Ramon Novarro
Biography
Ramon Novarro was a Mexican actor who became a leading man and top box-office attraction in Hollywood's silent era, known for his roles in "The Little American" (1917), "Mata Hari" (1931), and the iconic "Judah Ben-Hur". Born Jose Ramon Gil Samaniego on February 6, 1899, he was promoted by MGM as a "Latin lover" and succeeded Rudolph Valentino as a sex symbol. A pioneer for Latin American actors in Hollywood, Novarro's career spanned from silent films to early talkies. He tragically passed away on October 30, 1968.