Ramon Novarro: A Hollywood Gem in Silent Cinema.

 

A picture of Ramon Novarro

Ramon Novarro,whose birth name was José Ramón Gil Samaniego,graced the silver screen as a prominent Mexican-American actor during the early days of Hollywood.Born on February 6,1899,in Durango City,Durango,Mexico,his journey in the world of cinema would leave an indelible mark.He emerged as a leading man and one of the top box-office attractions of the 1920s and early 1930s,earning the moniker of a "Latin lover" and becoming a symbol of charisma and charm. 

Early Life and Heritage: 

Novarro's roots can be traced to a family that held influence and respect in Mexico.The Samaniegos,his direct ancestors,were deeply embedded in the country's affairs,with many members holding esteemed positions in the government.Ramon's grandfather,Mariano Samaniego,was a renowned physician in Juarez,known for his charitable nature and his role as an interim governor for the State of Chihuahua.This familial legacy extended to his father,Dr.Mariano N.Samaniego,who built a successful dental practice after studying dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania.Mariano N.Samaniego married Leonor Pérez-Gavilán,a woman of mixed Spanish and Aztec heritage,creating a diverse family heritage,according to local legend. 

Their family estate was fittingly named the "Garden of Eden," where Ramon was one of thirteen children.This diverse and rich heritage shaped his upbringing,with influences from both Spanish and Aztec bloodlines.As a second cousin to renowned Mexican actresses Dolores del Río and Andrea Palma,the world of entertainment was never too far from his life. 

The Silver Screen Journey: 

 Novarro's journey into the world of cinema began in 1917 when he took on bit parts in silent films.To make ends meet,he also worked as a singing waiter,a taxi dancer,and a dancer in revues choreographed by Ernest Belcher,father to Marge Champion.His close friends,actor and director Rex Ingram and his wife,actress Alice Terry,recognized his potential as a rival to the legendary Rudolph Valentino.It was Ingram who suggested that he adopt the stage name "Novarro." His career continued to ascend,and in 1923,he found significant success with his role in "Scaramouche." 

However,it was the 1925 classic "Ben-Hur" that catapulted Novarro to stardom.His revealing costumes in the film caused a sensation,solidifying his place among Hollywood's elite.With the untimely death of Rudolph Valentino in 1926,Novarro emerged as the screen's leading Latin actor,even though he was ranked slightly lower than his MGM contemporary,John Gilbert,as a leading man.His reputation soared as a swashbuckler in action roles and as one of the most celebrated romantic lead actors of his time.He starred alongside luminaries such as Norma Shearer in "The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg" (1927) and Joan Crawford in "Across to Singapore" (1928). 

Novarro seamlessly transitioned into talking films,starting with "Devil-May-Care" (1929), in which he played a singing French soldier.He worked alongside Dorothy Janis in "The Pagan" (1929),Greta Garbo in "Mata Hari" (1931),Myrna Loy in "The Barbarian" (1933),and Lupe Vélez in "Laughing Boy" (1934).As the golden age of Hollywood continued to evolve,Novarro showcased his versatility, captivating audiences with his acting skills. 

Legacy Beyond Hollywood: 

Novarro's career with MGM Studios concluded in 1935 when the studio chose not to renew his contract.Despite this setback,he continued to act sporadically in films,taking on various roles,including a Mexican religious drama and a French comedy.In the 1940s,he appeared in American films such as "We Were Strangers" (1949),directed by John Huston,and "The Big Steal" (1949).His career spanned into the realm of television,and he considered a role in the television series "The Green Peacock" in 1958. 

Throughout the peak of his career in the late 1920s and early 1930s,Novarro commanded a salary of more than $100,000 per film.He invested wisely in real estate,including his renowned Hollywood Hills residence,designed by Lloyd Wright,the son of Frank Lloyd Wright. Even as his career waned,he maintained a comfortable lifestyle,a testament to his financial acumen. 

A Life of Struggles and Personal Trials: 

Despite his success in Hollywood,Ramon Novarro carried deep personal struggles.He grappled with the conflict between his Roman Catholic faith and his homosexuality.His ongoing battle with alcoholism is often traced back to these personal dilemmas.In the early 1920s,he engaged in a romantic relationship with composer Harry Partch,who worked as an usher at the Los Angeles Philharmonic during that time.However,as his acting career soared, Novarro decided to end the relationship.He was also romantically involved with Hollywood journalist Herbert Howe in the late 1920s,as Howe served as his publicist.Additionally,a relationship with a wealthy man from San Francisco named Noël Sullivan marked another chapter in his personal life. 

In a political context,along with other prominent figures like Dolores del Río,Lupe Vélez,and James Cagney,Novarro faced accusations of promoting communism in California after attending a special screening of the film "¡Que viva México!" by Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein. 

A Tragic End: 

Ramon Novarro's life took a tragic turn on October 30,1968,when he fell victim to a gruesome murder.The perpetrators,brothers Paul and Tom Ferguson, aged 22 and 17,enticed Novarro by offering their sexual services.In the past, he had occasionally hired prostitutes from an agency to visit his Laurel Canyon home.The Fergusons,armed with his telephone number from a previous guest,believed that a substantial sum of money was hidden within Novarro's house.In a horrific turn of events,they tortured him for hours in an attempt to extract this nonexistent money.Their actions led to Novarro's death through asphyxiation,as he choked on his blood after being brutally beaten. 

The two brothers were apprehended and sentenced to lengthy prison terms,although they were later released on parole in the mid-1970s.Both men found themselves re-arrested for unrelated crimes,serving even lengthier prison sentences than those imposed for Novarro's murder.In a 1998 interview,Paul Ferguson eventually took responsibility for Novarro's death,while Tom Ferguson's life ended in suicide in 2005.Paul Ferguson passed away in 2018 while serving a 60-year sentence for rape in Missouri. 

Novarro found his final resting place in Calvary Cemetery,East Los Angeles,California.His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6350 Hollywood Boulevard stands as a lasting tribute to his contributions to the world of entertainment. 

A Legacy in Popular Culture: 

Ramon Navarro's life and tragic demise have left a lasting impact on popular culture.His story served as the basis for various artistic creations and references. 

One notable reference is found in the works of acclaimed writer Charles Bukowski.In his short story titled "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez," Bukowski drew inspiration from the circumstances surrounding Novarro's death,using it as a backdrop for his narrative. 

Additionally, the song "Tango," written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and recorded by Peggy Lee on her album "Mirrors," alludes to the tragic events of Novarro's life.This song serves as an emotional reflection on the complexities of his story. 

Furthermore,Navarro's life and death were among the many significant events recounted in Joan Didion's poignant essay, "The White Album," which delves into the California zeitgeist of the 1960s. 

The impact of Ramon Novarro's life extended beyond literature and music into the world of theater.Greek playwright Pavlos Matesis crafted a two-part play titled "The Ghost of Mr.Ramon Novarro," which was first staged at the National Theatre of Greece in 1973.This play aimed to capture the essence of Novarro's rise to fame and his intricate relationship with Hollywood journalist Herbert Howe. 

In a modern context,the television series "Aquarius" (2015) explored the murder of Ramon Novarro in one of its episodes,titled "Cease to Resist." This portrayal introduced a new generation of viewers to the tragic events that marked the end of Novarro's life. 

Additionally,in late 2005,the Wings Theatre in New York City hosted the world premiere of "Through a Naked Lens" by George Barthel.This play combined both fact and fiction,providing a dramatic representation of Novarro's ascent to fame and his relationship with Hollywood journalist Herbert Howe. 

The complexity of Novarro's personal life is explored in two biographies:

Allan R.Ellenberger's "Ramón Novarro" and André Soares's "Beyond Paradise:The Life of Ramón Novarro." These books delve into the intricacies of his relationships,struggles,and his journey as a Mexican-American actor in early Hollywood. Ramon Novarro's story is one of triumph,struggle,and tragedy.He left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment,transcending the boundaries of time and culture.His contributions to the silver screen,his impact on popular culture,and the complexities of his life continue to fascinate and intrigue audiences to this day.Novarro's legacy serves as a reminder of the highs and lows of a celebrated career and the profound impact one individual can have on the universe of film and then some.

By:FindYourBio Team.