Esther Estrella was an American actress who is best known for Three Men from Texas, The Light of Western Stars, and Blood and Sand. Born as Esther Cordery on September 6, 1919, in Hemet, California, she left a brief but memorable mark on Hollywood.
Personal and Family Life
Esther Estrella was born in Hemet, California, and pursued acting from a young age. Her journey to fame began when she fortuitously caught the attention of a director while waiting for auditions alongside many hopefuls. Despite her short career, her passion for acting remained evident throughout her life.
Career
Esther’s acting career was relatively brief, spanning only a couple of years during the early 1940s. She primarily played roles as decorative characters in B-western films and had uncredited appearances in more prominent productions. Her major breakthrough came when she was cast in the Hopalong Cassidy film, Three Men from Texas, and she continued to work with the same director, Lesley Selander, in her final film role.
Death and Legacy
Esther Estrella passed away on March 29, 2005, in California, with the details of her death remaining undisclosed. Though her career in film was short-lived, she is remembered for her unique entry into Hollywood and the roles she played during her time. Her contributions to the B-western genre also left a lasting impression, earning her a place in Hollywood history.
Filmography
| Film/TV Show | Year | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercover Man | 1942 | Dolores Gonzales | 6.4 |
| Prairie Pals | 1942 | Betty Wainwright | 5.3 |
| In Old California | 1942 | Maria Alvarez (uncredited) | 6.3 |
| To the Shores of Tripoli | 1942 | Spanish Girl (uncredited) | 6.0 |
| Down Mexico Way | 1942 | Flower Girl (uncredited) | 6.3 |
| Aloma of the South Seas | 1941 | Handmaiden (uncredited) | 5.4 |
| Blood and Sand | 1941 | Street Gachi (uncredited) | 6.8 |
| Prairie Pioneers | 1941 | Dolores Ortega | 5.7 |
| Three Men from Texas | 1940 | Paquita Serrano | 6.8 |
| The Light of Western Stars | 1940 | Bonita | 5.5 |