Who Are Those Guys? ~ Hector Elizondo

 

Elizondo was born in New York City on December 22, 1936, the son of Carmen Medina Reyes and Martín Echevarría Elizondo, an accountant and notary public. His parents were Puerto Ricans of Spanish descent who moved from Puerto Rico to New York City with the hope of finding a better life.

At a young age, he demonstrated a talent for sports and music. He sang for the Frank Murray Boys' Choir when he was 10 years old. Upon graduating from junior high school in 1950, he enrolled in the High School of the Performing Arts. He also attended another public high school, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. His baseball skills were good enough for him to be scouted by both the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1954, Elizondo enrolled in City College of New York, intending to become a history teacher. However, during his freshman year, he became a father and dropped out of college, going to work full-time to support his family. Later, he divorced and gained full custody of his son, Rodd

From 1962 to 1963, Elizondo studied dance at the Ballet Arts Company at Carnegie Hall. During 1962–63, he also studied acting under Mario Stiletti at Stella Adler Theatre Studio, he landed a part in the off-Broadway show “Kill the One-Eyed Man”. He starred as a Puerto Rican widower on the CBS television series ‘Popi’ (1975–1976).

In the 1980s, Elizondo befriended Garry Marshall, who was impressed with his talent. Their first film together was “Young Doctors in Love”, in which Elizondo displays his guitar-playing talent. His role in “Pretty Woman” lasted only 10 minutes, but led to a Golden Globe nomination. In 1999, he co-starred in “Runaway Bride” as Fisher. Elizondo has participated in more than 80 films (18 of which have been Marshall's). He appeared in every film that Marshall directed, including a brief appearance as a Portuguese fisherman in “Overboard”.

He is known for playing Phillip Watters in the television series Chicago Hope (1994–2000) and Ed Alzate in the television series Last Man Standing (2011–2021).

Hector appeared in only one Spaghetti western as a Mexican henchman and rider of the rancher Frank Tanner (Jon Cypher) in 1970’s “Valdez is Coming” starring Burt Lancaster.

ELIZONDO, Hector (aka Hector Elizonda, Héctor Elizondo, Victor Vicuna) [12/22/1936, New York City, New York, U.S.A. –     ] – producer, director, theater, film, radio, TV actor, singer, married to Marie Rivera (1956-1957) father of Rodd Elizondo [1956-2017], married to Marie Mandry (1963-1964), married to actress Carolee Campbell [1936-    ] (1969-2021).

Valdez is Coming – 1970 (Mexican henchman)