Jose Ferrer

Date of Birth: January 8, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: January 26, 1992

Biography

José Vicente Ferrer de Otero y Cintrón, known professionally as José Ferrer, was a Puerto Rican actor and director who made significant contributions to both the stage and screen. Born on January 8, 1912, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Ferrer grew up in a culturally rich environment that fostered his early interest in the arts. He attended Princeton University, where he honed his acting skills and graduated with a degree in architecture. However, his passion for acting soon took precedence, and he began his career on Broadway in the 1930s. Ferrer is best remembered for his role as Cyrano de Bergerac, a character he portrayed on stage and later in the 1950 film adaptation, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. This achievement made him the first Hispanic actor to win an Oscar. Ferrer continued to build an illustrious career with notable performances in films such as “Moulin Rouge” (1952) and “The Caine Mutiny” (1954). He also directed multiple films and Broadway productions, showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist. Throughout his career, Ferrer was celebrated for his commanding presence and distinctive voice. He received multiple accolades, including a Tony Award, and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ferrer’s legacy continues to influence actors and directors, reflecting the lasting impact of his remarkable career.

5 Interesting Facts about Jose Ferrer

1. José Ferrer was the first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award.

2. He played the role of Cyrano de Bergerac on stage and screen, earning critical acclaim and an Oscar for his performance.

3. Ferrer was married five times, including two marriages to singer Rosemary Clooney.

4. He directed the 1955 film “The Shrike,” in which he also starred, demonstrating his versatility as both an actor and director.

5. Ferrer was a committed advocate for the arts, serving as the chairman of the Puerto Rican Institute of Hispanic Culture.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jose Ferrer

1. “The truth is, I made a lot of mistakes and did a lot of things wrong in my career.”

2. “Acting is a form of confession.”

3. “I think that to have known one good, old-fashioned, loving life is the greatest achievement in the world.”

4. “You can be wonderful in one particular role, but if you don’t have the talent to sustain a career, you won’t.”

5. “I have always felt that the true test of an actor’s worth is how often he is asked to work.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, José Ferrer’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

José Ferrer had six children: 1. Miguel Ferrer (1955-2017), an actor known for his roles in “RoboCop” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.” 2. Rafael Ferrer, a visual artist. 3. Gabriel Ferrer, an Anglican priest. 4. Monsita Ferrer, a singer. 5. Leticia Thyra Ferrer. 6. José Ferrer Jr.