Katy Jurado was an American-Mexican actress who is best known for her roles in High Noon, Broken Lance, and Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid.
Personal and Family Life
Katy Jurado, born María Cristina Estela Jurado García on January 16, 1924, in Mexico City, came from a wealthy family. Her family lost their lands when the government confiscated them for reform, but her grandmother upheld their aristocratic lifestyle. Katy pursued acting against her family’s wishes, marrying actor Víctor Velázquez to gain independence.
Career Highlights
Jurado started her acting career in the 1943 film No matarás and became a prominent figure in Mexico’s “Golden Age of Cinema.” She became well-known for playing strong female characters and made her mark in Hollywood with her role in High Noon (1952). Jurado’s performance challenged stereotypes of Latina women in film, showing them as multi-dimensional characters.
Death and Legacy
Katy Jurado passed away on July 5, 2002, from a heart attack at her home in Cuernavaca, Mexico, at the age of 78. She is remembered not only for her groundbreaking roles in cinema but also for paving the way for future Latina actresses in Hollywood. Jurado won various awards in both Mexican and American cinema, including an Academy Award nomination.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| High Noon | 1952-06-09 | Helen Ramírez |
| La seducción | 1981-07-01 | Isabel |
| Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid | 1973-05-23 | Mrs. Baker |
| Barabbas | 1961-12-23 | Sara |
| Trapeze | 1956-05-30 | Rosa |
| Under the Volcano | 1984-06-12 | Senora Gregoria |
| Broken Lance | 1954-09-25 | Señora Devereaux |
| The Hi-Lo Country | 1998-12-30 | Meesa |