Born: January 8, 1912 – Died: January 26, 1992
José Ferrer, the legendary Puerto Rican actor and film director, captivated audiences with his extraordinary talent and charisma. Born on January 8, 1912, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ferrer made history as the first Puerto Rican actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor. Known for his incredible portrayal of the title character in "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1950), Ferrer left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With his impeccable performances, he paved the way for Hispanic actors and broke barriers along the way. Ferrer's legacy as a trailblazer and his contributions to the world of cinema will forever be remembered.
Early Life and Career
José Ferrer had a diverse and fascinating background that contributed to his success in the entertainment industry. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1912. His father, Rafael Ferrer, was a lawyer and author, while his mother, María Providencia Cintrón, hailed from the coastal town of Yabucoa. Ferrer's paternal grandfather, Dr. Gabriel Ferrer Hernández, was a fervent advocate for Puerto Rican independence.
At the age of two, Ferrer's family moved to New York City, where he would spend most of his childhood and formative years. He received his education at the prestigious Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland and later attended Princeton University, where he studied architecture. However, Ferrer's true passion lay in the performing arts, leading him to transfer to Columbia University to study romance languages.
Ferrer made his theatrical debut in 1934 while still a college student. He quickly gained recognition for his talent and landed his first major success with a role in the Broadway play "Brother Rat" in 1936. This breakthrough performance paved the way for further successful stage roles, including notable productions such as "Mamba's Daughters" and "Charley's Aunt."
In 1946-1947, Ferrer achieved widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the iconic character Cyrano de Bergerac on Broadway. This role earned him the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in 1947, solidifying his reputation as a formidable talent. Ferrer's stage success propelled him into the world of film, and he made his debut in the Technicolor epic "Joan of Arc" (1948), where he garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Ferrer's breakthrough as a film actor came in 1950 when he reprised his role as Cyrano de Bergerac in a film adaptation of the play. This iconic performance not only won him the Academy Award for Best Actor but also established him as a leading figure in Hollywood. His subsequent roles in films such as "Moulin Rouge" (1952) and "The Caine Mutiny" (1954) further solidified his status as a versatile and highly respected actor.
Beyond his acting prowess, Ferrer also explored his talents as a film director. He directed several films, including "The Shrike" (1955) and "I Accuse!" (1958). While not all of his directorial efforts were commercial successes, they showcased his artistic vision and passion for storytelling.
In his personal life, Ferrer faced legal troubles when the Internal revenue Service accused him of unpaid taxes dating back to 1962. Despite this setback, he continued to work in both film and television, taking on supporting roles and lending his distinctive voice to various projects.
José Ferrer's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry cannot be denied. His groundbreaking success as a Puerto Rican actor opened doors for other Hispanic actors and broke down barriers of representation. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and recognition for his contributions to both film and theater.
Ferrer was married multiple times and had several children. He was known for his dedication to his craft and the respect he garnered from his peers in the industry.
José Ferrer's legacy as an icon and legend of the entertainment industry is firmly cemented. His immense talent, versatility, and trailblazing achievements have left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of actors to come. Whether on the stage or the silver screen, Ferrer's charisma and mastery of his craft continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Maniac Mansion (TV Series) | The Celebrity Visitor Jose Ferrer (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1991 | The Perfect Tribute (TV Movie) | Edward Everett |
| 1990 | Old Explorers | Warner Watney |
| 1990 | Hired to Kill | Rallis |
| 1986–1990 | Matlock (TV Series) | Nicholas Baron |
| 1989 | American Playwrights Theater: The One-Acts (TV Series) | Abraham Bentley |
| 1989 | Mother's Day (TV Movie) | Judge Leatham |
| 1988 | Sesame Street (TV Series) | Tío José |
| 1988 | American Playhouse (TV Series) | Professor Leeds |
| 1985–1987 | Newhart (TV Series) | Arthur Vanderkellen |
| 1987 | The Sun and the Moon | Don Fulhencio |
| 1987 | The Magical World of Disney (TV Series) | Dr. Tybalt Grimaldi (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1986 | Bridges to Cross (TV Series) | Morris Kane |
| 1981–1986 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Simon Beck | Deke Donner |
| 1986 | Blood & Orchids (TV Movie) | Walter Bergman |
| 1985 | Covenant (TV Movie) | Victor Noble |
| 1985 | Seduced (TV Movie) | James Killian (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1985 | Hitler's S.S.: Portrait in Evil (TV Movie) | Prof. Ludwig Rosenberg |
| 1984 | I Am Joe's Liver (Short) | Joe's Liver (voice, as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1984 | Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) | Cagliostro (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1984 | Dune | Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV |
| 1984 | George Washington (TV Mini Series) | Governor Dinwiddie |
| 1984 | Samson and Delilah (TV Movie) | The High Priest (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1984 | The Evil That Men Do | Dr. Hector Lomelin (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1984 | Hotel (TV Series) | Alex Huff (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1983 | To Be or Not to Be | Prof. Siletski (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1983 | Fantasy Island (TV Series) | Nikolos Karavatos (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1983 | The Wind in the Willows (TV Movie) | Badger (voice) |
| 1983 | This Girl for Hire (TV Movie) | Harrison Wooly (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1983 | Blood Feud (TV Movie) | Edward Bennett Williams - Hoffa's Attorney |
| 1983 | Another World (TV Series) | Reuben Marino |
| 1982 | And They're Off | Martin Craig (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1982 | Quincy M.E. (TV Series) | Dr. Stanley Royce (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1982 | Bloodtide | Nereus |
| 1982 | A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy | Leopold (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1981 | The Being | Mayor Gordon Lane (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1981 | Bloody Birthday | Doctor |
| 1981 | Peter and Paul (TV Movie) | Gamaliel (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1981 | Berlin Tunnel 21 (TV Movie) | Komanski |
| 1981 | Evita Peron (TV Movie) | Agustin Magaldi (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1981 | Magnum, P.I. (TV Series) | Robert Caine (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1980 | The Dream Merchants (TV Mini Series) | George Pappas |
| 1980 | Oye Willie (TV Series) | Don Piri Tomás |
| 1980 | Pleasure Palace (TV Movie) | 'Pokey' |
| 1980 | Battle Creek Brawl | Dominici |
| 1980 | Gideon's Trumpet (TV Movie) | Abe Fortas |
| 1980 | Battles: The Murder That Wouldn't Die (TV Movie) | Jeff Briggs (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1979 | A Life of Sin | The Bishop |
| 1979 | The French Atlantic Affair (TV Mini Series) | President Aristide Brouchard |
| 1979 | Natural Enemies | Harry Rosenthal (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1979 | The Concorde... Airport '79 | Chief Superintendent Morabito (TV version) (uncredited) |
| 1979 | The Fifth Musketeer | Athos (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1979 | Tales of the Unexpected (TV Series) | Carlos |
| 1979 | The Hughes Mystery | Unknown |
| 1978 | Fame (TV Movie) | Francesco |
| 1978 | The Swarm | Dr. Andrews (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1978 | Fedora | Doctor Vando |
| 1976–1978 | Starsky and Hutch (TV Series) | Crazy Joey Fortune |
| 1978 | The Return of Captain Nemo (TV Movie) | Captain Nemo |
| 1977 | The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover | Lionel McCoy |
| 1977 | Who Has Seen the Wind | The Ben |
| 1977 | Exo-Man (TV Movie) | Kermit Haas |
| 1977 | Dracula's Dog | Inspector Branco |
| 1977 | The Rhinemann Exchange (TV Mini Series) | Erich Rhinemann |
| 1977 | The Sentinel | Robed Figure |
| 1976 | Crash! | Marc Denne |
| 1976 | Voyage of the Damned | Manuel Benitez |
| 1976 | Teleplay (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1976 | The Big Bus | Ironman (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1976 | Truman at Potsdam (TV Movie) | Josef Stalin |
| 1975 | The Art of Crime (TV Movie) | Beckwith Sloan (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1975 | Paco | Fermin Flores |
| 1975 | Medical Story (TV Movie) | Dr. William Knowland |
| 1975 | Order to Assassinate | Inspector Reed |
| 1975 | Forever Young, Forever Free | Father Alberto |
| 1975 | The Missing Are Deadly (TV Movie) | Mr. Ed Warren |
| 1974 | ABC Afterschool Specials (TV Series) | Cyrano de Bergerac (voice) |
| 1974 | Columbo (TV Series) | Dr. Marshall Cahill (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1973 | Orson Welles' Great Mysteries (TV Series) | Old Harry |
| 1973 | The Marcus-Nelson Murders (TV Movie) | Jake Weinhaus (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1971 | Crosscurrent (TV Movie) | Dr. Charles Bedford |
| 1971 | Gideon (TV Movie) | Angel of the Lord |
| 1971 | Banyon (TV Series) | Lee Jennings |
| 1970 | The Name of the Game (TV Series) | Benjamin Franklin Bristow | Adrian Blake |
| 1970 | The Aquarians (TV Movie) | Dr. Alfred Vreeland |
| 1968 | The Little Drummer Boy (TV Movie) | Ben Haramed (voice, as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1968 | A Case of Libel (TV Movie) | Boyd Bendix |
| 1967 | The Young Rebel | Hassan Bey |
| 1967 | Kismet (TV Movie) | Hajj (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1967 | Enter Laughing | Harrison B. Marlowe (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1965 | Ship of Fools | Rieber (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1965 | The Greatest Story Ever Told | Herod Antipas |
| 1964 | Bewitched (TV Series) | Narrator (voice, uncredited) |
| 1964 | Cyrano et d'Artagnan | Monsieur de Cyrano Bergerac, de la Compagnie des Cadets de Gascogne |
| 1963 | The Greatest Show on Earth (TV Series) | Harry Kyle |
| 1963 | Stop Train 349 | Cowan the Reporter (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1963 | Nine Hours to Rama | Supt. Gopal Das |
| 1962 | Lawrence of Arabia | Turkish Bey (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1961 | Return to Peyton Place | Voice of Mark Steele (voice, uncredited) |
| 1959 | The United States Steel Hour (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1959 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) | Joe Garvey (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1958 | The High Cost of Loving | Jim Fry (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1958 | I Accuse! | Captain Dreyfus (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1957 | Four Girls in Town | Director (uncredited) |
| 1956 | The Great Man | Joe Harris |
| 1956 | The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (TV Series) | Cyrano de Bergerac (voice) |
| 1955 | The Cockleshell Heroes | Major Geoffrey Stringer |
| 1955 | Producers' Showcase (TV Series) | Cyrano de Bergerac |
| 1955 | The Shrike | Jim Downs |
| 1954 | Deep in My Heart | Sigmund Romberg |
| 1954 | The Caine Mutiny | Lt. Barney Greenwald (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1953 | Miss Sadie Thompson | Alfred Davidson (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1952 | Moulin Rouge | Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec | Comte Alphonse de Toulouse-Lautrec |
| 1952 | Anything Can Happen | Giorgi Papashvily |
| 1950 | Cyrano de Bergerac | Cyrano |
| 1950 | Crisis | Raoul Farrago (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1950 | The Secret Fury | José (uncredited) |
| 1950 | Whirlpool | David Korvo (as Jose Ferrer) |
| 1949 | The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Sammy Glick | Cyrano de Bergerac |
| 1948 | Joan of Arc | The Dauphin - Charles VII, later King of France |
