Rabal, Francisco "Paco" [Francisco Rabal Valera] (1926-2001): one of the outstanding Spanish actors of the last 50 years, Rabal made his screen debut in small parts in the 1940s, but by the 1950s was a leading man who worked not only in Spain, but also in Italy, Argentina, Mexico, and France. His Mexican period (chiefly in the late '50s) was fairly brief, but among the films he made was Nazarín, for Luis Buñuel (Rabal was also in Viridiana). He starred in Sonatas (a co-production with Spain, shot in both countries), and Azahares rojos. Rabal remained very active until his death of a respiratory problem in 2001.

Radó, Jorge [Ivan J. Rado]: the tall (6'3"), stern-looking Rado has worked around the world (he speaks six languages) as an actor, radio announcer, and in dubbing. His Hollywood career began in the mid-1950s, and his first "Mexican" movie was La llamada de la muerte (1959--it was actually shot in Nicaragua). Most of Rado's Mexican movies were made in the late 1960s, although he worked as late as 1980 in Pum!. In the '80s and '90s he appeared mostly in Hollywood productions, including the soap opera "Capitol," Mask (1988) and Mac and Me, but has also shown up in some syndicated TV shows ("Acapulco Heat," "Tarzan") and Hollywood movies (Old Gringo) shot in Mexico. He currently resides in Seattle. Rado's aunt was the wife of actor Conrad Veidt.

Rambal, Enrique [Enrique Rambal Sacia] (1923 or '24?-1971): Spanish (born in Valencia) actor, who made his professional debut in his homeland in the early 1940s. He came to Mexico in the early 1950s; his father was also an actor, and Rambal was billed as "Enrique Rambal Jr." on his first picture, El martir de Calvario (1952). Rambal worked in both comedies and dramas, and was a prolific stage and TV performer (he also directed stage plays). He was married to actress Lucy Gallardo, with whom he often appeared. Their daughter, Rebeca Rambal, is an actress and TV hostess.

Ramírez, Arcelia [Arcelia Ramírez Doria] (1967-- ): attractive young actress of the 1980s and 1990s, in films (including the hit Cilantro y perejil), on the stage, and on TV and radio.

Ramírez, Claudia [Claudia Julieta Ramírez Valdez] (1964-- ): born in Veracruz, Claudia Ramírez was a model before she turned to acting; her screen debut came in Crónica de familia (1985). Since then she has appeared in a number of films, telenovelas, and stage plays.

Ramírez, Raúl [Raúl Ramírez Uribe] (1928 or 1932?--): actor, producer, director, on-screen from the early 1950s. Ramírez studied at the Andrés Soler acting school. In the mid-'70s he began to produce and sometimes direct his own films, often with his wife, actress Marcela Daviland, and his son (sometimes billed as "Raúl Marcelo"). Ramírez, who has also worked on the stage and TV, received a Best Male Co-Star Ariel nomination for Díos no lo quiera, and a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Una mujer en la calle.

Ramírez, Roberto "Beto el Boticario" (1928-2009): supporting actor, mostly in comic roles, from the mid-1950s. Active on TV until his death. Best Supporting Actor Ariel for El buen ladrón.

Ramos, Beatriz: actress who had some leading roles in the 1930s, later moved to character roles (into the 1950s; her last credit was in 1971). Won two Arieles as Best Incidental Actress (Las cinco advertencias de Satanás and El socio); nominated as Best Supporting Actress for Ojos de juventud. She was married to French actor Alberto Carriere.

Ramos, Sergio "El Comanche" (1935-2004): comic actor (who has played some dramatic roles), on-screen since the 1960s. Ramos, who studied at the Instituto de Bellas Artes, has also worked on TV, notably in "Los Beverly de Peralvillo," and in stage presentations. His younger brother Adrián Ramos was also a TV, stage and film actor. Sergio Ramos received a Best Male Co-Star Ariel nomination for Nocturno amor que te vas.

Raxel, Antonio (1922-1999): fox-faced character actor, in many Mexican movies from the 1950s through the 1990s. Generally cast as sneaky villains.

Reiguera, Francisco "Paco" [Francisco Reiguera Pérez] (1888 or 1899?-1969): Spanish actor who made his stage debut in 1907 and his first movie in 1912! Reiguera appeared in some films in Europe, then came to Hollywood about 1917. His first Mexican movie did not come until 1942. The gaunt, lugubrious looking Reiguera was often cast as gloomy servants, lawyers, and so forth. He also directed two feature films.

Renat, Grace [sometimes billed as Graciela Renat]: busty dancer/actress in numerous films of the 1970s and 1980s.

"Resortes": see Martínez, Adalberto

Retes, Gabriel: see DIRECTORS

Retes, Ignacio (1918-2004): born in San Luis Potosí (some sources say Mexico City), Ignacio Retes was one of the most respected theatrical directors in Mexico (he was also an actor and wrote several plays). Retes earned several screenwriting credits in the late '40s and early '50s, and had some acting roles as well (he also directed the medium-length film Noches de angustia, 1948). However, Retes then dedicated most of his time to the stage until the 1970s, when he began appearing in films in supporting roles, mostly as cranky old men (but continued to direct plays and teach). Retes was married to actress Lucila Balzaretti and their son is director Gabriel Retes. Ignacio Retes had one feature directorial credit himself, Viaje al paraíso ('85).

Revueltas, Rosaura (1920-1996): a member of the famous "artistic" Revueltas family (her brothers included composer Silvestre, writer José, and painter Fermín), Rosaura Revueltas acted on the stage then appeared in some Mexican films of the late 1940s and early 1950s, like Las islas Marías (1950). She also worked in the independent U.S. film Salt of the Earth and was allegedly deported from the U.S. as a "subversive." She spent the next several decades in various endeavors, including teaching in Cuba and running a dance school in Mexico, returning to the screen in Mexico in the mid-1970s. She won the Best Supporting Actress Ariel for El rebozo de Soledad, and also received a Best Female Co-Star nomination for Un día de vida.

Rex, Olivia: very attractive singer/actress who has appeared in some films and videohomes of the 1990s.

Rey, Bruno (1939-1995): burly character actor, born in Jalisco, who appeared in many films from the late 1950s on. Rey was frequently cast as both bullying villains and as stern police officials. Because he had an excellent speaking voice, also Rey dubbed dialogue for other actors in a number of movies. He won a Diosa de Plata for his role in Longitud de guerra, and earned three Ariel nominations: Best Actor for Cuartelazo and El jinete de la divina providencia, and Best Supporting Actor for Pedro Paramo.

Rey, Fernando [Fernando Casado D'Arambillet] (1917-1994): although he originally studied to be an architect, Fernando Rey turned to acting in his native Spain in 1939. He began receiving larger roles in the mid-1940s, and by the end of the decade was a leading man in major films such as Locura de amor and Mare nostrum (with María Félix). Rey appeared in many international productions (The French Connection, for example), but only occasionally in Mexico: three films between 1955 and 1960 (plus Viridiana, a co-production made in Spain), and Un camino (1972, a Mexican-Italian co-production shot mostly in New York). He frequently worked with Luis Buñuel (Viridiana, Tristana, That Obscure Object of Desire, and The Discrete Charm of the Bourgeoise).

Reyes, Gerardo: portly singer-actor, mostly in rancheras, Westerns, and action films of the 1970s-80s, some of which he produced himself. Still active as a singer.

Reyes, Jorge "Che" [Jorge Reyes Silveyra] (1909-?): dapper Argentine actor, brought to Mexico by his school friend Arturo de Córdova. In later years, Reyes split time between acting and running a men's clothing store in Mexico City's "Zona Rosa" (which can be seen in Jóvenes en la Zona Rosa).

Reyes, Lucha [María de la Luz Flores Aceves or Acevedo] (1906-1944): Lucha Reyes was originally trained as an opera singer, but switched to rancheras after an illness changed the timbre of her voice. She appeared in a handful of movies between 1937 and 1942, mostly in singing roles, although she did act in Con los dorados de Villa (1939). She committed suicide in 1944, and her tragic life inspired the film La reina de la noche (1994).

Reyes, Malú: cute actress of the 1960s and later (she was off-screen between 1970 and 1981, before returning in the '80s for some pictures), usually in supporting roles.

Reyes Spíndola, Patricia [Patricia Verónica Núñez Reyes Spíndola] (1953--): very well-regarded "serious" actress--somewhat severe in appearance--in films since the early 1970s. She also appears on TV and the stage. Reyes Spíndola won the Best Actress Ariel for Los motivos de Luz and La reina de la noche, Best Female Co-Star for Actas de Marusia and the Best Supporting Actress for El otro crimen, and was nominated for Los confines. She also captured Diosas de Plata for Actas de Marusia and Los motivos de Luz.

Reyna, Alejandro "Tío Plácido": comic supporting actor, mostly in rural-themed films between 1957 and 1979. Reyna was the chief of publicity for producer Jesús Sotomayor, and created his "Tío Plácido" character for radio. He made around a dozen films with Antonio Aguilar in the '60s and '70s, in addition to other appearances.

Reyna, Cornelio (1940-1997): stocky singer/composer who, after some brief appearances in Antonio Aguilar films (with Ramón Ayala as "Los Relámpagos del Norte," a duo which lasted from 1961-73), rather surprisingly became a leading man in Mexican cinema of the 1970s. However, his period of stardom was brief, and Reyna returned to singing for a living afterwards. Married several times, including once to actress/singer Mercedes Castro. His son, Cornelio Reyna Jr., is also a professional singer.

Reynoso, David (1926 or 1929?-1994): born in Aguascalientes, David Reynoso was a radio announcer-turned-actor, who started working in films as an extra in the mid-1950s. After a decade of supporting roles--often villainous--the burly Reynoso moved into character leads in the 1960s. He was also a singer of some talent, although he rarely sang in his movies. Reynoso served as head of ANDA, the actors' union, from 1977 to 1985. He directed one film, Caminos de Michoacán (1977). A number of Reynoso's sons--Jorge, Sergio, Luis, Héctor-- are actors.

Reynoso, Jorge: son of actor David Reynoso, the burly, lantern-jawed Jorge made his screen debut in the mid-1970s. After years of playing mostly unsympathetic roles, Reynoso became a major star in action films and videohomes of the late 1980s and 1990s, amassing over 300 credits! He has occasionally produced and directed his own pictures, and sometimes works on TV.

Reza, [María] Enriqueta (1893-1968): wizened character actress of the 1940s and 1950s, often seen as servants, witches, etc. She won the Best Supporting Actress Ariel for Una familia de tantas (1948), and was nominated as Best Incidental Actress for Canaima.

Río, Dolores del [Dolores Asúnsolo López Negrete] (1902?, 1904? or 1906?-1983): Dolores del Río is remembered as one of Mexico's most famous and elegant actresses, although she first achieved stardom in Hollywood. She was born in Durango into a well-to-do family, and grew up in Mexico City. After meeting visiting Hollywood director Edwin Carewe, Dolores was invited to the United States and made her Hollywood debut in 1925. Within a few years she was a leading lady in films such as What Price Glory? and Bird of Paradise. She was divorced from her first husband--Jaime Martínez del Río--in 1928 (he committed suicide the following year). In 1930 Dolores married the head of MGM's art department, Cedric Gibbons (they divorced in 1941). Del Río's first Mexican film was Flor Silvestre (1943), followed by María Candelaria, both directed by Emilio Fernández. Over the next several decades del Río worked primarily in Mexico, for top directors such as Fernando de Fuentes, Roberto Gavaldón, and Alejandro Galindo. Most of her films were period pictures or melodramas. Her final Mexican movie was Casa de mujeres (1966), although her last picture (The Children of Sánchez, 1977) was shot in Mexico with a largely Mexican cast. Del Río also appeared in a few additional Hollywood films after 1942 (such as Flaming Star with Elvis Presley), and several movies shot in Argentina and Spain. She also worked on the stage a number of times. Her last husband was producer Lew Riley. Dolores del Río won the Best Actress Ariel three times (for Las abandonadas, Doña Perfecta, and El niño y la niebla) and was nominated for La otra and La casa chica.

Río, Rafael del [aka Rafael Etienne] (1937-2002): after several appearances as a very young child actor in the late 1930s, Rafael del Río returned to the screen in the late 1950s, mostly in "male ingenue" roles in pictures like La invasión de los vampiros. His last credited role was in 1968.

Río, Yolanda del: ranchera singer, born in Pachuca, who starred in a number of late '70s and early '80s films, often weepy melodramas like La hija de nadie. Still active as a singer.

Riquelme, Carlos (1913 or 1914?-1990): Carlos Riquelme, although he originally studied law and philosophy, turned to acting and made his stage debut in the mid-1930s. His first screen appearance followed in 1938. Riquelme's meek looks somewhat typecast him as clerks, doctors, and so on in his earlier pictures, but from time to time he was given change-of-pace roles, such as the mad doctor in Ladrón de cadáveres. Later, he would specialize in mildly distracted, fey, but generally sympathetic parts. Riquelme appeared in a number of international productions such as Mary, Mary, Bloody Mary and The Milagro Beanfield War (1988), and also did considerable TV dubbing and radio work. He received a Best Actor Ariel nomination for En la tormenta, and a nomination as Best Suppporting Actor for El joven Juárez.

Rivas, Carlos (1928-2003): born in Texas, the bilingual Carlos Rivas appeared in many Mexican and international productions (including True Grit and a number of TV shows; director Allison Anders also used Rivas in Gas, Food, Lodging, 1992, and Mi Vida Loca, 1993). His period of greatest activity in Mexico was 1954-67, but he made sporadic appearances afterwards, as late as Relámpago (1987).

Rivas, Guillermo "El Borras" (1927-2004): burly actor, mostly in comic roles. Rivas was well-known as one of the stars of the popular TV series (and two film spin-offs) "Los Beverly de Peralvillo." Rivas made his screen debut in El cementario de las águilas (1938), but his adult movie career dates from the late 1950s. He died of complications from pneumonia and hepatitis (after a long battle with cancer) on 19 March 2004.

Rivas, María (1931 or '33?-2013): Spanish (born in Cataluña) actress who was on-screen in her native land from 1950-58, then emigrated to Mexico and appeared in a number of Mexican films and TV programs from the late 1950s on.

Rivas, María Teresa (?-2010): not to be confused with the Spanish María Rivas, the Jalisco-born María Teresa Rivas specializes in playing tough, mature women (often villainesses), somewhat in the Ofelia Guilmaín mold. Her screen career runs from the mid-'50s into the mid-'80s, and she also appeared very frequently in telenovelas (from the very earliest efforts in the late 1950s through the 1990s).

Rivelles, Amparo [Amparo Rivelles Ladrón de Guevara] (1925-2013): Amparo Rivelles' parents were both well-known stage performers in Spain. She made her screen debut in 1941, and became a very popular performer for the powerful Cifesa company. Among her Spanish credits was a role in Mr. Arkadin (1955), directed by Orson Welles. Rivelles moved to Mexico in the late 1950s, and made a number of films, worked in telenovelas, and appeared on the stage. After more than 20 years in Mexico, she returned to Spain more or less permanently in the early 1980s, where she remained active on TV and the stage until her death

Rivera, Angélica (1970--): Televisa actress of the 1990s, mostly in telenovelas but she has appeared in movies like Santo enredo (1992). In 2010 she married politician Enrique Peña Nieto, who was elected president of Mexico and consequently Rivera has been first lady of Mexico since 2012.

Rivera, Patricia (1958--): while still a teenager, Patricia Rivera was chosen "Miss Coahuila," then finished third in the "Miss México" pageant. This brought her to the attention of producer Gregorio Walerstein, who cast her in a major role in El Arracadas (1977). Since then, Rivera has appeared in a large number of films and direct-to-video productions, in addition to telenovelas and stage plays. She received a Best Supporting Actress Ariel for Tiempo de lobos, and was later nominated as Best Actress for Rosa de dos aromas.

Rivera, Roberto G.: Roberto G. Rivera's performing career began in radio in 1945; several years later he became a film actor, usually in supporting (often villainous) roles. He also worked in production, and in the early 1980s began directing films as well, such as the mega-hit El Milusos.

Rivero, Gabriela "Gaby": Televisa actress, best-known for her role as the young and attractive schoolteacher on the TV series "Carrusel." She played a similar role in Una maestra con ángel but has not made any additional movies (Televisa keeps her busy in telenovelas and hosting childrens' shows).

Rivero, Jorge [Jorge Pous Ribe] (1938 or 1940?--): handsome and muscular leading man, on-screen from the mid-1960s (ironically, in his debut film--El asesino invisible--he played a masked wrestler and his face was never shown). Rivero soon became a sex symbol and a major box-office star, from the late 1960s into the 1980s. Since then he has worked only occasionally in Mexican films and telenovelas (he has lived in Southern California for more than a decade), but shows up in international productions, sometimes billed as "George Rivero."

Robinson, Azela: sexy blonde actress of the 1980s and 1990s in films and numerous videohomes. Also on TV.

Robles, Germán (1929--): after emigrating to Mexico from his native Spain, Germán Robles spent a number of years trying to establish himself as an actor. He shot to screen fame when he got the title role in El vampiro (1957), but although this is his most famous role, Robles managed to avoid being typecast and has worked steadily since then as a character actor in films, on the stage, and on TV (he has also directed some TV programs). Robles has been married several times, including once to actress Judy Ponte.

Robles, Jorge Humberto (1943-1984): born in Mexico City, Jorge Humberto Robles began his career as a stage actor. In the 1970s and 1980s he appeared in a number of "art" films, beginning with Angeles y querubines (1971), although he also worked in some commercial productions as well. He was a member of the film-making group Cooperativo Río Mixcoac, and had one (posthumous) screenwriting credit. Robles committed suicide in 1984.

Rocha, Enrique (1942--): moody-looking actor who got his start in the 1960s, and continues to work--mostly in telenovelas--today. Rocha is also known for his excellent speaking voice and has recorded some albums of poetry. He received a Best Actor Ariel nomination for El otro crimen.

Rodrígues, Milton [sometimes spelled Rodríguez]: Brazilian actor who, after some movie work in his homeland, made his Mexican film debut in Juego peligroso (1966, shot in Brazil). Rodrígues made a number of Mexican film appearances in the 1970s and early 1980s, gradually sliding from leading man to villain.

Rodríguez, Alicia "La Pipa" [Alicia Rodríguez Fernández] (1935--): Malaga-born actress who came to Mexico after the Spanish Civil War and began working in movies in 1942; she won the Best Child Actor Ariel for her role in El secreto de la solterona (1944), and literally grew up on screen. She has also worked extensively on radio and TV.

Rodríguez, Cuitlahuac "Cui": one of the sons of director Ismaél Rodríguez, as a boy Cuitlahuac Rodríguez had roles in some of his father's films, including El ogro (with brothers Tizoc and Tonatiuh, and his sister Xanath). The baby-faced Cuitlahuac continued to work as an actor for his father right up through Reclusorio (1995), the elder Rodríguez's final trio of movies.

Rodríguez, Dagoberto [Dagoberto Rodríguez Delgado] (1916-1974): Dagoberto Rodríguez was born in Aguascalientes, and got his start in show business as a singer (he rarely sang in his films, however). He became a lead and second-lead in movies of the 1940s and 1950s, generally in rancheras, Westerns, etc., made by the de Anda family. Later played mostly supporting roles until his death.

Rodríguez, Humberto[Humberto Rodríguez Alvarez] (1916-1966): Oaxaca-born, Rodríguez was usually cast in minor roles capitalizing on his mousy appearance; he can be seen in over 300 movies from 1936 to 1964.

Rodríguez, Mario Alberto (1919-1990): born in Chihuahua, the portly Rodríguez was a comic actor who often played pompous characters in supporting roles from the 1950s into the '80s.

Rodríguez, Miguel Angel: hunky leading man of the 1980s and beyond, often in action films and videos. Also directs and occasionally sings (after a fashion--usually in personal appearances as opposed to his movies).

Rodríguez, Nicolás (1898 or 1914?-1966): Spanish character actor who worked in Mexican cinema from 1946-66, often in somewhat fussy or nervous roles.

Rodríguez, Orlando: Cuban actor who worked in some Mexican films from the '50s into the 1970s; in El monstruo en la sombra (1954) he played Asian detective "Chan Li Po," and in Las amiguitas de los ricos (1967) he was "Santa Claus!"

Roel, Adriana(1934--): Adriana Roel was a popular young actress of the late 1950s into the 1960s, who continued her career in more mature (supporting) roles afterwards. She won the Best Actress Ariel for Anacrusa and received a Best Supporting Actress Ariel nomination for Renuncia por motivos de salud. In recent years she has also become a stage director. In 2014 Roel won an Ariel as Best Actress.

Roel, Gabriela [Gabriela Guadalupe Reyes Roel] (1959--): born in Chihuahua, Gabriela Roel came to films in the mid-1980s from the world of university theatre. She won an Ariel award as Best Actress for her first movie, Amor a la vuelta de la esquina, and continued to work in films into the 1990s.

Rojas, Alberto "El Caballo": skinny comic actor, originally on the stage and TV, on-screen since the late 1960s. Very popular in sexy-comedies of the '80s and '90s. Also directs.

Rojas, Raquel [Janet Riesenfeld, aka Janet Alcoriza] (1918-1998): the daughter of Viennese composer/conductor Hugo Riesenfeld, "Raquel Rojas" had acting roles in a number of Mexican films between 1938 (Café Concordia) and 1944. She then married Luis Alcoriza and began a second career as a prolific screenwriter under the name Janet Alcoriza, afterwards making only sporadic cameo appearances in films directed by her husband and their friend, Luis Buñuel.

Rojo, Ana Patricia (1974?--): the daughter of actor Gustavo Rojo and former Miss Peru Carmela Stein, Ana Patricia Rojo started working in movies as a young child in the 1980s (cf Veneno para las hadas, for which she won a Diosa de Plata award). She has since grown up and is a telenovela mainstay, often in unsympathetic roles.

Rojo, Gustavo (1923 or '24?--): born in Uruguay of Spanish parents, Gustavo Rojo was the brother of Rubén Rojo and actress Pituka de Foronda. His first Mexican movie was Murallas de pasión (1943). Rojo has appeared in a number of European productions. His wives have included actress Mercedes Castellanos (who died in 1954), German actress Erika Remberg, and "Miss Peru" Carmela Stein (who is the mother of his daughter, actress Ana Patricia Rojo). He continues to be active on TV.

Rojo, Helena [María Elena Lamadrid Ruiz] (1944 or '46?--): delicately-attractive brunette actress who made her screen debut in the late 1960s, after studying with Carlos Ancira. She also worked briefly as a model. Rojo was very popular in "serious" dramas of the Echeverría era, and she continues to appear in films and on TV. Rojo won the Best Actress Ariel for Misterio, and was nominated in this category for Muerte ciega. She was awarded the Best Female Co-Star Ariel for Fin de Fiesta, and was also nominated in this category for Los cachorros.

Rojo, María [María de Lourdes Rojo Incháustegui] (1943, '48 or '49?--): one of the most respected and popular actresses currently working in Mexican cinema, Rojo starting working as a child actress on TV, and made her screen debut in 1956 (Besos prohibidos), but was then off-screen until the mid-1960s. Has worked with many of the best directors of the last several decades, but is especially known for her films with Jaime Humberto Hermosillo, including Naufragio, María de mi corazón, and De noche vienes, Esmeralda. She has numerous Ariel awards and nominations to her credit: Best Actress Arieles for Naufragio and Rojo amanecer, nominations for El apando, Lo que importa es vivir, Los vuelcos del corazón; also a Best Supporting Actress Ariel for Las poquianchis. She received Diosas de Plata for El Apando and Bajo la metralla, and a Heraldo award for La tarea. Rojo also works on the stage and on TV. As a representative in Mexico's legislature, Rojo helped draft and pass the 1998 Film Law.

Rojo, Rubén [Rubén Rojo Pinto] (1922-1993): born in Spain, Rubén Rojo grew up in Uruguay, Chile, and Cuba. His mother was the noted writer Mercedes Pinto, and his younger brother Gustavo and half-sister Pituka de Foronda also became actors. After working as a radio writer and actor, he came to Mexico in the early 1940s, making his screen debut in 1944's Adán, Eva y el Diablo. In addition to his movie, stage, and TV work in Mexico, Rojo appeared frequently in Spanish cinema of the 1950s and 1960s. He received a Best Male Co-Star Ariel nomination for Soledad.

Roland, Gilbert [Luis Antonio Dámaso Alonso] (1903-1994): although he appeared in only one "real" Mexican movie (La rebelión de los fantasmas in 1946), Gilbert Roland also worked in some co-productions and Hollywood movies shot in his native Mexico. However, the handsome native of Ciudad Juárez was primarily a Hollywood performer, from the 1920s well into the 1980s, first specializing in suave "Latin lover" roles, and later in support as suave "older Latin males." Among his wives was actress Constance Bennett.

Roldán, Emma (1893 or '96?-1979): famous "battle-axe" actress of Mexican cinema, on-screen from the 1930s until her death. Roldán, who first appeared on stage in 1912, often played acerbic, even gruff characters (including a fair number of villainous roles), although later in her career her screen image mellowed somewhat. Married to actor Alfredo del Diestro. She earned Best Supporting Actress nominations for Vértigo, Vino el remolino y nos alevantó and Cárcel de mujeres, but the only major prize she won in her long career was a Diosa de Plata for La pasión según Berenice.

Román, Gilberto [Gilberto de Guadalupe González Pérez] (1946-1998): the son of veteran screen villain Gilberto González, Román got his start in university theatre, and also worked professionally on the stage before making his screen debut in the mid-1960s. He frequently played villainous characters in films and in a number of telenovelas, until his death of lung cancer in August 1998.

Romaña, Roberto: Romaña was a photo model who appeared in comic books published by José G. Cruz (which used photo-montage as well as artwork), then made the jump to movies. He appeared in a dozen films, notably some Juan Orol gangster movies of the late 1940s and early 1950s, although his first feature was in 1943 and his last in 1960.

Romand, Gina (1938--): [Georgina García Tamargo] Cuban-born blonde actress/vedette, on-screen in Mexico beginning with 1956's Locura musical. She earned a Best Supporting Actress Ariel for Gavilán o paloma. Known as "la "rubia de categoria" ("the classy blonde"), a reference to her stint as a spokesmodel for a beer company, Romand (who was occasionally billed as "Gina Román") has also worked on the stage, in nightclubs, and on TV (where she remains active).

Romay, Pepito [José Rodríguez Mas] (1948-2013): the son of director Joselito Rodríguez, Pepe Romay made his film debut at the age of six months! In the 1950s, he teamed up with his older sister Titina Romay for a series of comedy films, although he also worked for directors other than their father. In the 1960s and early 1970s Romay acted in several "Huracán Ramírez" movies, and also began directing. He continued to work as an actor and director until his death. Earned the Best Child Performer Ariel for Después de la tormenta, and was also nominated for Píntame angelitos negros and Pepito, as del volante.

Romay, Titina (1942--): Daughter of director Joselito Rodríguez, who worked mostly for her father from the late 1940s through 1972's Huracán Ramírez y la monjita negra, her last movie. She won the Best Child Performer Ariel for Píntame angelitos negros, and was nominated for Huracán Ramírez.

Romero, Marta: Puerto Rican actress and singer who made a dozen Mexican movies in the mid-1960s.

Romero, Tina (1955--): born in New York City of Mexican parents, Tina Romero came to Mexico at the age of 3. She studied acting in London and at the Instituto de Bellas Artes in Mexico. She made her screen debut in Alucarda, la hija de las tinieblas (1975) and has since appeared in more than two dozen films, including Las grandes aguas (for which she received an Ariel nomination as Best Actress), Las Poquianchis, Bandera rota, and Lo mejor de Teresa, as well as the Hollywood film Missing. Romero has also had an extensive stage career with roles in "Tina Modotti," "Tamara," and "Equus," and on television in telenovelas such as "La mentira" and "Abrazame muy fuerte."

Romo, Daniela [Teresa Presmanes Corona] (1959--) : Daniela Romo studied acting at the Andrés Soler institute, but made her professional debut as a singer in 1971, and is probably best known for this aspect of her career. She worked in a handful of films (mostly in the late '70s although she can be seen in 1998's One Man's Hero, a U.S.-Mexican co-production) and in telenovelas, mostly for Televisa,. She also hosted a nightly talk/variety show, and has headlined some popular stage reviews. Romo won a Diosa de Plata award for Te quiero.

Ronda, Paquita de (?-2009): Spanish actress who appeared in half a dozen movies in the 1943-46 period, then disappeared from the screen until she made one more film in 1957.

Rooner, Charles (1903-1954): Austrian stage and screen actor of the 1940s and 1950s, a specialist in "foreigner" roles, cf Doña Bárbara, Soy puro mexicano, and Gran Casino.

Rosa Carmina SEE Carmina, Rosa

Rosa de Castilla SEE Castilla, Rosa de

Rosen, Daniela [Silvia Ripstein] (1946--): the daughter of producer Alfredo Ripstein Jr. (and the sister of director Arturo Ripstein), while in college Daniela Rosen studied psychology but also became interested in the theatre. She had substantial roles in a number of movies in the 1966-1972 period, then retired from the screen.

Rosen, Julieta [sometimes billed as "Julieta Rossen"]: beautiful actress, on-screen since the late 1970s. While she has made a fair number of movies, Rosen is also a telenovela stalwart, mostly for Televisa (from 1983-1999). She received a "Heraldo" award for her role in El rey de la vecindad.

Roth, Martha [Martha Roth Pizzo] (1930 or '32?--): Martha Roth was born in Italy, but came to Mexico as a young girl. After studying with Seki Sano, she began working in films in the late 1940s, winning a Best Female Co-Star Ariel for her screen debut, Una familia de tantas. Although she has appeared in few films since the 1970s, Roth is still active on TV.

Rotzinger, Carlos: character actor who began working in films in 1963, and continues to make movies and videohome appearances.

Ruán, Javier: young actor, mostly in second-lead and supporting roles in films from '66-'89.

Rubiales, Marcela: daughter of announcer and TV host Paco Malgesto, the blonde Marcela Rubiales made her screen debut in the late 1970s. She often appeared in ranchera films.

Ruffo, Victoria [Victoria Eugenia Martínez]: brunette actress, mostly a telenovela star, although she appeared in a few movies from 1978-85. At one time married to comedian Eugenio Derbez. Her younger sister is the blonde Gabriela "Gaby" Ruffo, also an actress and TV hostess.

Ruiz, José Carlos (1936--): José Carlos Ruiz studied acting at the Instituto de Bellas Artes, and after working on the stage made his first movie in 1964. Beginning late in the decade, Ruiz became one of the hardest-working character actors in Mexico (along with another "three name" actor, Ernesto Gómez Cruz), appearing in numerous movies, telenovelas, and videohomes. Ruiz has a significant collection of Ariel awards. Ruiz has won an amazing five prizes, with 4 more nominations: Best Actor Ariel for Vidas errantes, Goitia, un díos para si mismo; Best Supporting Actor Ariel for Fuego en el mar, Toña Machetes, plus nominations for Los albañiles, Cascabel; Best Male Co-Star Ariel for Dos crímenes, and nominations for El tres de copas and Nos traicionará el presidente?. He also collected Diosas de Plata for Actas de Marusia, Cananea, and Dos Crímenes. Ruiz's daughter Amaranta Ruiz is an actress.

Ruiz, René "Tun Tun" [José René Ruiz] (1932-1993): one of the two major little person performers in Mexican cinema (the other was "Santanón"), René Ruiz was born in Tamaulipas. His first film was El rey del barrio (1949), with Tin Tan; over the years, Ruiz would appear frequently with Valdés, often in roles which made little or no reference to his diminuitive stature. He also worked in many other films and on the stage, into the 1990s.

Russek, Jorge (1932-1998): burly, cigar-smoking character actor from the 1950s through the 1990s. Jorge Russek was born in Sonora but came to Mexico City to begin his acting career in TV, on the stage, and as a movie extra. He specialized in playing villains, particularly gangsters, norteño bullies, and military officers. Russek also appeared in a number of Hollywood movies and TV shows. He won the Best Actor Ariel for De todos modos, Juan te llamas, and was also nominated in this category for La última batalla; he won the Best Male Co-Star Ariel for Los camaroneros, and received two Diosas de Plata (for Todo por nada and Motin en la cárcel).

Russell, Andy [Andrés Rábago Pérez] (1930-1991): Los Angeles-born (some sources indicate he was born in Mexico, however) singer and actor who was a popular Hollywood "crooner" in the late 1940s. He made 6 Mexican movies in the mid-to-late 1950s.

Ruvinskis, Wolf [Wolf Ruvinskis Manevics] (1921-1999): born in Latvia but raised in Argentina, Ruvinskis came to Mexico in the 1940s as a professional wrestler. He started acting on the stage and in films late in the decade, and eventually appeared in over 100 movies, including the "Neutrón" series, La bestia magnífica (1952), and Ladrón de cadáveres (1956). He received an Ariel nomination as Best Supporting Actor for Juego limpio. Ruvinskis, who also owned restaurants and other businesses, was married two (or three) times: to Beatriz Pérez, to dancer Armida Herrera, and (some sources report) to actress Lilia Michel (several months before his death).