Antonio Ordóñez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Excelentísimo Señor Don
Antonio Ordóñez
MML
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| Born |
Antonio Ordóñez Araujo
16 February 1932 Ronda, Málaga, Spain
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| Died | 19 December 1998 (aged 66) |
| Occupation | Bullfighter |
| Spouse(s) | Carmen Cristina González |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Légion d'honneur Gold Medal of Merit in Labour |
Antonio Ordóñez Araujo (born February 16, 1932 – died December 19, 1998) was a famous Spanish bullfighter. He was known as one of the best bullfighters of his time. Antonio came from a family of bullfighters, and he faced over 3,000 bulls during his long career. He was also friends with famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and filmmaker Orson Welles.
Contents
Who Was Antonio Ordóñez?
His Early Life and Family
Antonio Jiménez Ordóñez Araujo was born in Ronda, Spain. This happened on February 16, 1932. His father was Cayetano Ordóñez, who was also a very famous bullfighter. People called his father Niño de la Palma. He was the inspiration for a character in the famous novel The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway.
A Legendary Bullfighting Career
Antonio Ordóñez was one of the top bullfighters of his time. He was known for his skill and bravery in the bullring. As a matador, which is the main bullfighter, Ordóñez faced more than 3,000 bulls during his career.
He first retired from bullfighting in 1968. In that year alone, he fought in over 60 bullfights! But he later returned to the bullring. He finally retired for good in 1988, after many more years of fighting bulls.
Famous Friends and Social Life
Antonio Ordóñez met many famous writers and actors throughout his life. He even appeared in a few movies. Antonio was a close friend of the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway. He called Hemingway "Father Ernesto."
Hemingway wrote a book called The Dangerous Summer. This book was about the exciting rivalry between Ordóñez and another famous bullfighter, Luis Miguel Dominguín. Interestingly, Dominguín was also Antonio's brother-in-law! Ordóñez also became good friends with the Hollywood movie star and director Orson Welles. After Welles passed away, his ashes were buried on Ordóñez's estate in Spain.
His Family's Legacy
Antonio Ordóñez was married to Carmen Cristina González. They had two daughters together. Their names were Ana Belén Ordóñez and Carmen Ordóñez.
His daughter Carmen later married another well-known bullfighter named Paquirri. Sadly, Paquirri was killed by a bull in 1984. Antonio's grandchildren, who are Carmen's sons, also became bullfighters. Their names are Francisco Rivera Ordóñez and Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez. This shows how bullfighting was a strong tradition in their family.
His Passing and Lasting Memory
Antonio Ordóñez passed away on December 19, 1998. He died from liver cancer.
He is remembered with great respect. There is a monument honoring him at the entrance of the La Malagueta bullring in Málaga. His ashes are placed beneath the "toril" gate in the bullring in his hometown of Ronda. This is the oldest bullring in the world. The "toril" gate is where the bull enters the arena. His family owned this historic bullring. You can also see a statue of him outside the arena.
Antonio Ordóñez in Movies
Antonio Ordóñez appeared in several films during his life.
- Sol, playa y toros II. Bilbao - San Sebastián (1969)
- Toros y fiestas (1968)
- Historias de la fiesta (1965)
- La becerrada (1963)
- Tarde taurina (1957)
Awards and Recognition
Antonio Ordóñez received an important award.
- Gold Medal of Merit in Labour (Kingdom of Spain, December 24, 1998).
See also
In Spanish: Antonio Ordóñez para niños
