Héctor Elizondo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Héctor Elizondo
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Elizondo at the premiere for Earth in 2009
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| Born | December 22, 1936 New York City, U.S.
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| Other names | Hector Elizondo |
| Education | Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1963–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Marie Rivera
(m. 1956; div. 1957)Marie Mandry
(m. 1963; div. 1964)Carolee Campbell
(m. 1969) |
| Children | 1 |
Héctor Elizondo, born on December 22, 1936, is an American actor. He is famous for playing Dr. Phillip Watters in the TV show Chicago Hope (1994–2000). He also played Ed Alzate in the TV series Last Man Standing (2011–2021).
You might also know him from movies like Pretty Woman (1990), The Princess Diaries (2001), and Valentine's Day (2010). Elizondo has won several awards, including an Obie Award and a Primetime Emmy Award.
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Héctor Elizondo's Early Life and Talents
Héctor Elizondo was born in New York City. His parents, Carmen Medina Reyes and Martín Echevarría Elizondo, moved from Puerto Rico to New York. They hoped to find a better life there. Héctor grew up in the Upper West Side area of the city.
From a young age, Héctor showed a lot of talent. He was good at both sports and music. When he was 10, he sang in the Frank Murray Boys' Choir. After junior high, he went to the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. He was also great at basketball and baseball. His baseball skills were so good that professional teams, like the San Francisco Giants, noticed him!
In 1954, Elizondo started college at City College of New York. He planned to become a history teacher. However, he became a father during his first year. He decided to leave college to work full-time and support his family. He later gained full care of his son, Rodd.
Héctor Elizondo's Acting Career
Héctor Elizondo started his acting journey by studying dance and acting in the early 1960s. In 1965, he got a role in an "off-Broadway" show. Off-Broadway shows are plays performed in smaller theaters than the famous Broadway ones.
His big break came in 1971. He played "God" in a play called Steambath. For this role, he won an Obie Award. This award celebrates great performances in off-Broadway theater.
Working in Movies and TV Shows
In 1974, Elizondo played a character named "Mr. Grey" in the movie The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. He also starred in the TV series Popi from 1975 to 1976. This show was one of the first American TV series to feature a Latino theme and cast.
A big part of Elizondo's career involved working with director Garry Marshall. Marshall was very impressed with Héctor's talent. They worked together on more than 18 films! One of their most famous movies was Pretty Woman (1990). Even though Elizondo's role in that movie was short, it earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe Award. He also appeared in Marshall's film Runaway Bride (1999).
Héctor Elizondo is well-known for his role as Dr. Phillip Watters in the TV series Chicago Hope. He won an Emmy Award for this role in 1997. He was one of only two actors who stayed on the show for its entire run.
Later, from 2008 to 2009, he joined the cast of the TV show Monk. He played Dr. Neven Bell, the main character's new psychiatrist. In 2023, he returned to this role for Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie.
From 2011 to 2021, Elizondo played Ed Alzate in the comedy show Last Man Standing. He also lent his voice to characters in animated shows. For example, he voiced Romar Adell in Star Wars: The Bad Batch in 2023.
Héctor Elizondo's Personal Life
Héctor Elizondo has been married three times. He became a father at 19. His son, Rodd, was born in 1956. Since 1969, he has been married to Carolee Campbell. She is an actress who won an Emmy Award herself. They live in Sherman Oaks, California.
Elizondo is proud of his Latino heritage. He makes sure to only accept acting roles that are respectful and not based on unfair stereotypes. In 2013, he took part in a book festival. He helped promote reading for children, showing his commitment to education.
Héctor Elizondo's Work in Film, TV, and More
Héctor Elizondo has had a very busy career! He has appeared in over 80 films and many television shows. He has also performed in plays on Broadway and lent his voice to video games.
Film Roles
Some of his many film roles include:
- The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
- Pretty Woman (1990)
- Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)
- Runaway Bride (1999)
- The Princess Diaries (2001)
- Valentine's Day (2010)
- The Book of Life (2014) - Voice role
- The Lego Batman Movie (2017) - Voice role
Television Roles
His notable TV appearances include:
- Popi (1975–1976)
- Columbo (1975)
- Chicago Hope (1994–2000)
- Monk (2008–2009)
- Last Man Standing (2011–2021)
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2023) - Voice role
Theatre Performances
He has also performed on stage, including:
- The Great White Hope (1968)
- The Prisoner of Second Avenue (1971)
- The Price (1992)
Video Game Voice Roles
Elizondo has also voiced characters in video games, such as:
- Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (2003) as Bane
- Dora the Explorer: Dora's Big Birthday Adventure (2010) as Wishing Wizzle
Awards and Recognitions
Héctor Elizondo has been recognized many times for his acting.
- Obie Award
- 1971: Won, "Distinguished Performances" for Steambath
- ALMA Awards
- 1998: Won, "Outstanding Actor in a Made-for-Television Movie or Mini-Series" for Borrowed Hearts
- 2000: Won, "Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series" for Chicago Hope
- Emmy Awards
- 1997: Won, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series" for Chicago Hope
- Golden Globe Awards
- 1991: Nominated, "Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture" for Pretty Woman
- Temecula Valley International Film Festival
- 2006: Won, "Lifetime Achievement Award"
See also
In Spanish: Héctor Elizondo para niños
- List of Puerto Ricans
