Estelita Rodriguez was an American actress known for her roles in Rio Bravo, Belle of Old Mexico, and Susanna Pass. Born on July 2, 1928, in Guanajay, Cuba, she gained popularity during her career, particularly in western films.
Personal and Family Life
Estelita Rodriguez had a vibrant personal life, having been married four times. Her husbands included Dr. Ricardo A. Pego, Ismael Alfonso Halfss (also known as Henry Half), Grant Withers, and Chu Chu Martinez, with whom she had one child. Despite her successful career, her life was tinged with tragedy, including the suicide of her ex-husband, Grant Withers, in 1959.
Death and Legacy
Rodriguez passed away on March 12, 1966, in Van Nuys, California, due to influenza, although the circumstances of her death remain somewhat unclear. She was preparing to star in a film about the life of Lupe Velez at the time of her passing, which was met with much speculation. Estelita is buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, California.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Bravo | 1959-03-18 | Consuela Robante |
| Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter | 1966-04-09 | Juanita Lopez |
| The Golden Stallion | 1949-11-15 | Pepé Valdez |
| Susanna Pass | 1949-04-29 | Rita |
| Federal Agent at Large | 1950-03-12 | Lopita |
| The Gay Ranchero | 1948-01-14 | Consuelo Belmonte |
| Twilight in the Sierras | 1950-05-20 | Lola Chavez |
| Tropic Zone | 1953-01-14 | Elena |
| The Fabulous Senorita | 1952-03-31 | Estelita Rodriguez (as Estelita) |
| Sunset in the West | 1950-09-25 | Carmelita |
| Sweethearts on Parade | 1953-07-15 | Lolita Lamont |
| South Pacific Trail | 1952-10-19 | Lita Alvarez |
| In Old Amarillo | 1951-05-15 | Pepita Martinez |
| Along the Navajo Trail | 1945-09-15 | Narita |
| California Passage | 1950-12-15 | Maria Sanchez |
| Mexicana | 1945-11-15 | Lupita |
| Tropical Heat Wave | 1952-10-01 | Estelita |
| Cuban Fireball | 1951-03-05 | Estelita |
| Pals of the Golden West | 1951-11-15 | Elena Madera |
| On the Old Spanish Trail | 1947-10-15 | Lolita |
| Old Los Angeles | 1948-04-24 | Estelita Del Rey |
| Havana Rose | 1951-09-15 | Estelita DeMarco |
| Hit Parade of 1951 | 1950-10-15 | Chicquita |
| Belle of Old Mexico | 1950-03-01 | Rosita Dominguez |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |