Alfonso Bedoya was an American actor best known for his roles in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The Big Country, and Border Incident. Born on April 16, 1904, in Mexico City, he became a prominent character actor in U.S. films.
Personal and Family Life
Alfonso Bedoya was born as Benito Alfonso Bedoya y Díaz de Guzmán. He grew up in a family with roots in Puebla, Mexico. He had a brief education in Houston, Texas, before returning to Mexico City to work in the film industry. He was married to Gertrude Elizabeth Lasky Karas starting March 8, 1950.
Career Highlights
Bedoya began his acting career in the struggling Mexican film industry and gained fame after starring as Gold Hat in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, where he delivered the memorable line about not needing any “stinking badges.” His success in U.S. films spanned nearly a decade, during which he appeared in many popular titles. Unfortunately, his health declined due to a battle with alcoholism.
Death and Legacy
Alfonso Bedoya passed away on December 15, 1957, from a heart attack at the age of 53 in Mexico City. Despite his struggles, he left a lasting impact on the film industry, especially through his iconic roles. Bedoya is remembered as a quintessential character actor who brought life to many memorable scenes.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Treasure of the Sierra Madre | 1948-01-15 | Gold Hat |
| The Big Country | 1958-09-30 | Ramón Guiteras |
| Border Incident | 1949-10-28 | Cuchillo |
| Man in the Saddle | 1951-12-02 | Cultus Charley |
| Gran Casino | 1947-06-12 | El Rayado |
| Fortunes of Captain Blood | 1950-05-19 | Carmilio, Prison Overseer |
| California Conquest | 1952-07-04 | José Martínez |
| Streets of Laredo | 1949-05-27 | Charley Calico |
| Flor silvestre | 1943-04-24 | Teniente de Rogelio |
| The Black Pirates | 1954-12-24 | Garza |
| La madrina del diablo | 1937-09-09 | |
| Canaima | 1945-10-04 | Cholo Parima (Pantoja) |
| Me he de comer esa tuna | 1945-03-01 |