Katy Jurado is an iconic Mexican-born actress who many dub responsible for planting Mexican heritage to the U.S. film industry. Jurado was a woman who presented a wonderful, feisty personality who has famously been portraying antagonist roles in Mexican Film. She soon brought that flair to Hollywood and the iconic actress was able to destroy several stereotypes suggesting that Latino women were only meant for the sexpot roles in American movies.
Katy made her Hollywood debut with the movie ‘The Bullfighter and the Lady’ in 1951. She was one of the lead actors for the movie and her performance for this amazing movie was critically acclaimed. Jurado has been an innovator for the most part of her life. She never shies away from doing something new in a different arena. For that very reason became the first Latino actress to receive an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the Movie Broken Lance. She even went on to win the Golden Globe for her work in High Noon. Let us now without further ado, get to know more about Katy Jurado.
Katy Jurado: Early Life and Education
Maria Cristina Estela Marcela Jurado Garcia was born on the 16th of January, 1924. She was born to father Luis Jurado Ochua who was a lawyer and mother Vicenta Estela Garcia de la Garza who was a singer. Katy also had two brothers Luis Raul and Oscar Sergio. She did grow up in a family full of talented individuals with even her godfather Petro Armendariz a famous Mexican actor. However, her family was not very supportive of her life choices in the early phases.
Caption: Katy Jurado in her early years.
Source: projects.latimes.com
Jurado comes from a wealthy family in Guadalajara. Well, how wealthy? According to reports, her family owned pretty much all of what is now Texas. To pursue her dreams in acting she went on to sign her first professional contract without the consent of her family. They did threaten her to send away to a boarding school, but that was not going to stop this fierce lady.
Katy Jurado: Career
Katy was getting roles from a very young age and her family was still not exactly fond of the idea. Therefore, to get away from the boundaries of her family, she got married to Victor Valazquez who like Katy was also an aspiring actor. She was then able to make her debut in 1943 with the film No Mataras. After that, people doubting her abilities were in awe. During those years, she was working as a film critic, reporter and a bullfight analyst to support her family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-kZ-wd6cyI
Whilst working as an analyst, Jurado met the American filmmaker Budd Boetticher who immediately signed her for the movie ‘Bullfighter and the Lady’. The film that premiered in 1951 was making headlines all across the globe. She did struggle with English but her strong determination and persona earned her attention throughout Hollywood.
Jurado next went on to take English classes and was able to land a role for the classic ‘High Noon’. She was able to earn a Golden Globe for Supporting Actress for her role in the movie. Despite getting all the fame and success in Hollywood she was still working in Mexican movies to help them get better.
Next came her role in the film Broken Lance. People were not sure of giving the role to Jurado because of her age. However, age was just a number for this young lady who was exceptional and a perfect fit. She was able to get nominated for an Academy Award for the film.
Katy Jurado: Personal Life
Now coming to her love life, Katy has been married to 2 men. Her first husband was the Mexican actor Victor whom she got together with just to get away from the boundaries set by her parents. The entire affair was a bit shady and the couple was together for only 4 years. Nevertheless, they did have 2 children- son Victor Hugo and daughter Sandra.
Caption: Ernest Borgnine and Katy Jurado.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
In 1954, Katy met American actor Ernest Borgnine who was filming in Mexico. Reports suggest that Ernest was constantly wooing Katy for the next two years after they first met. Later they both fell for each other and eventually said the vows in 1959. Things did not last for Katy this time around either. Things fell apart for the couple just 4 years after their marriage and they split up in 1963.
Katy Jurado: Net Worth
Very little is known about the riches of Katy Jurado. She was able to establish herself as a prominent name in Hollywood and her country as well. She had a career that spanned over 7 decades and is one of the finest Mexico has ever produced. So, according to reports, Katy has a net worth of $7 million. She did live a life full of luxury from the very start. She grew up in a wealthy family and next became a leading actress in Hollywood.
Caption: Google honoring Katy with a doodle on her 94th birthday.
Source: google.com
Sadly, Katy is no longer with us. She passed away on the 5th of July, 2002 in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Despite being gone for over 16 years, her legacy still remains to this day. She has inspired women all over the world to pursue their dreams and we will never forget her.
