Ramon Novarro
Mexican actor who became a silent film star and Latin lover.
via Wikipedia: Dolores del Río · see source
Ramon Novarro, born Ramón Gil Samaniego in Durango City, Mexico, in 1899, rose from a family displaced by the Mexican Revolution to become a defining Hollywood star. After his family relocated to Los Angeles in 1913, he began his film career in 1917 with small roles, while also working as a singing waiter and dancer. His big break came when director Rex Ingram and his wife, actress Alice Terry, began promoting him as a rival to Rudolph Valentino, and Ingram suggested his stage name. Novarro’s first major success was the 1923 film *Scaramouche*, but he achieved his greatest triumph in 1925 with *Ben-Hur*, where his revealing costumes caused a sensation and elevated him to the Hollywood elite. Following Valentino’s death in 1926, Novarro became the screen’s leading Latin actor, though he ranked lower than contemporary John Gilbert. MGM promoted him as a “Latin lover” and sex symbol, and he was popular in swashbuckling action roles, considered one of the great romantic leads of his era. He starred opposite Norma Shearer in *The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg* and with Joan Crawford in *Across to Singapore*. Transitioning to talkies, he appeared as a singing soldier in *Devil-May-Care*, with Greta Garbo in *Mata Hari*, with Myrna Loy in *The Barbarian*, and opposite Lupe Vélez in *Laughing Boy*. At his peak in the late 1920s and early 1930s, he earned over $100,000 per film and invested in real estate, including the renowned Samuel-Novarro House designed by Lloyd Wright. When his MGM contract expired in 1935, he acted sporadically in films, television, and even a British variety show. He is recognized as the first Latin American actor to succeed in Hollywood.
- field
- Actor
- nationality
- Mexican
- known_for
- Leading man in silent and early sound films, first Latin American actor to succe
Verified Timeline
Quick Facts
- Birth Name
- Ramón Gil Samaniego
- Birth Date
- 1899-02-06
- Birth Place
- Durango City, Mexico
- Death Date
- 1968-10-30
- Death Place
- North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Death Cause
- Asphyxiation (murdered)
- Resting Place
- Calvary Cemetery
- Other Names
- Ramon Samaniego · Ramón Samaniego · Ramon Samaniegos
- Years Active
- 1917–1968
- Relatives
- Dolores del Río (cousin) / Andrea Palma (cousin) / Julio Bracho (cousin)
- Awards
- Hollywood Walk of Fame (Motion Picture)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Ramon Novarro was a Mexican actor who became a leading man and top box-office attraction in American silent films during the 1920s and early 1930s. He was promoted by MGM as a "Latin lover" and became a sex symbol following the death of Rudolph Valentino, and is recognized as the first Latin American actor to succeed in Hollywood. Novarro began his film career in 1917 with bit parts, supplementing his income as a singing waiter, taxi dancer, and revue dancer. His first major success came with the 1923 film *Scaramouche*, and he achieved his greatest triumph in 1925 with *Ben-Hur*, where his revealing costumes caused a sensation. He was popular as a swashbuckler in action roles and considered one of the great romantic leads of his day. Novarro made a successful transition to talking films, starring opposite Greta Garbo in *Mata Hari* (1931) and with Lupe Vélez in *Laughing Boy* (1934). When his MGM contract expired in 1935, he continued acting sporadically in films and television, including a 1968 appearance on *The High Chaparral*. At his peak, he earned over $100,000 per film and invested in real estate, including the renowned Samuel-Novarro House designed by Lloyd Wright. Novarro was troubled by his conflicted feelings toward his Roman Catholic faith and his homosexuality, and struggled with alcoholism. He was murdered in 1968 by two brothers who had come to his home offering sexual services, believing money was hidden there; he died of asphyxiation after being beaten.
Reader's Guide
Ramon Novarro is recognized as the first Latin American actor to achieve major success in Hollywood, a milestone that opened doors for later Latino performers. His career, which spanned silent and early sound films, made him a top box-office attraction in the 1920s and early 1930s. He was promoted by MGM as a "Latin lover" and became a prominent sex symbol following the death of Rudolph Valentino. His greatest triumph came with the 1925 epic *Ben-Hur*, where his revealing costumes caused a sensation and elevated him into the Hollywood elite. Novarro was popular in swashbuckling action roles and considered one of the great romantic leads of his era, appearing opposite stars such as Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, and Greta Garbo. At his peak, he earned over $100,000 per film and invested in real estate, including the notable Samuel-Novarro House designed by Lloyd Wright. His personal life was troubled by a lifelong conflict between his Roman Catholic faith and his homosexuality, which contributed to his alcoholism. Novarro was murdered in 1968 by two brothers who had offered sexual services, believing money was hidden in his home. The case highlighted the vulnerability of closeted celebrities in Hollywood.
Did You Know?
- Novarro was born into an influential Mexican family; his father was a dentist and his mother descended from Spanish and Aztec lineage.
- Friends Rex Ingram and Alice Terry promoted him as a rival to Rudolph Valentino, and Ingram suggested the stage name 'Novarro'.
- His greatest success was *Ben-Hur* (1925), where his revealing costumes caused a sensation.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ramon Novarro?
Ramon Novarro was the stage name of Ramón Gil Samaniego, a Mexican-born actor who entered American silent cinema in 1917 and quickly became a major star. MGM promoted him as their signature 'Latin lover' throughout the 1920s and into the early 1930s.
What is Ramon Novarro known for?
He is best remembered as a leading man in both silent and early sound features, consistently drawing large audiences to theaters. His romantic, swashbuckling roles made him one of the era's most bankable box-office attractions.
Why is Ramon Novarro important in Hollywood history?
He is credited as the first Latin American actor to achieve genuine, sustained stardom in the American film industry. His breakthrough opened a door that very few Latino performers had walked through before him.
Where and when was Ramon Novarro born?
He was born on February 6, 1899, in Durango City, in the Mexican state of Durango. He eventually relocated to the United States to pursue a career in acting.
How did Ramon Novarro's life end?
Novarro died on October 30, 1968, in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, California. By the time of his passing, the silent-film era that had made him a household name had been gone for decades.
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