RIP Virgilio Teixeira

Legendary Portuguese actor Virgilio Teixeira passed away in Hospital João de Almada in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal from a respiratory ailment on December 5, 2010. Virgilio Gomes Delgado Teixeira was born in Funchal on October 26, 1917 and was an avid sportsman especially swimming, tennis and soccer. He debuted in films at the age of 26 in “O Costa de Castelo” (1943). He had his first leading role two years later in “José do Telhado”. From there he became one of Portugal’s most beloved and respected actors and a matinee heartthrob. His good looks were quick to draw the attention of producers in Spain and Hollywood. He became as equally or more popular in Spain and appeared in several Spanish films. He appeared in such American films as “Alexander the Great” (1956), “The Fall of the Roman Empire” (1964), and the U.S./Spanish co-production “Return of the Seven” (1966). His other Euro-western was in "The Sign of Zorro" (1963) with Sean Flynn under the alias John Teixeira. Virgilio left films in 1967 to become a staple on television only to return in 1984. In all Virgilio made over 90 films, and more than 150 television appearances. Among other functions, was a delegate of the Portuguese Society of Authors in Funchal, councilman of Culture of the PSD in the CM Funchal (1980-83). Married four times he had four children. One of the great Portuguese actors has passed and we wish him God speed.