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Katy Jurado (16 January 1924 – 5 July 2002) was a Mexican-American actress who appeared in over 80 films and television shows during her career. She began her acting career in her native Mexico before moving to Hollywood in the 1950s, where she became one of the first Latinx actresses to gain recognition in Hollywood.
Life and Career
Katy Jurado was born María Cristina Estela Jurado García on 16 January 1924 in Guadalajara, Mexico. She began her acting career in Mexico in the 1940s, appearing in a number of Mexican films and telenovelas. In 1951, she made her Hollywood debut in the film “The Bullfighter and the Lady”, directed by John Huston. She quickly established herself as a talented actress, and gained recognition for her performances in films such as “High Noon” (1952), where she played the wife of Gary Cooper’s character, “Broken Lance” (1954) and “One-Eyed Jacks” (1961) with Marlon Brando.
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Jurado was known for playing strong, complex characters and was one of the first Latinx actresses to gain recognition in Hollywood. She also continued to work in Mexican cinema throughout her career and was honored with a Special Golden Ariel for her contributions to Mexican cinema in 2001.
Jurado was also the first Latinx actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in “Broken Lance”. She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Jurado passed away on 5 July 2002 in Cuernavaca, Mexico, at the age of 78.
Award and Legacy
Katy Jurado received several awards and accolades throughout her career for her contributions to the film industry. In 1951, she won the Silver Ariel award for Best Actress for her role in the Mexican film “El Bruto”. In 1954, she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Broken Lance”, making her the first Latinx actress to be nominated for an Oscar in that category.
In 1957, she received a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Trapeze”. In 1960, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Further, in 2001, she was awarded a Special Golden Ariel for her contributions to Mexican cinema.
Jurado’s legacy extends beyond her acting career, as she broke barriers for Latinx actors and actresses in Hollywood and paved the way for future generations of actors and actresses from different ethnicities and backgrounds. Her performances in films such as “High Noon” and “Broken Lance” helped to challenge and change the Hollywood stereotype of Latinx actors, and she is considered to be a trailblazer in Hollywood.
Her performances are still remembered and celebrated today and her films still entertain and inspire audiences.
On 16 January 2018, Google Doodle celebrated Katy Jurado’s 94th Birthday.