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

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