Estelita Rodriguez

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