Paul Fierro was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Red River,” “The Creature Walks Among Us,” and “Sorry, Wrong Number.” He made a mark during the early days of television and film, particularly in westerns where he often played the villain.
Personal and Family Life
Born on January 19, 1916, in Los Angeles, California, Paul Fierro grew up in a rough neighborhood known as “Dogtown.” As a child, he was resourceful, selling newspapers and even fighting in informal boxing matches to earn extra money. He received a football scholarship to North Carolina State University, where he played from 1935 to 1937. He led a quiet life, spending many years in a cottage in Laurel Canyon before moving to Walnut Creek, California, where he later passed away.
Career
Paul Fierro started his acting career during the challenging era of the 1940s in Hollywood. He initially took on small roles and worked his way up to more significant parts, becoming well-known for his portrayals of villains, often cast as a cowboy or Native American character. His tall and athletic appearance helped him fit into these roles, contributing to his success in the film industry.
Death and Legacy
Paul Fierro died on October 25, 1999, in Walnut Creek, California. He is remembered as a pioneering actor who contributed to the early days of both television and film. Fierro’s unique portrayals of complex characters have left a lasting impact on the western genre, and his participation in classic films continues to resonate with audiences today.
Filmography
Title | Release Date | Character |
---|---|---|
Sorry, Wrong Number | 1948-09-24 | Harpootlian |
The Creature Walks Among Us | 1956-04-26 | Morteno |
Dig That Uranium | 1955-12-25 | The Indian |
Kotch | 1971-09-17 | Pablo |
Stagecoach To Fury | 1956-12-13 | Pedro |
Waco | 1952-02-24 | Lou Garcia |
Oregon Passage | 1957-12-29 | Nato |
Jeopardy | 1953-03-30 | Mexican Lieutenant |
Yaqui Drums | 1956-10-13 | Leader |
San Antone | 1953-02-15 | Bandit Leader |
New York Town | 1941-10-31 | Gentleman on Boat (uncredited) |
Beg, Borrow…or Steal | 1973-03-20 | Marty |
Red River | 1948-08-26 | Fernandez (uncredited) |
A Lady Without Passport | 1950-08-03 | Alien (uncredited) |
Amazon Quest | 1949-05-13 | Lieutenant |
Kansas City Confidential | 1952-11-11 | Paul Garcia (uncredited) |
He Walked by Night | 1949-02-06 | Spanish-Speaking Detective (uncredited) |
Holiday for Lovers | 1959-07-21 | Sub-inspector |
Wings of the Hawk | 1953-08-26 | Carlos |
The Fighter | 1952-05-23 | Jose |
Sirocco | 1951-06-13 | Lieutenant (uncredited) |
A Likely Story | 1947-04-18 | Gateman (uncredited) |
The Capture | 1950-04-08 | |
War Drums | 1957-03-21 | |
The First Texan | 1956-06-29 | Lopez (uncredited) |
Escape to Burma | 1955-04-09 | |
Intrigue | 1947-12-06 | Warehouse Lead Thug (uncredited) |
I Was a Shoplifter | 1950-05-13 | Pedro – Mechanic |
Passage West | 1951-10-01 | Ramon |
Secret Beyond the Door… | 1947-12-24 | Fighter (uncredited) |
Pier 5, Havana | 1959-10-09 | Sergeant |
The Snows of Kilimanjaro | 1952-10-08 | Spanish Officer (uncredited) |
Maverick | 1957-09-22 | Miguel |
General Electric Theater | 1953-02-01 | Kassim |