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Rafael Campos

Rafael Campos (May 13, 1936 – July 9, 1985) was a U.S. actor, writer, and director born in the Dominican Republic. [1]

Life and Career

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Campos was born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. He came to the United States with his family at the age of 14. After studying acting and then becoming involved for a few years in live Spanish-language theatrical productions in New York, he began his movie career when he was discovered by film-director Richard Brooks and cast as a troubled and rebellious Puerto Rican teenager in the movie Blackboard Jungle (1955), a film starring Glenn Ford that also included Sidney Poitier and Vic Morrow in early roles. [2]

Later Campos gained fame through his portrayal of Hispanic youths in such films as Trial (1955), and Dino (1957). His gift for comedy was rarely exposed, a major exception being his role as a busboy in This Could Be the Night (1957). Campos's last film was Fever Pitch (1985), which was directed by his Blackboard Jungle mentor Richard Brooks.

In addition to his work in movies, Campos both acted and directed on the New York stage, making his Broadway debut in “Infidel Caesar”. He also had important roles in the TV series Rhoda (as Ramon Diaz Jr.) and Centennial (as Nacho). Alongside his acting-career, Campos was also a regular contributor to Manhattan-based Spanish-language publications, including especially the magazine Canales, which was published by his brother Fernando. In 1980, Campos won an Ace award from the New York Hispanic Press Association.

Personal Life

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Campos was married twice, first to Sally Boyd, with whom he had two daughters, Mimi and Lisa. His second wife was the singer Dinah Washington.

Campos died at the age of 49 from complications due to stomach-cancer, in Woodland Hills, California, on July 9, 1985.

In recognition of his numerous contributions to Latino culture, Campos was honored posthumously with an award from Nosotros, a New York-based organization that promotes Latino involvement in the theatrical arts.

Filmography (partial)

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Year Film Role Notes
1955 Trial Angel Chavez
Blackboard Jungle Pete V. Morales
1956 The Sharkfighters Carlos
1957 Dino Boy
This Could Be the Night Hussein Mohammed
1958 The Light in the Forest Half Arrow
Tonka Strong Bear
1963 Savage Sam Young Warrior
1964 Lady in a Cage Essie
1966 Agent for H. A. R. M. Luis
The Appaloosa Paco
Mister Buddwing Dice-Player
1968 Girl in Gold Boots
The Astro-Zombies Juan
The Return of Josey Wales Chato
1971 Outlaw Riders Pedro
1973 Hangup Longnose
Oklahoma Crude Indian Helper
1974 The Hanged Man
1976 Slumber Party '57 Dope Fiend
1977 Killer On Board Miguel
1979 Return of the Mod Squad Johnny Sorella
1980 Where the Buffalo Roam Rojas
The Return of Frank Cannon Luis Barrientos
1981 Heartbreaker Alfonso
1984 A Streetcar Named Desire Pablo
1985 Fever Pitch Rafael

References

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  1. ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0133310/bio
  2. ^ "Cancer Claims Character Actor Rafael Campos", Los Angeles Times, July 11, 1985. http://articles.latimes.com/1985-07-11/local/me-8518_1_latino-participation
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