Dolores Del Río was a Mexican-American actress who is best known for her roles in “Ramona,” “Flying Down to Rio,” and “Bird of Paradise.” She was one of the first Mexican movie stars with international fame, rising to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s.
Personal and Family Life
Dolores Martínez Asúnsolo y López Negrete was born into an aristocratic family in Durango, Mexico. After losing their fortune during the Mexican Revolution, her family moved to Mexico City, where she became a socialite. In 1921, she married Jaime Del Río, which opened doors for her in Hollywood, leading her to a successful acting career.
Career Highlights
Dolores Del Río’s career took off in Hollywood after starring in her first film, “Joanna,” in 1925. She gained widespread recognition with roles in “Ramona” and “Bird of Paradise,” becoming known as the female Rudolph Valentino. After a short return to Mexico, she found new success in the Mexican film industry, contributing significantly to its Golden Era with hits like “Maria Candelaria” and “Las abandonadas.”
Death and Legacy
Dolores Del Río passed away on April 11, 1983, in Newport Beach, California, due to liver failure. Her legacy lives on as her contributions to both Hollywood and Mexican cinema are remembered and celebrated. Friends like Vincent Price worked to keep her memory alive, highlighting her beauty and talent throughout the years.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| La malquerida | 1949-09-16 | Raimunda |
| Journey into Fear | 1943-01-07 | Josette Martel |
| Flying Down to Rio | 1933-12-22 | Belinha De Rezende |
| Cheyenne Autumn | 1964-10-15 | Spanish woman |
| María Candelaria (Xochimilco) | 1944-01-20 | María Candelaria |
| C’era una volta | 1967-10-19 | Reine Mère |
| The Fugitive | 1947-11-11 | An Indian Woman |
| Flaming Star | 1960-12-20 | Neddy Burton |
| Bird of Paradise | 1932-08-12 | Luana |
| La Cucaracha | 1959-11-12 | Isabel Puente |
| Flor silvestre | 1943-04-24 | Esperanza |
| Bugambilia | 1945-11-02 | Amalita de los Robles |
| Ramona | 1928-03-27 | Ramona |
| The Children of Sanchez | 1978-06-16 | Grandma Paquita |
| The Loves of Carmen | 1927-09-03 | Carmen |
| What Price Glory | 1926-11-23 | Charmaine de la Cognac |