Fernando Rey

Fernando Rey (1917-1994), Spanish film actor, known for his urbane, sophisticated, and mischievous characters. Rey was born in La Coruña, Spain, the son of a high-ranking army officer. He began his acting career by working as an extra playing small roles before moving into the more lucrative world of dubbing foreign films (into Spanish). His rich voice suited him to leading roles, and he spoke the parts of such stars as English actor Laurence Olivier and American actors Humphrey Bogart and Tyrone Power.

In 1961 Rey distinguished himself as an actor in his own right when he appeared as a debauched aristocrat in the film Viridiana, by Spanish avant-garde director Luis Buñuel. After the critical success of this performance, Rey became one of Buñuel's principal actors, playing similar roles in his films Tristaña (1970), La charme discret de la bourgeoisie (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, 1972), and Cet obscur objet du desir (That Obscure Object of Desire, 1977).

He won the best actor award at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival for his performance as a reclusive writer in Elisa, vida mia (Elisa, My Love, 1977) and became internationally known for his portrayal of an elusive criminal in the popular American film The French Connection (1971).