Maurice Jara was an American actor and singer best known for his roles in films such as Giant, The Lawless, and Flying Leathernecks.
Personal and Family Life
Maurice Jara was born Saul R. Jara on December 15, 1922, in Los Angeles, California. He served in the United States Marines during World War II and was seriously wounded while stationed in Okinawa. After returning home, he joined the Padua Hill Theatre Players, where he met his future wife, Hilda Ramirez, and they married in 1947.
Career Highlights
Jara began his acting career with the Padua Hill Theatre Players and was later discovered by a talent scout. He made his film debut in The Lawless (1950), which focused on Latino immigrants. Over the years, he faced many stereotypical roles but managed to carve out a successful career, most notably for his portrayal of Dr. Guerra in Giant (1956). He was also known for his long-running role as Alessandro in the play Ramona.
Death and Legacy
Maurice Jara passed away on July 23, 1995, in San Jacinto, California. He is buried in Riverside National Cemetery. His contributions to film and theater had a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a significant figure in Latino representation in Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Giant | 1956-11-08 | Dr. Guerra |
| Second Chance | 1953-07-18 | Fernando, groom (uncredited) |
| The Lawless | 1950-06-01 | Lopo Chavez |
| Flying Leathernecks | 1951-08-28 | Shorty Vega |
| The Nebraskan | 1953-12-02 | Wingfoot |
| The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold | 1958-06-04 | Redbird |
| Pals of the Golden West | 1951-11-15 | Lopez |
| Walk the Proud Land | 1956-09-01 | Alchise |
| Take the High Ground! | 1953-10-30 | Franklin D. No Bear |
| They Came to Cordura | 1959-06-01 | |
| Tropic Zone | 1953-01-14 | Macario |
| The First Texan | 1956-06-29 | Pablo Dominguez (uncredited) |
| The Century Turns | 1972-10-08 | Rides-With-The-Sun |
| Undercover Girl | 1950-11-02 | Carlos (uncredited) |
| Drum Beat | 1954-11-10 | |
| Adventures of Superman | 1952-09-19 | |
| Rawhide | 1959-01-09 | |
| Ben Casey | 1961-10-02 | |
| The Adventures of Boston Blackie | 1951-09-08 |