated today, with many film critics recognizing his contributions to the industry. He passed away in 1984 at the age of 44 due to complications from liver disease.
Martínez began his acting career in theater before transitioning to film and television. He was a member of the National Theater Company and worked with renowned Mexican director Juan José Gurrola, performing in plays such as "Fausto" and "Aire Frío."
In addition to his acting work, Martínez was also known for his activism. He was a member of the Mexican Communist Party and participated in various political and social movements, including the student protests of 1968. He also co-founded the independent filmmaking collective Cine Independiente Grupo Nuevo and was involved in the production of several underground films.
Martínez's talent and commitment to his craft made him a respected figure in the Mexican entertainment industry. He received numerous accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Ariel Awards for his performance in the film "El hombre de papel" (1976).
Despite his contributions to Mexican cinema, Martínez's work remains relatively unknown outside of the country. However, his impact on Mexican film and culture is still felt today, and he is remembered as a talented and passionate artist who dedicated his life to his craft and his beliefs.
Martínez was a versatile actor who could effortlessly perform in different genres, including drama, comedy, and action. He collaborated with many legendary Mexican filmmakers and actors, such as Alejandro Jodorowsky, Luis Buñuel, and Sergio Olhovich, throughout his career. His notable films include "Naufragio" (1978), "El norte" (1983), and "El grito" (1978), among others.
Martínez's dedication to social and political causes was evident throughout his life. He used his celebrity status to raise awareness about social inequalities and human rights abuses in Mexico. He became a vocal advocate for the underprivileged and was highly critical of the Mexican government's policies. In 1975, he participated in a hunger strike to protest the detention of political prisoners.
Martínez's sudden death at the age of 44 was a shock to his fans and colleagues. He left behind a rich legacy of film, television, and theater work, as well as his contributions as an activist and independent filmmaker. Despite his early demise, he remains one of the most celebrated actors of Mexican cinema and a symbol of Mexican artistic and political resistance.
Martínez was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated films and television shows, including the Mexican version of Disney's "The Jungle Book" and "Winnie the Pooh." He was highly sought after for voiceover work due to the distinctive quality of his voice and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his voice alone.
In addition to his activism and artistic pursuits, Martínez was also a family man. He was married to singer and actress Margarita Isabel, and they had two children together. Martínez was known for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor, which endeared him to many of his colleagues and fans.
In honor of Martínez's contributions to Mexican cinema and culture, several retrospectives of his work have been held over the years. His life and career have also been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and articles, which aim to shed light on his legacy and the impact he had on Mexican society.
Despite his untimely death, Martínez's influence can still be felt in Mexican cinema today. His legacy as an actor, activist, and artist continues to inspire generations of filmmakers, actors, and activists in Mexico and beyond.
Hector Bonilla (March 14, 1939 Mexico City-) otherwise known as Héctor Bonilla or Hector Bonilla Hermilo Rebentun is a Mexican actor. He has three children, Sergio Bonilla, Leonor Bonilla and Fernando Bonilla Martínez.
Bonilla began his acting career in the 1960s and has since starred in numerous Mexican and international films, television series, and theater productions. He has received several awards for his outstanding contributions to the film industry, including the prestigious Ariel Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Apart from acting, Bonilla has also worked as a director and producer in the film and television industry. He is known for his work on popular television series and telenovelas, such as "La Casa de las Flores" and "La Rosa de Guadalupe".
In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Bonilla is also a well-known social and political activist in Mexico. He has been involved in numerous campaigns and movements that champion social justice and human rights, and has received recognition for his contributions to these causes.
Overall, Hector Bonilla is considered to be one of the most talented and respected actors in Mexican cinema, and a prominent figure in Mexican society and culture.
Bonilla was raised in a family of artists; his mother was a pianist and his father was a well-known architect. He studied acting at the Centro Universitario de Teatro, and later studied directing at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Bonilla is multilingual and speaks Spanish, English, and French fluently, which has helped him secure roles in international film and television productions.
In addition to his career in entertainment, Bonilla has also been involved in politics. He was a member of the National Action Party in Mexico and served as a senator from 1997 to 2000. He has also been involved in various humanitarian and environmental causes, such as advocating for the rights of indigenous communities in Mexico and supporting efforts to protect endangered species.
Bonilla's performances have been praised by both audiences and critics, with many describing his acting style as nuanced and understated. He has been named one of Mexico's most important actors by the country's National Institute of Fine Arts, and has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a lifetime achievement award from the Mexican Academy of Film.
In addition to his successful career in entertainment and his political and social activism, Hector Bonilla is also a published author. He has written several books, including "Crónicas de un Laberinto," a collection of essays and reflections on Mexican society and culture. Bonilla is also a respected theater director, having directed and produced numerous plays throughout his career. He has worked with some of Mexico's leading theater companies, including the prestigious National Theater Company. Despite his many accomplishments, Bonilla remains humble and committed to his craft, often describing himself as a lifelong student of acting and filmmaking. He continues to work in the industry and is considered a beloved and respected figure in Mexican culture.
Bonilla’s film career is quite diverse and covers a wide range of genres. He has starred in dramas, comedies, action films, and historical epics. Some of his most notable film roles include his portrayal of the sensitive artist Julio in "Las Poquianchis" (1976), the disillusioned journalist in "Rojo Amanecer" (1990), and the flawed lawyer in "La Ley de Herodes" (1999). He has also starred in international productions, such as the French film "L'Hiver sous la table" (1984) and the U.S. film "Clear and Present Danger" (1994).
Bonilla has also been recognized for his theater work. In 1973, he co-founded the theater company Teatro Libero Mexicano, which aimed to bring new and innovative plays to Mexican audiences. He has directed and produced numerous plays with the company, including "La Dama del Alba" and "El Luto humano." He has also worked with other theater companies in Mexico and around the world, such as the Spain-based La Fura dels Baus and the U.S.-based Hispanic Theater Guild.
Throughout his career, Bonilla has remained committed to promoting Mexican culture and arts. He has worked with various cultural organizations and has served as an ambassador for Mexican cinema at international film festivals. He has also been a vocal supporter of indigenous rights and has advocated for greater recognition of Mexico's indigenous cultures.
In recent years, Bonilla has continued to work in film and television, often playing supporting roles in popular telenovelas and series. He has also continued his social and political activism, advocating for greater protections for Mexico's natural resources and for the rights of marginalized communities. He is widely regarded as one of Mexico's most important and influential cultural figures.