Ricardo Cortez
Biography
Ricardo Cortez was an American actor and director, born in New York City, who became a matinee idol during the silent era and later played screen heavies. Hollywood gave him a Latin-sounding name to suit his looks, and he appeared in more than 100 films. He started as a romantic lead, then moved into character parts after sound arrived, when his voice and New York accent made him a natural villain. He was the first Sam Spade in the pre-Code The Maltese Falcon (1931), later overshadowed by the 1941 remake. Montana Moon (1930) cast him opposite Joan Crawford, and he appeared in Wonder Bar (1934) with Al Jolson and Dolores del Río. In 1936 he became Perry Mason for The Case of the Black Cat, taking over from Warren William. He directed seven films for 20th Century Fox between 1938 and 1940, starting with Inside Story. A Hollywood Walk of Fame star was dedicated to him in 1960.
76years old at death
- Born New York City
- Died New York City
- Star sign: VirgoThe sign runs August 23 to September 22
Movie Career
- Films
- 15
- Career span
- 32 years1926 to 1958
First and latest
Share
Did you know?!
A first
In 1931, Cortez became the first performer to take on the role of Sam Spade, in the pre-Code Maltese Falcon. Humphrey Bogart later led the 1941 remake, which went on to overshadow that earlier film.
About the name
When word spread that Cortez was not actually Latino, studios tried to pass him off as French before settling on a Viennese origin story.
A change of course
Before he started in films, Cortez boxed as an amateur and also had a job as a runner on Wall Street.
Behind the camera
Cortez directed seven films for 20th Century Fox between 1938 and 1940, all low-budget program pictures made to fill the bottom half of a double bill.
Ricardo Cortez movies on Netflix
Best known for
The films on Netflix they are best known for, with the part played in each.
Most often with
Norman Foster directed two of these films. Sidney Toler appears in three of them, more than any other actor. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Sidney Toler's page
John Carradine's page
Henry O'Neill's page
Ernie Adams's page
James Gleason's page
Clarence Muse's page
All films by Norman Foster
Also two films together12 more actors
- Jimmy AubreyCharlie Chan in Reno (1939) and Mr. Moto's Last Warning (1939)
- Una MerkelMidnight Mary (1933) and The Maltese Falcon (1931)
- Victor Sen YungMurder Over New York (1940) and Charlie Chan in Reno (1939)
- Leyland HodgsonMurder Over New York (1940) and Mr. Moto's Last Warning (1939)
- Nella WalkerThe Locket (1946) and Is My Face Red? (1932)
- Robert LoweryMurder Over New York (1940) and Charlie Chan in Reno (1939)
- Slim SummervilleCharlie Chan in Reno (1939) and Her Man (1930)
- Thelma ToddThe Maltese Falcon (1931) and Her Man (1930)
- Lucy BeaumontIs My Face Red? (1932) and Torrent (1926)
- Kane RichmondMurder Over New York (1940) and Charlie Chan in Reno (1939)
- Lucille WardIllicit (1931) and The Maltese Falcon (1931)
- Helen TwelvetreesIs My Face Red? (1932) and Her Man (1930)
When several people share the same number of films, the ones with the most films on Netflix are in the chart.
Awards
One award and honor.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame | Honored | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.