Ricardo Cortez was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Maltese Falcon, Argentine Love, and Pony Express. Born Jacob Krantz, he became popular during the silent film era and transitioned to talkies with mixed success.
Personal and Family Life
Born on September 19, 1900, in New York City, Ricardo Cortez was the son of Austrian Jewish immigrants Sarah (Lefkowitz) and Moses Krantz. He had a brother, Stanley Cortez, who became a cinematographer. Cortez was married three times, first to Alma Rubens, then to Christine Coniff Lee, and lastly to Margaret Belle, with whom he stayed until his death.
Career
Cortez started his career in the early 1920s, initially playing small parts in films. He was transformed into a “Latin Lover” persona, aiming to take over the role as Hollywood’s leading heartthrob from Rudolph Valentino. Although he was in various romantic films, his acting range was somewhat limited, though he displayed talent in movies like Pony Express.
Death and Legacy
Ricardo Cortez died on April 28, 1977, in a New York hospital. Despite facing challenges in his career, he left behind a body of work that reflects the evolution of cinema from silent films to the talkies. His legacy as a popular figure of early Hollywood continues to be recognized by film historians.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Chan in Reno | 1939-06-16 | Dr. Ainsley |
| The Maltese Falcon | 1931-05-23 | Sam Spade |
| Tomorrow We Live | 1942-09-23 | The Ghost, Alexander Caesar Martin |
| The Phantom of Crestwood | 1932-10-14 | Gary Curtis |
| The Walking Dead | 1936-03-01 | Nolan |
| Blackmail | 1947-07-24 | Ziggy Cranston |
| The Locket | 1946-12-20 | Drew Bonner |
| Bunco Squad | 1950-09-01 | Tony Weldon / Anthony Wells |
| Man Hunt | 1936-01-29 | Frank Kingman |
| Is My Face Red? | 1932-06-17 | William Poster |