Latin Legends Series: Jose Ferrer First Latino to Win Oscars

Jose Ferrer, a trailblazer in Hollywood and on Broadway, was one of the most talented actors and directors of his generation. He brought to life some of the most iconic characters in film and theater, including Cyrano de Bergerac and the Shakespearian villain Iago. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, including battles with alcoholism and depression, Ferrer’s dedication to his craft never faltered. He was a true pioneer for Hispanic actors in Hollywood and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of performers.

Jose Ferrer was a talented Puerto Rican actor who rose to fame in the mid-20th century. He was one of the first Hispanic actors to make it big in Hollywood and had a career that spanned over five decades.

Born on January 8, 1912, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ferrer was the son of a successful attorney and businessman. He grew up in a wealthy family and was educated at Princeton University and the Yale School of Drama.

Ferrer began his acting career on Broadway in the 1930s, and he quickly became known for his commanding stage presence and his ability to handle difficult roles. He was a Shakespearean actor, and his performances in plays such as “Hamlet” and “The Taming of the Shrew” were critically acclaimed.

In 1946, Ferrer made his film debut in “Joan of Arc,” in which he played the Dauphin of France. His performance was so impressive that he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Ferrer continued to act in films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and he was nominated for several more Academy Awards. However, it was his portrayal of Cyrano de Bergerac in the 1950 film adaptation of the play that earned him his only Academy Award win. Ferrer not only starred in the film but also directed it, making him the first actor to win an Academy Award for directing.

In addition to his film work, Ferrer also acted in numerous television shows and was a popular guest on talk shows. He continued to act on stage as well, and his performances in plays such as “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” and “The Shrike” were highly praised.

He was married five times, and he had several children. He was also a philanthropist, and he founded the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre in New York City in 1967, which helped to promote Hispanic culture.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Ferrer’s life was not without its challenges. He struggled with alcoholism and depression, which affected his personal relationships and career. However, he persevered and continued to act in films, television shows, and stage productions until his death.

Ferrer’s talent and dedication to his craft were widely recognized by his peers and critics. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George H. W. Bush in 1985, and in 1992 he was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Throughout his career, Ferrer’s love for the theater never wavered. He believed in the importance of live performance and the power of storytelling. In a 1984 interview with The New York Times, he said, “The theater is still the most important thing in the world because it deals with human beings.”

His influence on the world of acting and the arts is still felt today. His legacy lives on, not only through the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, but also  through the numerous actors and performers he inspired.

Ferrer’s accomplishments, and contributions to the arts and to Latino culture lives because he paved the way for Hispanic actors in Hollywood and left behind a legacy of outstanding performances and dedication to his craft.

Ferrer had an extensive career in film, television, and theater, spanning over five decades. Here is a list of some of the movies and TV shows he appeared in:

Movies:

• Joan of Arc (1948)
• Cyrano de Bergerac (1950)
• Whirlpool (1950)
• The Great Manhunt (1950)
• Crisis (1950)
• The Caine Mutiny (1954)
• Deep in My Heart (1954)
• The Shrike (1955)
• The High Cost of Loving (1958)
• Return to Peyton Place (1961)
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
• Ship of Fools (1965)
• Enter Laughing (1967)
• The Battle of El Alamein (1969)
• The Big Bounce (1969)
• The Great White Hope (1970)
• The Fifth Musketeer (1979)
• Dune (1984)

 

Television:

• Climax! (1955-1956)
• Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1960)
• The DuPont Show of the Month (1958-1961)
• The Twilight Zone (1961)
• Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (1963-1966)
• The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964-1967)
• The Name of the Game (1968-1971)
• Medical Center (1969-1974)
• Kojak (1976)
• Magnum, P.I. (1984)

Theater:

• Cyrano de Bergerac (1946-1948)
• The Shrike (1952-1953)
• The Fourposter (1953-1955)
• The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (1954-1955)
• Oh, Captain! (1958-1959)
• Bye Bye Birdie (1960-1961)
• A Case of Libel (1963)
• The Night of the Iguana (1963-1964)
• The Incomparable Max (1971)
• Man and Superman (1978)

 

Awards won:

• Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Cyrano de Bergerac” (1950)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for “Cyrano de Bergerac” (1950)
• Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for “Cyrano de Bergerac” (1947)
• Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” (1955)
• National Medal of Arts (1985)
• Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1992)

 

Ferrer died of colorectal cancer in Coral Gables, Florida, on January 26, 1992, he was 80 years old. his body was laid to rest in Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery in Old San Juan in his native Puerto Rico.