Paul Fierro

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

TitleRelease DateCharacter
Sorry, Wrong Number1948-09-24Harpootlian
The Creature Walks Among Us1956-04-26Morteno
Dig That Uranium1955-12-25The Indian
Kotch1971-09-17Pablo
Stagecoach To Fury1956-12-13Pedro
Waco1952-02-24Lou Garcia
Oregon Passage1957-12-29Nato
Jeopardy1953-03-30Mexican Lieutenant
Yaqui Drums1956-10-13Leader
San Antone1953-02-15Bandit Leader
New York Town1941-10-31Gentleman on Boat (uncredited)
Beg, Borrow…or Steal1973-03-20Marty
Red River1948-08-26Fernandez (uncredited)
A Lady Without Passport1950-08-03Alien (uncredited)
Amazon Quest1949-05-13Lieutenant
Kansas City Confidential1952-11-11Paul Garcia (uncredited)
He Walked by Night1949-02-06Spanish-Speaking Detective (uncredited)
Holiday for Lovers1959-07-21Sub-inspector
Wings of the Hawk1953-08-26Carlos
The Fighter1952-05-23Jose
Sirocco1951-06-13Lieutenant (uncredited)
A Likely Story1947-04-18Gateman (uncredited)
The Capture1950-04-08
War Drums1957-03-21
The First Texan1956-06-29Lopez (uncredited)
Escape to Burma1955-04-09
Intrigue1947-12-06Warehouse Lead Thug (uncredited)
I Was a Shoplifter1950-05-13Pedro – Mechanic
Passage West1951-10-01Ramon
Secret Beyond the Door…1947-12-24Fighter (uncredited)
Pier 5, Havana1959-10-09Sergeant
The Snows of Kilimanjaro1952-10-08Spanish Officer (uncredited)
Maverick1957-09-22Miguel
General Electric Theater1953-02-01Kassim